China Nigeria green cooperation deepens as Beijing pledges stronger climate action and renewable energy partnership with Abuja

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced an ambitious push to deepen China Nigeria green cooperation, highlighting Beijing’s commitment to sustainable development and stronger climate partnerships with Africa’s largest economy.

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In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Yu Dunhai said collaboration between China and African nations, particularly Nigeria, remains a strategic priority as both sides confront the global challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

The envoy disclosed that China has already implemented hundreds of clean energy projects across Africa, with photovoltaic capacity exceeding 1.5 gigawatts, underscoring the scale of its engagement on the continent.

He added that African countries, including Nigeria, are benefiting from China’s experience in large-scale environmental programmes such as the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, which has informed efforts under the Great Green Wall Initiative.

Looking ahead, Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s determination to pursue a green, low-carbon development path while contributing solutions to global climate governance.

He said deeper China Nigeria green cooperation could help promote environmental sustainability and economic transformation.

The ambassador noted that 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, recently approved during the country’s major legislative meetings, including the Two Sessions.

The plan outlines a roadmap for accelerating green transition and advancing high-quality economic growth.

According to Yu Dunhai, the framework emphasises active participation in global climate governance and full implementation of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

He also highlighted the introduction of China’s Ecological and Environmental Code, which includes a dedicated section on green and low-carbon development, describing it as a pioneering legislative step in global environmental governance.

Domestically, China has made significant strides in pollution control and ecological conservation, becoming the first developing country to implement systematic PM2.5 pollution management and establishing the world’s largest national park system.

Yu Dunhai further stated that China has led the world in renewable energy capacity for a decade, supplying more than 80 per cent of global photovoltaic components and 70 per cent of wind power equipment.

Beyond its borders, China has expanded green energy collaboration to over 100 countries and regions, contributing nearly half of global jobs in the renewable energy sector.

The envoy described these achievements as evidence of China’s growing leadership in climate action, positioning the country as both an advocate and a practical driver of global sustainability.

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He concluded that sustained cooperation between China and Nigeria could help foster a powerful model of environmental partnership, while strengthening economic ties and supporting a cleaner, more resilient future.