Nigeria and China Reaffirm Stronger Diplomatic Ties at Joint Lagos Celebration

Joint Celebration Bolsters Bilateral Relations

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties during a vibrant joint celebration held in Lagos on Sunday, September 22, 2025. The event, which commemorated Nigeria's 65th Independence Day, China's 76th National Day, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, brought together a diverse assembly of top government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural groups, and students from both nations.

The celebration served as a platform to underscore the enduring partnership between the two countries, with officials emphasizing shared values and mutual benefits.

Key Figures and Statements Highlight Cooperation

During the festivities, Mr. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, commended the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, for her instrumental role in enhancing bilateral ties. Yakubu described Yuqing as 'a true friend of Nigeria' who has facilitated business partnerships, scholarships, and cultural exchanges. He noted that Nigeria continues to draw inspiration from China's development model while charting its own path to prosperity, stating, 'Nigeria Independence Day celebrates not just our freedom, but our right to choose our partners and chart our destiny. We have chosen China as a strategic partner because we share common values of mutual respect, non-interference, and win-win cooperation.'

In her address, Ms. Yan Yuqing highlighted that China-Nigeria relations are 'at their best in history, with profound prospects for cooperation.' She also mentioned that 2024 was a significant year, marking Nigeria's 65 years of independence and the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, also extended congratulations, acknowledging Lagos's long-standing relationship with China across infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and trade sectors.

Economic and Cultural Milestones

The event underscored significant economic collaboration, with Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly citing a report from Consul General Yan Yuqing that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $15.48 billion between January and July 2025. Furthermore, the renewal of a 15 billion Yuan ($2 billion) currency swap agreement was referenced, aimed at strengthening cooperation, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and streamlining trade transactions by eliminating the need for US dollars as an intermediary currency.

Dr. Simon Omo-Ezomo, representing the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, affirmed that cooperation with China aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrialization, diversification, and job creation. Chinese companies were lauded for their contributions to Nigeria's infrastructure development, local content, and sustainable growth. Calls were made for deeper collaboration in key areas including:

• Renewable energy
• Digital economy
• Healthcare
• Agriculture

The celebration also featured captivating cultural performances, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Future Outlook for the Strategic Partnership

The joint celebration in Lagos reinforced the commitment of both Nigeria and China to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The discussions and pledges made during the event indicate a continued trajectory of enhanced cooperation across economic, political, and cultural spheres, aiming for shared prosperity and development.