Nigeria-China trade relations hit $22.6 billion in 2023 – Kashim Shettima 

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday.

Shettima made this known when he received a delegation from China, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Qingwei

According to Shettima, trade between Nigeria and China is one of the highest in Africa.

“In 2023, our trade relations with China got to 22.6 billion dollars, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33% every year. 

“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China. 

“I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship,” the VP stated. 

Shettima stressed the need to strengthen relations between the two countries which have spanned over 50 years for the benefit of both nations.

“This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties,” he said. 

Shettima, who assured the delegation that Nigeria supports the One China policy, expressed optimism that Nigeria would surmount its security challenges. The vice president, therefore, appealed for support from China in that regard.

“You have mentioned security; there can never be peace without development and there can never be development without peace. 

“We really want to reposition the security architecture of our country. We are investing in technology and we need your support, we need your cooperation and your partnership,” he said. 

Earlier, Zhang, said the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China was opening a new page of relationship between the two countries.

Zhang said China was ready to move the relationship to a new high.

“In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a State visit. 

“President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations. 

“President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations. 

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a new height,” he said. 

He also pointed to the need for Nigeria and China to support each other politically, adding that Tinubu was committed to economic diversification, and China is ready to support Nigeria’s developmental expedition.