Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the robust trade relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as the highest in Africa.
Shettima made this assertion while hosting a Chinese delegation led by Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima revealed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $22.6 billion in 2023, growing annually by 33%.
“The Nigerian economy is picking up, yet our business relationship with China remains strong. We cherish this partnership and will continue to support its growth,” Shettima stated.
He emphasized the longstanding ties between the two nations, spanning over 50 years, and referenced recent high-level visits, including President Bola Tinubu’s trip to China in September 2024, which bolstered cooperation.
Shettima called for greater collaboration under South-South cooperation frameworks and assured Nigeria’s support for the One China policy. He also urged China’s assistance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
“There can be no peace without development, and no development without peace. We are investing in technology to reposition our security architecture and seek your support in this effort,” he said.
Zhang Qingwei affirmed China’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with Nigeria, citing the elevation of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in September.
“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the consensus reached by our leaders and support Nigeria’s efforts toward economic diversification,” Zhang added.
The meeting underscored the deepening relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to fostering mutual growth.
