The Nigerian Federal Government has reached out to China for support in diversifying its economy, with a particular focus on establishing electric vehicle (EV) assembly plants.
This appeal was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunham.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the longstanding economic ties between Nigeria and China, highlighting China as one of Nigeria’s largest trade partners.
She reiterated that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to industrialize the country, collaboration with China would be instrumental in setting up EV assembly plants, thereby advancing Nigeria’s technological and industrial capabilities.
The minister expressed optimism that China’s support would not only reinforce the strong diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations but also align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aims to reposition Nigeria’s economy through strategic diversification efforts.
In addition to economic cooperation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing cultural relations with China. She noted the growing interest among Nigerian youth in learning the Chinese language, with many universities eager to introduce it as a course.
“Chinese has become a key language of trade globally, and many Nigerian students are keen on acquiring proficiency in it,” she stated.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s need for Chinese support in various critical sectors, including digital communication, renewable energy, advanced technology, and agriculture.
Given the country’s challenges with food security, she pointed out that the government has taken significant steps to ensure food availability, such as the establishment of a separate Ministry of Livestock to address food production concerns.
Additionally, she urged the Chinese government to eliminate trade tariffs for Nigeria, similar to the exemptions granted to 33 other African nations. Removing these tariffs, she argued, would facilitate greater trade and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, further solidifying their bilateral relationship.