Nigeria is China’s Largest Engineering Contracting Market in Africa – Says Yan Yuqing

The Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, highlighted Nigeria as China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa.

She emphasised that Chinese companies’ involvement in Nigerian infrastructure projects significantly boosts local economic and social development.

Yuqing added that under head-of-state diplomacy, China and Nigeria aim to deepen mutual trust, support each other’s core interests, and build a high-level community with a shared future.

She remarked in a signed article titled, “UNGA Resolution 2758 Brooks no challenge”. She said under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, China and Nigeria would deepen mutual trust and cooperation in various fields.

The Consul General reflected on the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit as a significant event attended by leaders from 53 African countries and nearly 6,000 Chinese and foreign guests.

She recalled that the summit resulted in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, which emphasises Africa’s commitment to the one-China principle, recognising Taiwan as part of China and supporting China’s efforts toward national reunification.

The event highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between China and African nations, with Nigeria reaffirming its recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing all Chinese people.

According to Yuqing, bilateral relations between China and Nigeria have grown steadily, anchored on the one-China principle.

Recently, President Tinubu was invited to China for the 2024 FOCAC Summit. In a joint statement, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy, recognising Taiwan as part of China.

“Nigeria opposes Taiwan independence and supports China’s reunification efforts,” she said, noting that China backs Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, supporting its national unity, peace, security, and economic development.

The Consul General added: “firmly adheres to the one-China principle, acknowledges that there is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.

“Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ or interference in the internal affairs of China and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification and the Chinese side supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of Nigeria and the efforts made by Nigeria to maintain national unity, peace, security, and social stability, as well as promote economic development and improve people’s welfare,” says Yuqing.