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Nigeria @ 63: Gains of Nigeria-China’s diplomatic relations

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By Fortune Abang, Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)


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Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China has contuned to attract tangible development since inception of the formal establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations on Feb. 10, 1971.
Over the years, both countries worked closely together, particularly in celebration of their respective independence anniversary on October 1, annually.
The celebration centered on the commemoration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria often promote benefits of cooperation between them.

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As both countries commemorate their anniversary this year, it has become important to glance at gains of Nigeria’s partnership with China so far, in terms of national development.
Such gains derived under framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include; the Agricultural Projects tagged: Green Agriculture West Africa Ltd., (GAWAL) by CGCOC Group Co., Ltd in 2006.


Construction and Operation of Agriculture High-tech Abuja-Industrial Park in 2013, by GAWAL and development of Lekki Port, the first deep sea port in Nigeria by CHEC with the BOOT model, completed in October, 2022.
Also, construction of the Lekki Deep-Sea Port, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway projects are expected to create nearly US$360 billion of economic benefits and 170,000 jobs for Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, constructed by China Civil and Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).


Nigeria-China relations which span above 52 years has indeed, stood the test of time with Nigeria benefitting strategically in their trade volume pegged at $5.4billion, as of the first quarter of 2023.
Nigeria and China share similarities, in terms of celebration of indepence every 1st of October, which mark an important day for both countries having the largest population in their respective continents.
Nigeria and China are both highly complimentary in economic structure and development strategy.


Obviously, Nigeria has enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development through cooperation with China and thereby, flourished in many spheres of economic and social development.
Nigeria, one of African countries that has attracted most investments from China is the third largest trading partner to the country.


According to Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, trade volume between Nigeria and China reached $23.9 billion in 2022.
Yan said, “In spite of the impact of Covid-19, Nigeria still maintains its position as China’s largest civil engineering contracting market, second largest export destination, third largest trading partner and major investment destination.
“The opportunities arising from Chinese Modernisation will certainly benefit 200 million Nigerians.
“China is willing to work together with Nigeria to strengthen the development strategy dialogue, enhance close contacts at various levels to firmly support each other.
“To expand pragmatic cooperation in all aspects and promote development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership towards a deeper and higher level.”
Obviously, partnership between Nigeria and China brought about High-Quality Development of Belt and Road Cooperation, and many landmark construction projects by Nigeria-based Chinese enterprises.


Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China also enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development.
Cooperation between the two countries is flourishing, especially in the fields of politics, trade, infrastructure development, IT, agriculture and culture.
As of January 2023, the opening ceremony of Nigeria’s Lekki deep-Sea Port herald its operation as the largest deep-water port in West Africa constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.


In line with this, President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping had during the official exchange of pleasantries on the occasion of October 1, independence anniversary promised to deepen Nigeria-China ties.
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd and China’s 73rd independence anniversary respectively.


In his letter, congratulating the Chinese president on the anniversary, Buhari said Nigeria’s relation with China achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits. According to him, Nigeria sought to elevate its strategic partnership with China to a new level.
Buhari said, “The bilateral ties between Nigeria and China have achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits.
“We thank China for its support to us in various ways and are ready to seek more collaborations with you, as well as to elevate the Strategic Partnership between our two countries to a new level.”


For his part, Xi said the Sino-Nigerian relations enjoy sound momentum, with political mutual trust being enhanced, cooperation in various fields yielded fruitful results and coordination on international and regional affairs being closer.
“I highly value the development of China-Nigeria relations, and would like to join efforts with you to promote the strategic partnership between our two countries and the two peoples.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks during the 74th independence anniversary celebration of China, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, lauded Chinese for driving growth and development in the nation.


Sanwo-Olu, represented by Bimbo Salu-Hudeyin, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said China had helped in the actualisation of significant projects in Nigeria.
According to him, the completion of the first phase of the Blue Line rail transportation from Marina to Mile-2 is one of the mutually beneficial partnerships between China and Lagos State.
“We commend the people of China for their incredible spirit that has continued to drive growth and development.
“Your outstanding and remarkable accomplishment in critical areas such as infrastructure, technological innovations, and aerospace technology, ecological development, cultural evolution etc, is most inspiring.
“The government of Lagos State cherishes the long standing beneficial relationship with the People’s Republic of China.


“This relationship has contributed immensely to the rapid growth of our economy, especially in the areas of trade infrastructure and road construction,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The analysts agreed that irrespective of the evolving international situation Nigeria-China pragmatic cooperation in major sectors also witnessed a rapid development, driven by wheels of guiding strategy, trade, investment and contracted projects, development assistance, and that a lot more could be achieved by deepening relations to build community with shared future.


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Court Orders Suspension of PDP National Convention Over Lamido’s Exclusion

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Federal High Court suspends PDP National Convention, orders the party to allow former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido to buy forms, undergo screening, and contest for chairman. INEC barred from monitoring until compliance.
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A Federal High Court has ordered the suspension of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido is allowed to fully participate in the chairmanship contest.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, the court held that the party must permit Lamido to purchase the nomination form, undergo screening, and contest for the national chairmanship position. The judge stated that preventing the former governor from acquiring the form amounted to a violation of his constitutional and party rights.

The court emphasized that proceeding with the convention without resolving Lamido’s complaint would constitute a breach of fair hearing and due process, noting that internal party democracy must comply with established legal standards.

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Additionally, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to refrain from monitoring or recognizing the convention until the PDP fully complies with the order.

The PDP has not yet issued an official reaction to the ruling.

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Obiano Alive, Former Aide Debunks Death Report of Ex-Anambra Governor

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BREAKING: Former Anambra Governor Willie Obiano Dies in London
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Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, has dismissed reports claiming that ex-Governor Willie Obiano has died in London. Adinuba said that the former governor is alive, strong, and residing in Houston, Texas, United States.

SaharaReporters reported on Friday that Obiano had passed away in London after health complications.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Adinuba described the claims as “provocative,” “unfounded,” and entirely false.”

“I just spoke with the former governor and members of his family a few minutes ago. He is hale and hearty in Houston, United States, where he resides,” Adinuba said.
“Contrary to the reports, Obiano is not in London and has not been hospitalised. He is strong, hale, and hearty… Please ignore the rumour it is fake.”

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He urged the public to disregard what he called a deliberate spread of misinformation.

Obiano’s personal publicist, Tony Nezianya, also said he had not received any information confirming the rumoured death.

“I can’t confirm this; I am not aware of such news,” Nezianya told our correspondent.

Background

Willie Obiano served as Governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022, succeeding Peter Obi and handing over to the current governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

Born on August 8, 1955, Obiano hails from Aguleri in Anambra East LGA.
He is currently facing an EFCC investigation over an alleged ₦4 billion fraud during his tenure.

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Africa

African Union Rejects Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria After Trump Threats

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Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
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The African Union (AU) has firmly dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, countering recent claims and implied threats of U.S. military intervention made by President Donald Trump.

Speaking at a United Nations press conference on Wednesday, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the allegations as “dangerously misleading” and warned against external narratives that could inflame tensions in Nigeria.

“There is no evidence of a systematic campaign aimed at exterminating Christians in Nigeria,” Youssouf stated. “Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have, in fact, targeted far more Muslims than Christians since their insurgency began in 2009.”

AU: Violence Is Terrorism, Not Religious Cleansing

Youssouf explained that the AU continues to monitor the security situation in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram’s insurgency remains active. He stressed that the violence does not fit the definition of genocide and should instead be understood as “indiscriminate terrorism driven by extremist ideology, not religious policy.”

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Nigeria Agrees with AU Position

The Nigerian government has also rejected Trump’s characterization of events. Officials say that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered, and that framing the conflict as a religious war undermines counterterrorism cooperation.

AU Warns Against Foreign Military Intervention

Responding to Trump’s threat of possible military action to “protect Christians,” Youssouf urged the U.S. to avoid unilateral decisions.

“Nigeria is a sovereign state. Any intervention must be coordinated with African institutions and grounded in facts, not political sentiment,” he said.

He added that mischaracterizing Nigeria’s complex security challenges could worsen religious tensions and derail stabilization efforts.

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Seyi Vibez Drops Fuji Moto Album Featuring Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa & Olamide

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Seyi Vibez Drops 14-Track Fuji Moto Album With Global Collaborations
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Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Seyi Vibez has released his highly anticipated album Fuji Moto, a 14-track project that fuses Fuji rhythms with trap, street-hop, and melodic Afro-fusion. The album arrived on November 14, 2025, under EMPIRE, marking one of Seyi Vibez’s most ambitious creations yet.

Fuji Moto features standout international and local collaborations, including Trippie Redd, French Montana, NLE Choppa, and Nigerian rap icon Olamide. The project also includes several deep, introspective solo tracks where Seyi Vibez reflects on pain, resilience, spirituality, and his rise from the trenches to global acclaim.

Within hours of release, the album debuted at No. 2 on the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart and quickly became Seyi Vibez’s most-streamed project ever on Spotify, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential voices in modern Afrobeats and street music.

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With its blend of traditional Fuji influences and contemporary sonic experimentation, Fuji Moto cements Seyi Vibez’s reputation for pushing boundaries and representing the sound of the streets on a global stage.

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Abuja

Wike Presides Over FCT Exco, Launches New Waste Management System for Cleaner Abuja

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Wike Presides Over FCT Exco Meeting As New Waste Management Regime Kicks Off Next Week Monday
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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence a comprehensive new waste management regime across Abuja from Monday, November 17, 2025, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and restore environmental order in the nation’s capital.

The announcement followed the FCT Executive Committee Meeting held on Thursday and presided over by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, revealed that the Executive Committee had ratified and approved a memo appointing new contractors to handle waste collection and management across different districts of the FCT.

According to him, the approval also covers the procurement of basic waste treatment plants, alongside the maintenance and operation of supervisory utility vehicles to support the new regime.
Chief Obuah, who acknowledged widespread complaints about waste disposal in the capital, expressed optimism that residents would begin to experience a significantly cleaner and better-managed Abuja once the new system takes effect.

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Also speaking, the head of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, disclosed that the Committee approved payment for the emergency evacuation of waste from open dump sites, waterways, and stream channels in the Dogon Gada community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He explained that a total of ₦111,913,176 was released for the execution of the cleanup contract.

In addition, the FCT Transportation Secretary, Hon. Chinedum Elechi, announced approvals for printing services for the Directorate of Road Transport Services. He added that funds have also been approved for the operation and maintenance of 34 existing traffic lights, as well as the installation of three new traffic light systems within the Federal Capital City.

Earlier in the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, reiterated Wike’s determination to maintain high environmental standards in Abuja.

“The Minister is very concerned about the waste management contract,” he said. “He is serious about it because it directly affects the cleanliness and overall image of the city.”

With the new waste management framework set to take effect next Monday, the FCTA says it is fully committed to delivering a cleaner, orderly, and world-class Abuja.

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