The Federal Government says deeper cooperation with China in the power sector will help Nigeria deliver more reliable electricity, expand renewable energy and increase local manufacturing of power equipment.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated this on Wednesday night in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr Tegbe said the benefits of increased Chinese investment would be greater if the partnership also focused on developing Nigerian engineers and technicians and strengthening local enterprises.
“As Minister of Power, I see particular promise in deeper cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria with our cooperation with China.”
FG wants local capacity
Mr Tegbe stressed that Nigeria should not only attract Chinese capital and technology but also develop the capacity to operate and maintain the infrastructure built through the partnership.
He said, “The benefits will be the greatest when investment also develops Nigerian engineers, technicians, and strengthens local enterprises and equips us to operate and maintain what we build in Nigeria.”
The minister noted that Nigeria-China relations had expanded from diplomatic ties into cooperation covering infrastructure, healthcare, technical exchanges, trade and investment.
China’s role in major projects
Mr Tegbe recalled China’s contribution through investment, financing and engineering to major Nigerian projects, including the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernisation and Zungeru Hydropower Station.
He also praised China’s progress in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail and clean energy.
The minister said China’s zero-tariff programme for African countries presented opportunities for Nigerian producers and could help increase Nigeria’s exports.
Nigeria-China trade hits billions
Mr Tegbe disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China stood at $28bn at the end of 2025, while trade reached $17bn in the first half of 2026.
He, however, said Nigeria must focus on converting the growth in trade into increased domestic production and exports.
“Our shared task is to translate that access into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China, with benefits that will endure both economies,” he said.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle, recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
China promises deeper cooperation
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said Nigeria-China relations had entered what he described as “the fast lane” under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Mr Dunhai said recent agreements on economic partnership and aquatic exports would provide institutional support for expanding bilateral trade.
He said bilateral trade reached $18bn in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, while Chinese imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent.
China offers technology and investment opportunities
Mr Dunhai said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in areas including industrialisation, digital development, and the green and blue economies.
“Our future cooperation holds boundless potential. China stands ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda across industrialisation, digital, green, and blue economies.”
Mr Dunhai also invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, saying participation would allow the country to contribute to global technological development.
Zero-Tariff programme
The ambassador said China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries, which began on 1 May, had contributed to a 24 per cent increase in China’s imports from Africa in May and June.
He also highlighted Chinese innovations in artificial intelligence, digital payments and solar energy as areas that could contribute to addressing development challenges across Africa.
For Nigerians, the proposed deeper China-Nigeria power partnership is centred on electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and local production of power equipment. The Federal Government also says the cooperation should build Nigerian technical capacity rather than rely solely on imported expertise.
The broader trade relationship is also expected by both sides to create opportunities for Nigerian producers and exporters, although the government has stressed the need to turn rising bilateral trade into stronger Nigerian production and exports.
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