Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi to visit Nigeria for bilateral talks from January 8-9 

The announcement was made in a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will be received upon arrival by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed PhD, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Wang Yi will hold talks with Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The discussions will focus on a broad range of issues aimed at further strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Wang Yi, will arrive in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday, 8th January 2025 for an official visit. The visiting Foreign Minister who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will be received on arrival by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed PhD, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. 

During his visit, H.E. Mr Wang Yi will meet with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, on Thursday 9th January 2025 for bilateral talks that will focus on strengthening relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China,” the statement read in part.

The statement further disclosed that the Chinese Foreign Minister will also pay a courtesy call on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa. This will provide an opportunity for Wang Yi to deliver a special message from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Nigeria’s bilateral relations with China have proven to be highly impactful, especially in trade.

In the first half of 2024, China emerged as Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with a total trade value of N7.38 trillion. Imports from China accounted for a significant N5.96 trillion, far outpacing Nigeria’s exports to China, which stood at N1.42 trillion. This imbalance resulted in a trade deficit of N4.53 trillion, highlighting Nigeria’s reliance on Chinese goods.

However, China’s inflows to Nigeria experienced a slight decline in Q3 2024, standing at $9.58 million, down 9.88% from the previous quarter. Despite this dip, the long-term relationship continues to shape Nigeria’s trade and economic landscape, underlining the significance of this bilateral partnership.