DG NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe
Olarinde Idowu
As the People’s Republic of China celebrates the Spring Festival and welcomes a new Lunar Year, the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has conveyed warm congratulations to the Government and people of China. He noted that this year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China.
In his statement, Tegbe described the anniversary as a reflection of a resilient and progressively deepening partnership that has grown from the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971 into one of Africa’s most impactful economic relationships. Now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Nigeria–China relations encompass infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technological collaboration, and robust people-to-people exchanges.
He observed that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major driver of infrastructure modernization, supporting key rail, port, power, and industrial projects that have enhanced national connectivity and strengthened productive capacity.
Tegbe characterized the current phase of bilateral engagement as a “new dawn,” marked by a transition toward higher-value economic integration and export-driven growth. He highlighted the Zero-Tariff initiative introduced by the Chinese government for eligible African exports, including those from Nigeria, describing it as a game-changing opportunity to expand non-oil exports and accelerate industrial processing.
“The Zero-Tariff Agreement provides Nigerian producers with improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and offers a strategic avenue for export diversification and employment generation,” he stated. He added that maximizing the benefits of this opportunity would require disciplined implementation, strict quality standards, and active private sector involvement.
According to the DG, the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership is engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure Nigeria takes full advantage of this preferential trade framework, converting diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic gains.
“As we commemorate 55 years of bilateral relations, the spirit of renewal embodied in the Spring Festival mirrors the next chapter of China–Nigeria ties — one anchored on deeper economic integration, industrial transformation, and shared prosperity,” Tegbe concluded.
