By Joy Omagha Idam
China has announced a RMB 200 million grant to support Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, as Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai, held talks with the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, in Abuja.
The meeting, held on Thursday, focused on strengthening the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing ongoing areas of bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Yu noted that 55 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, the relationship has remained a leading example of China-Africa cooperation.
He said bilateral ties have entered a new phase of high-quality development under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, China and Nigeria have maintained close communication and coordination in implementing the agreements reached by the two leaders, as well as the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
He stressed that the objective is to translate bilateral agreements into tangible projects and benefits for citizens of both countries.
“As part of efforts to further support Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, China will provide RMB 200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria,” Ambassador Yu stated.
The grant, he explained, will be used to support projects agreed upon by the governments of both countries, reinforcing China’s commitment to Nigeria’s development priorities.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for what he described as concrete support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He said the grant demonstrates China’s commitment to supporting its partners and reflects the deep friendship and longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Dr. Ahmed assured that Nigeria would ensure the effective utilisation of the grant and work closely with China to implement the shared understandings reached by both governments.
He added that the cooperation would further strengthen Nigeria-China relations and deliver greater benefits to the peoples of both nations.
The latest commitment underscores the growing strategic importance of Nigeria-China relations, with both countries seeking to deepen practical cooperation and translate their longstanding diplomatic ties into measurable development outcomes.