As global trade tensions intensify, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, is calling for a bold shift in Nigeria’s international economic strategy, and China is central to that vision.
During a high-level meeting with a delegation from the China People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led by Vice Chairman Hu Chunhua, Abbas emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to deepen bilateral ties with China, especially in response to the punitive tariffs imposed on Nigerian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“With the recent tariffs affecting our non-oil exports, it is crucial that we diversify and strengthen alternative trade partnerships,” Abbas stated in a release issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Friday.
The Speaker pointed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as powerful platforms for expanding trade, attracting investment, and promoting technological innovation.
Trade Wars & Strategic Shifts
Amid a shifting global trade landscape, Abbas described China’s economic journey as a model for Nigeria, particularly in industrial growth, poverty reduction, and innovation. He expressed confidence that through closer collaboration, both countries could unlock new opportunities in infrastructure development, commerce, and governance.
Parliamentary Diplomacy in Action
He also pledged the National Assembly’s support in building long-term institutional relationships with key Chinese legislative bodies such as the CPPCC and the National People’s Congress (NPC). These partnerships, he said, would foster mutual learning on legislative reforms, enhance democratic practices, and strengthen constituency representation.
“By advancing parliamentary diplomacy with China, we are reinforcing our shared vision of modernization, stability, and inclusive growth,” Abbas added.
In response, Vice Chairman Hu Chunhua praised the growing ties between both nations, referencing President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in September 2024, during which both presidents signed significant trade and investment agreements.
“China is fully committed to working with Nigeria to implement these agreements and bring the Beijing resolutions to life,” Chunhua affirmed.
