First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, receives Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, at State House, Abuja

Nigeria and China marked 55 years of diplomatic ties as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu met Ambassador Yu Dunhai at the State House in Abuja on October 22, 2026. Bilateral trade reached approximately $18 billion, with officials pointing to expanding infrastructure projects, agricultural technology cooperation, and renewed investor confidence under ongoing economic reforms.

Diplomatic Reception at Aso Villa Marks 55 Years of Bilateral Ties

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, welcomed a delegation of the Chinese government to the State House in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The high-level diplomatic meeting commemorated the 55th anniversary of formal relations between the two nations, building upon a state visit to Beijing in 2024 where both governments elevated their partnership to a comprehensive strategic agreement.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, led the visiting delegation alongside Deputy Ambassador Zhou Hongyou, Political Sector Director Zhu Songbo, and Political Sector Third Secretary Wu Yijun. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, agricultural development, and infrastructural expansion across Nigeria.

Trade Volume Surges to $18 Billion Amid Growing Investor Confidence

Bilateral trade between Nigeria and China has expanded significantly. Ambassador Dunhai reported that total trade volume between the two nations reached approximately $18 billion in the first half of the year. This figure represented a 35 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year, driven in part by an 18 per cent rise in Nigerian exports to China.

Reflecting on these economic metrics, the Chinese envoy emphasized that macroeconomic adjustments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have fortified the nation’s financial standing. The confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria is renewed and stronger, and China is keen to capitalize on this opportunity, Ambassador Dunhai stated during the meeting.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, receives Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, at State House, Abuja — Photo: theabujatimes.com

The First Lady acknowledged the positive trajectory of these economic ties, noting that total trade relationships reached approximately $18 billion in the first half of 2026. She credited ongoing domestic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, with providing state governments additional resources for infrastructure development and worker compensation.

Infrastructure Projects and Agricultural Technology Collaboration

Both officials reviewed ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects supported by Chinese involvement. Key developments highlighted during the discussions included the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lagos Light Rail, the Abuja airport-to-downtown rail line, and the Zungeru Hydrogen Power Station, alongside various free trade zones and mining ventures.

Ambassador Dunhai outlined new policy measures designed to facilitate market access, including a zero-tariff policy implemented by Beijing for 2.3 African countries, including Nigeria. He added that Chinese companies operating locally are mandated to observe domestic laws, foster local employment, and transfer green technology.

Agriculture and food security formed a central pillar of the diplomatic talks. The First Lady expressed strong support for collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to utilize advanced technology and machinery. Ambassador Dunhai confirmed that China intends to supply agricultural technology to boost crop yields across the country.

Advocating Sustained Renewed Hope Agenda Reforms

The visiting envoy argued that the tangible benefits stemming from the Renewed Hope Agenda warrant sustained commitment well beyond the 2027 political horizon. He praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative for improving health and educational outcomes for women and children through targeted clean water and hygiene projects across multiple hospitals and schools.

Reflecting on the broader scope of national development, Mrs. Tinubu urged citizens to embrace ongoing changes as part of a collective transformation.

We are looking for how the vulnerable ones would be lifted, we know this will help us a lot. Nigeria is transforming. And we must embrace the new Nigeria.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria

Looking toward the future of the administration, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that national success remains a shared responsibility for all citizens.

If Nigeria does not work, it is going to affect us because we become like ordinary citizens.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that collective effort is essential for Nigeria's continued progress and stability, ensuring that all citizens benefit from national development.