The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has called on the Chinese Government “to support Nigeria’s bid under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in the spirit of solidarity and shared prosperity.
”Speaker Abbas noted that, “Considering Nigeria’s relevance in African and global affairs, this bid, if successful, will not only benefit Nigeria and China but also the entire world.”The Speaker made the call during a meeting with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China,
Mr. Li Qiang, as part of his ongoing visit to participate in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, on the invitation of the Chinese Government.The Speaker also highlighted three frontiers where partnership between Nigeria and China could be instituted in an attempt to define the future.
They are technological sovereignty, green industrialisation, and human capital exchange.Noting the critical role parliamentary diplomacy plays in fostering enduring relations, Speaker Abbas proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-China Legislative Cooperation Framework.
He said this will institutionalised regular dialogue between the National People’s Congress and the National Assembly of Nigeria on issues of governance, transparency, and innovation.
Recalling the over five decades of Nigeria-China relations, Speaker Abbas said negotiations are at the concluding stage between the Nigerian Government and one of the leading state-owned enterprises in China for a technical and financial collaboration that will revitalise the Ajaokuta steel company.
The Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Qiang, stated that China and Nigeria have maintained good relations over the years, noting that efforts in recent years have made the relationship to be on a “fast track” of development.
Most importantly, the Premier said China is ready to work with Nigeria to actively implement the “Ten Partnership Actions” for China-Africa cooperation; jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative with high quality; promote the early implementation of zero-tariff measures in Nigeria through the signing of a joint development economic partnership agreement; and elevate cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and people’s livelihood
