ABUJA — China has pledged forty billion naira in grant assistance to Nigeria as part of deepening bilateral and economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement was confirmed on Thursday during a bilateral meeting in Abuja between the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to officials, the grant will fund specific socio-economic projects jointly agreed upon by both governments, following commitments made at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing.
Highlights of the Agreement
- Grant Amount: RMB 200 million ($28m / ₦44bn)
- Type: Non-repayable financial assistance
- Focus Areas: Targeted national infrastructure and economic development projects
- Diplomatic Context: Marking 55 years of official diplomatic relations between Beijing and Abuja
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Yu noted that relations between the two countries had entered a “new stage of high-quality development” under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
In response, Dr. Dunoma expressed gratitude for Beijing’s continued financial support, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to delivering high-impact projects with the funds.
“This grant assistance fully demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility as a major country and reflects the deep friendship between Nigeria and China,” Dr. Dunoma said, assuring that Nigeria would deploy the funds effectively.
China remains one of Nigeria’s largest bilateral trade partners and major infrastructure lenders, funding key railway, port, and power projects across West Africa’s largest economy.
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