Prof. Femi Otubanjo, an International Relations Expert at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Beijing is aimed at consolidating the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
Otubanjo, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasized the significance of China’s involvement in Nigeria’s economic development. He highlighted that China is Nigeria’s largest partner in infrastructural development, with extensive ongoing projects including railways, ports, trade zones, and airport terminals. He noted that China’s expertise and job creation are crucial for Nigeria.
The expert described Tinubu’s visit, which includes meetings with major Chinese corporations such as Huawei Technologies and the China Railway and Construction Corporation (CRCC), as a strategic move to reaffirm and strengthen the relationship with China. Tinubu is also expected to participate in the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place in Beijing from September 4 to September 6, with the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”
Otubanjo underscored that while immediate benefits from the forum’s policies might not be apparent, the long-term impact of new policies and their implementation could greatly benefit Nigeria and Africa as a whole. He stressed the importance of reviewing and adjusting policies to address challenges and ensure effective cooperation.