Sanusi calls for a strategic reset as Nigeria–China diplomatic relations mark 55 years, with focus on trade, industry and AfCFTA opportunities

The Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, on Wednesday called for a strategic reset in Nigeria–China diplomatic relations as both countries marked 55 years of formal ties at an anniversary dialogue held in Abuja.

Also read: Nigeria and China strengthen bilateral ties in strategic meeting

The event, themed ‘Nigeria/China at 55 and Beyond,’ brought together officials from both nations to reflect on decades of cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure while charting a more deliberate economic path for the future.

China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, beginning a partnership that has since expanded across multiple sectors and geopolitical interests.

Speaking at the event, Mohammed Sanusi II described the 55-year relationship as a “work in progress” with “unfinished business,” urging Nigerian policymakers to approach the partnership with greater strategic clarity.

Mohammed Sanusi II traced his personal connection to the bilateral relationship to 1971 when his father was appointed Nigeria’s first ambassador to China.

Mohammed Sanusi II recalled learning as a schoolboy that his father had been posted to Beijing at a time when China was emerging from internal upheaval and widespread poverty.

Mohammed Sanusi II said China’s transformation over five decades offered powerful lessons for Nigeria, particularly in education and poverty reduction.

Mohammed Sanusi II emphasised the need for Nigeria to deploy its most seasoned diplomats to strategically important postings, drawing parallels with how the United States once appointed George Bush, who later became President, as its representative in China during a critical period.

Mohammed Sanusi II criticised what Mohammed Sanusi II described as a tendency among some diplomats to prefer postings in Western capitals for prestige rather than strategic importance.

Mohammed Sanusi II warned that without a deliberate industrial strategy, Nigeria risked losing Chinese manufacturing investments to smaller West African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Mohammed Sanusi II said Chinese companies could establish factories in neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic or Ghana and produce goods for the Nigerian market if Nigeria failed to position itself as a manufacturing hub.

Mohammed Sanusi II stressed that while Chinese infrastructure projects in Nigeria were beneficial, Nigeria must prioritise domestic production, industrialisation and job creation.

Also speaking, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the anniversary as a significant milestone for both countries.

Representing the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, Zhou Hongyou said China and Nigeria had remained trusted partners “through thick and thin” for 55 years, guided by mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

Zhou Hongyou said Nigeria had become China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa and a key partner in trade and investment, describing both countries as an important force in Global South cooperation.

Zhou Hongyou said China stood ready to work closely with Nigeria to deepen economic ties, advance modernisation and strengthen strategic collaboration.

In his address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, called for a strengthened economic partnership that leverages China’s Zero Tariff Treatment and supports Nigeria’s diversification efforts.

Represented by the Director of the Asia and Pacific Division at the ministry, Ambassador Muhammed Haidara, Yusuf Tuggar described the dialogue as an opportunity to rethink how trade, market access and cooperation could drive industrial strength and shared prosperity.

Yusuf Tuggar acknowledged that opportunities in the partnership would only translate into outcomes if Nigeria addressed constraints in infrastructure, logistics, certification and export competitiveness.

The Director of the Centre for China Studies, Charles Onunaiju, said both nations had reached a crucial historical point in their bilateral journey, noting that future cooperation held even greater promise.

Also read: Nigeria, China explore trade and industrial partnership

The dialogue underscored a pivotal moment in Nigeria–China diplomatic relations, with speakers emphasising strategy, industrial growth and long-term national interest as central to the next phase of engagement.