ABUJA, Nov. 27 (AGCNewsNet) China reached $22.6 billion in 2023, describing it as “one of the highest in Africa.” 

Speaking during a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Zhang Qingwei, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Shettima highlighted the steady growth of bilateral trade, which has been increasing by 33% annually. He praised the enduring relationship between the two nations, which dates back to 1971. 

“Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years,” Shettima noted, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to China in September 2024 further deepened ties. 

Shettima expressed admiration for China’s culture and development, emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ‘One China’ policy while seeking China’s assistance in addressing security challenges. 

“There can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace,” he said, citing ongoing investments in technology to enhance Nigeria’s security architecture. 

In response, Zhang Qingwei affirmed China’s readiness to strengthen ties, describing the partnership as entering a “new chapter” following agreements reached during President Tinubu’s visit to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). 

The meeting underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its relationship with China for economic diversification and development while fostering political and economic collaboration.

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