Nigeria, China Deepen Ties on Security, Finance, Energy

ABUJA, Jan 9 – Nigeria and China have agreed to enhance cooperation in clean energy, defense, and finance, with China pledging support for Nigeria’s issuance of Panda bonds to fund infrastructure projects. The announcement followed a meeting between Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

The talks, held during Wang’s four-nation African tour, come after recent high-level engagements, including intergovernmental committee talks in Beijing last June and President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in September. These interactions have elevated bilateral ties to the status of a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” Wang said during a press briefing.

China is also considering Nigeria’s request to expand a currency swap agreement aimed at facilitating trade and financial exchanges. On regional security, Wang pledged China’s support in addressing West Africa’s challenges and promised Beijing’s continued backing for Africa at the United Nations Security Council.

“We will work with Africa to address insecurity and achieve long-term stability through development,” Wang said.