China has expressed readiness to negotiate an Economic Partnership Agreement with Nigeria aimed at deepening economic cooperation and maximizing the benefits of its new zero-tariff trade policy for African countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the disclosure in Abuja during the West Africa edition of the Second Post-FOCAC Forum. The event focused on implementing commitments from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in Beijing.
According to Dunhai, the proposed trade deal would help both countries tap into fresh development opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations. He highlighted ongoing joint projects, including a lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State, progress at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and infrastructure projects such as road construction and water supply upgrades in Abuja.
Dunhai said the two countries have made notable progress under the FOCAC framework, particularly in areas of strategic cooperation, economic collaboration, and multilateral engagement.
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He noted that China had recently lifted tariffs on exports from 53 African countries, including Nigeria, and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to fostering local industrial growth and broader Africa-China engagement in sectors like energy, technology, health, and education.
Speaking at the forum, Nigeria's National Coordinator for Strategic Partnerships (NCSP), Tegbe, said Nigeria was moving toward a more structured and long-term development partnership with China.
He said the partnership aligns with Nigeria's development goals under the Renewed Hope Agenda and China's Belt and Road Initiative, with priority given to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and trade.
Tegbe also noted that Nigeria has already committed over $8 billion to FOCAC-related projects, with additional initiatives identified. He emphasized the importance of tapping into the China-Africa $51 billion fund and announced ongoing plans to expand cooperation across various development areas.
Also speaking at the forum, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research described the current phase of China-Africa relations as a "bandwagon of hope" and a symbol of global South solidarity.
