China Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Says Nigeria’s Trade Hits $18bn in First Half of 2026

China has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, citing increased bilateral trade, improving economic indicators and renewed investor confidence as reasons to sustain the country’s reform programme beyond 2027.

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Abuja. He said the developments had strengthened China’s confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects and expressed Beijing’s readiness to expand investments in the country.

Dunhai disclosed that trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026. He also said Nigeria’s exports to China had recorded significant growth over the preceding three years, although the statement did not provide specific figures for the increase.

The ambassador said China wanted to deepen mutually beneficial partnerships with Nigeria, emphasising investment that supports local development and makes greater use of Nigerian workers and expertise. He said cooperation would be guided by the principle that Africa’s resources belong to Africans, with a focus on high-quality investments.

Dunhai also highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture and food security. He said his visit was intended to convey China’s appreciation for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the complementary programmes of the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

Responding, Oluremi Tinubu welcomed China’s recognition of the administration’s reform efforts, describing the support of a longstanding strategic partner as significant to Nigeria’s development ambitions. She expressed particular interest in Chinese collaboration on agricultural technology to improve productivity and strengthen food security.

The First Lady pledged to encourage cooperation between the Chinese government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. She also stressed that the benefits of economic reforms must reach vulnerable Nigerians through targeted interventions designed to improve living conditions.

“When friendship has transcended this long, it begins to yield results, and we are beginning to see the results now,” she said. Tinubu added that Nigerians should embrace the country’s ongoing transformation, declaring, “Nigeria is transforming, and we must embrace the new Nigeria.”

Nigeria and China elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 during President Tinubu’s state visit to China. The framework opened further opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and other areas. The latest engagement signals interest in extending that partnership, although the specific investments and agricultural initiatives discussed would require further details to establish their scope and implementation timelines.