Jointly Opening a New Chapter of Modernization: Implementing the Follow-up Actions of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit and Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Nigeria
--Opening Speech at the Second Lagos Forum by Ms. Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos
Distinguished Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the NIIA,
And Prof. Efem Ubi, Director of Studies Department of the NIIA,
Prof. Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University (IASZNU),
Mr. Ikenna Emewu, Editor-in-Chief of the Africa-China Economy Magazine,
Ms. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce,
Dr Chinyere Almona, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mr. Li Gang, DGM of the Southwest Regional Office at CCECC Nigeria Ltd.,
Mr. Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies in Abuja
Mr. Charles Udeogaranya, President of the Goods Made-In-China Importer Association,
Dear guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning, everyone! It’s a great pleasure to once again gather with all of you here at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs for the Second Lagos Forum. Seeing so many familiar faces in attendance brings me back memories of the grand occasion when we hosted the First Lagos Forum last year.
In March 2024, the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, in collaboration with the NIIA, the Africa-China Economy Magazine, and the IASZNU, jointly hosted the first Lagos Forum. Friends from all walks of life of China and Nigeria engaged in in-depth discussions on deepening bilateral cooperation. The forum achieved fruitful outcomes. After the forum, the NIIA collected and summarized the speeches and comments of the speakers, producing the Final Report of the Lagos Forum 2024. This report has been included in today’s forum materials, for your further review.
Since 2024, after the successful hosting of the first Lagos Forum, our Consulate General, in collaboration with relevant institutions, has organized a series of follow-up dialogues, including the Youth Dialogue, Media Dialogue, and Business Elites’ Dialogue and so on, to continuously promote China-Nigeria cooperation across various fields. These events have significantly enhanced the brand vitality and influence of the Lagos Forum, promoting a synergy between the Lagos Forum in the South and the Abuja Forum in the North. The Lagos Forum has evolved into an important platform for people from all sectors of China and Nigeria to exchange ideas and reach consensus. Now, please allow me, on behalf of the Consulate General of China in Lagos and the co-hosting institutions, to extend my sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests present at this year’s forum.
Today marks the grand opening of the Second Lagos Forum. Its goal is to follow up on the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and the meeting between the heads of China and Nigeria. We hope to explore new paths of cooperation between China and Nigeria, realize shared development and prosperity, and work together to build a high-quality China-Nigeria and China-Africa community with a shared future for new era.
In the development of China-Nigeria relations, the FOCAC Beijing Summit held last September undoubtedly marked a significant milestone. On September 3rd, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was in China for the FOCAC Beijing Summit and a state visit. The two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, starting a new chapter in China-Nigeria cooperation.
On January 9th this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. During the visit, Minister Wang Yi highlighted that the development of China-Nigeria relations has achieved three outstanding achievements, namely, the positioning of the bilateral relationship has achieved a new leap, a new platform has been established, and the international cooperation has reached a new height. Over the 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, regardless of changes in the international situation, China and Nigeria have always been deepening friendly and practical cooperation based on mutual respect and equality, becoming a successful example of South-South cooperation and an important benchmark for China-Africa cooperation.
When we talk about cooperation and development, we must recognize that development is a universal right for all countries, not a privilege reserved for only a few. I’d like to emphasize that China has always advocated for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and is firmly committed to upholding international fairness and justice.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In China’s diplomatic endeavor, we will continue to bear in mind the larger picture, shoulder responsibilities for the greater good, and advance the right and just cause, and we will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and do our best to promote world peace, tranquility and the common progress of humanity. Commemoration means to move forward with greater purpose. China looks forward to working hand in hand with Nigeria to safeguard world peace and stability, and to advance a more equal and orderly multipolar world.
Economic globalization, inter-connectivity, and complementary advantages have been the cornerstones of global prosperity over the past few decades, and they are also the essential path for sustained common development for all countries. China is committed to high-quality development and high-level opening-up. The doors of China’s openness will only continue to open wider and wider.
In the first quarter of 2025, China’s GDP grew 5.4 percent year on year, ranking among the highest growth rates of major economies worldwide. And for the same period, the total volume of imports and exports reached a record high, with trade with the Belt and Road Initiative partnership countries accounting for over 50% of the total. On April 19, the first phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, as known as Canton Trade Fair concluded. According to official data, nearly 150 thousand overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions attended the first phase of the fair, making an increase of over 20% compared to the same period of the previous session. These figures once again demonstrate the strong resilience and huge potential of the Chinese economy.
I’d like to emphasize that China firmly opposes all forms of tariff wars and trade wars. This is not only about safeguarding China’s national interests and dignity, but also about defending the international economic and trade order, and global fairness and justice. We believe that economic bullying, which harms others to benefit oneself, will eventually backfire, and protectionism marked by “small yards and high fences” will ultimately be swept into the dustbin of history. China is ready to work together with Nigeria and other countries of the Global South to expand new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, science and technology, and education. Together, we can move forward to build an open world economy and contribute more stability and positive energy to global peace and development.
Practice has proven clearly that China and Nigeria are truly reliable friends and partners in each other’s development. Today’s Lagos Forum will focus on key topics such as Infrastructure and Production Capacity Cooperation, Green Economy and Energy Transition, Mutual Learning and Think Tank Exchange, as well as Digital Economy, Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship. As the great Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, “Among any three people walking together, I can always learn something from one of them.” I look forward with great interest to hearing your valuable insights and wisdom.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen!
In this era filled with both challenges and hope, China and Nigeria share a historical mission and a common vision for development. I have always believed that the relationship between China and Nigeria is not only a partnership, but also a bond that connects us as we move toward the future.
With this in mind, and under the theme of “bond,” I would like to share four key expectations for the future of China-Nigeria cooperation, represented by the four letters B-O-N-D.
Firstly, B — Build: jointly build a high-quality Belt and Road connectivity network. China is ready to continue working together with Nigeria to deepen infrastructure cooperation in key sectors such as transportation, energy, and tele-communications. We are taking projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, and the Lekki Deepsea Port and so on, as typical examples of our shared success, committed to advancing more flagship projects to take root and deliver tangible results. So, the fruits of China-Nigeria practical cooperation will better benefit more and more people and contribute to the stability and prosperity in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Secondly, O — Open: broaden openness and cooperation. China remains committed to high-level opening-up and to creating a more open, fair, and inclusive economic and trade environment, and encourages two-way investment, trade cooperation, and industrial synergy. More Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest and start businesses in Nigeria, and to push forward the construction of industrial parks, on the successful examples of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and so on. China will continue to expand market access for Nigerian products, improve visa policies, and make full use of major platforms such as the Canton Trade Fair and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to inject new momentum into both countries’ economic growth.
Thirdly, N — Nurture: nurture people-to-people exchanges. We will continue to promote cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and appreciation, and closer ties between our peoples. By jointly celebrating events such as the Spring Festival, October 1st the day of both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day, we aim to strengthen cultural recognition and friendship between our two nations. The Consulate General is ready to work closely with the Chinese diaspora societies, business community, and academic circles in Nigeria, to enhance cooperation in fields including science, education, culture, and public health. We will support vocational education, scholar exchanges, university partnerships, and think tank collaboration. Already, the Lagos Forum has planted the seeds of cultural exchange, and we hope to see them grow and blossom across Nigeria, laying a solid foundation of public support for bilateral friendship.
Forth, D — Deepen: deepen global governance and cooperation. In the face of global challenges such as economic deglobalization, terrorism, cyber threats, and public health crises, no country can stand alone. As leading countries in Asia and Africa, China and Nigeria should build on our history of collaboration to further deepen strategic mutual trust, together uphold regional peace, safeguard the well-being of our people, and advance national development.
This bond—B-O-N-D—, is more than just an expectation; but also confidence. It represents the long-lasting and unshakeable friendship between China and Nigeria, and reflects our shared determination to hold hands and walk into the future.
Finally, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, I’d like to once again express my sincere appreciation and extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests present. I wish the success of this forum!
Thank you all!