China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has urged the country to sustain President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms beyond 2027. He said the policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda were producing tangible results that Nigeria should consolidate.
Yu spoke during a courtesy visit to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, according to a statement issued on Thursday. The statement was released by Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady’s Senior Special Assistant on Media.
The envoy said Nigeria’s economy had taken a new shape over the past three years. He also highlighted growing trade between Nigeria and China, which reached $18bn in the first half of 2026.
Yu’s remarks come amid continuing debate over Nigeria’s economic direction and the impact of government policies. Related coverage includes RMAFC’s push for Chinese investment and NACCIMA’s support for Enugu’s economic ambitions.
China Sees Growing Confidence in Nigeria’s Economy
Yu said Nigeria had strengthened its macroeconomic position under Tinubu’s administration. He added that foreign investors were showing renewed confidence in the country.
According to the statement, the ambassador said China would not hesitate to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities. He also noted that Nigeria’s exports to China had increased significantly over the past three years.
“The Envoy pointed out that in the last three years, Nigeria’s export to China has increased tremendously,” the statement read.
Yu urged Nigeria to remain committed to the ongoing reforms. He said sustained implementation would help the country consolidate its economic progress.
The envoy’s comments also draw attention to Nigeria’s efforts to attract investment across key sectors. Readers can also follow the debate over petrol prices following Dangote’s gantry rate increase and the launch of NNPC’s smart self-service filling station.
Nigeria-China Trade Reaches $18bn
The ambassador said bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18bn in the first half of 2026. He described the growth as a sign of strengthening economic relations between both countries.
Trade figures cited in the report showed that bilateral trade increased by 35 per cent during the period. Chinese imports from Nigeria also rose by 81 per cent.
Meanwhile, Chinese government data showed that China’s exports to Nigeria reached a record $24.9bn in 2025. That figure represented an increase from $18.9bn recorded in 2024.
The figures highlight the scale of commercial activity between both countries. They also underline the importance of trade relations to Nigeria’s efforts to expand exports and attract foreign capital.
Nigeria has continued to pursue investment opportunities across different sectors. Related reports include Enugu’s efforts to sustain development gains and the South-East agro-development programme launched in Enugu.
China Promises Stronger Partnership with Nigeria
Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria. He said the partnership would follow the principle that Africa’s resources belong to Africa.
He also emphasised high-quality investment and the use of local human capital. These priorities, according to the envoy, would form part of China’s continued engagement with African countries.
Nigeria and China elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. The agreement followed Tinubu’s state visit to China.
Yu assumed office as China’s ambassador to Nigeria in August 2024. His visit to the First Lady was his first since taking up the position two years earlier, according to Kukoyi.
The engagement also focused on areas where both countries could expand cooperation. These included healthcare, education and food security.
For more on development and employment initiatives, readers can explore the report on access to federal jobs without connections and the planned agro-mechanisation project to tackle unemployment and insecurity.
First Lady Welcomes China’s Support for Renewed Hope Agenda
Responding to the ambassador, Oluremi Tinubu described China’s support for her husband’s second-term bid as encouraging. She said the endorsement from a strong international ally was significant.
The First Lady also welcomed China’s interest in agriculture and its willingness to collaborate on technology-driven solutions. She pledged to encourage cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
She said the partnership could help the government support vulnerable Nigerians. She also expressed optimism about the country’s transformation.
“When friendship has transcended this long, it begins to yield results, and we are beginning to see the results now,” she said.
“We are looking at how the vulnerable ones would be lifted; we know this will help us a lot. Nigeria is transforming. And we must embrace the new Nigeria,” she added.
Kukoyi said the visit aimed to convey China’s admiration for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative. It also provided an opportunity to discuss further cooperation in health, education and food security.
The meeting highlights the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and China. It also places continued cooperation within discussions about investment, development and the government’s reform agenda.
Other related coverage includes Mbah’s engagement with the media on governance and the report on Mbah’s development achievements.
Tinubu’s Reforms Remain a Key Issue Ahead of 2027
Yu’s call for Nigeria to maintain its reform direction comes as political attention increasingly turns towards the 2027 general elections. His comments reflect China’s stated confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook and interest in further investment.
However, the ambassador’s remarks represent China’s assessment of the reforms and their potential benefits. They do not, on their own, establish how the policies have affected individual households or businesses.
The trade figures and renewed investment interest cited during the visit provide context for the growing relationship between both countries. Future cooperation will also depend on how both governments translate their commitments into practical projects.
Nigeria and China have expressed interest in strengthening economic ties while expanding cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, education and food security. The extent of future investment and its impact will become clearer as new agreements and projects emerge.
For further reading on Nigeria’s economic and political developments, see the report on Nigeria’s investment prospects and NACCIMA’s comments on Enugu’s economic growth plans.
