Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has urged Nigeria to strategically use its 55-year-old diplomatic ties with China to quicken industrialization, cautioning that if immediate action is not taken, neighboring nations may surpass Nigeria.
“We need to sit down and have a clear, focused diplomatic strategy,” Sanusi stated during his remarks during the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations in Abuja. Our younger brothers will arrive before us if we don’t make any progress.
Sanusi recalled his father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, who was Nigeria’s first envoy to China in 1971, highlighting his family’s longstanding ties to China.
He emphasized how China has changed in the last fifty years. He underlined Nigeria’s strategic advantage in relation to the relocation of Chinese industries.
“China lifted over 700 million people out of poverty and now produces more graduates than the entire population of the United States,” he remarked, referring to the 700 million people who were living in poverty. Nigeria needs to take note of this.
“China’s low-value industries are leaving.” Nigeria must be the destination, not Ghana or Benin, in order for us to host production, produce income, and create jobs.
In China now, an hourly pay is between $500 and $600. These low-value businesses are leaving China and being exported, leaving the country. High-tech manufacturing, such as that of computers, chips, and electronics, is becoming more popular in China.
We must consider our mission in China strategically and discuss with them how to relocate these production facilities from the mainland to Nigeria. What will the nation do with the African potential free trade deal if we are not present?
Since we are the largest market for prospective free trade deals with Africa, we must ensure that we have a manufacturing and production hub.
“Therefore, instead of staying here with our youth unemployed and our manufacturing sector borrowed, we produce in Nigeria, sell in Nigeria, and export to West Africa. We also continue to consume goods that we used to import from China, but now we import from Accra and Cotonou.” As we discuss economic policy, I hope the administration will give this message careful consideration,” he stated.
The 55-year mark, according to Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies (CCS), represents a solid, developing collaboration.
He emphasized that bilateral commerce, which last year totaled over $22 billion, can propel Nigeria’s structural development and highlighted Nigeria’s historic role in bringing China back to the UN in 1971.
Through programs like the 15th Five-Year Plan, he stated, “Nigeria can leverage China’s market access to diversify its economy, move from exporting raw materials to value-added goods, and gain new foreign exchange.”
Director of Asia and Pacific Division MFA Muhammad Haidara, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that Nigerian producers can benefit from China’s Zero Tariff Treatment (ZTT) by expanding in value-added industries such as leather, textiles, and agro-processing.
“Opportunities do not turn themselves into results,” he stated. In addition to strengthening collaboration in investment, technology transfer, and capacity building, Nigeria must address issues including infrastructure, standards, and market information, according to Haidara.
Zhou Hongyou, China’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, reiterated China’s dedication to the collaboration.
He emphasized historic projects such the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, Zungeru Hydropower Station, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and infrastructure modernization programs.
“China stands ready to support Nigeria’s industrialization and modernization efforts and ensure that the benefits of our cooperation reach the people of both countries,” he declared.
The anniversary serves as a forum for introspection and strategic planning, according to Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, director-general of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
He asserts that Nigeria-China cooperation has bolstered mutual benefit and non-interference while bolstering national growth.
