News
February 19, 2025 by
Nicholas Kalu, Abuja
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria-China Parliamentary Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle, emphasizing that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu warned against any actions that could undermine the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.
He particularly criticized calls for the relocation of Taiwan’s Trade Office from Lagos to Abuja, calling it a direct challenge to Nigeria’s official position on the One-China policy.
“I have been closely monitoring the statements made by Andy Yih-Ping Liu, which have intensified in recent weeks. These remarks risk creating unnecessary diplomatic friction between Nigeria and China,” Yakubu stated.
He reiterated that Nigeria fully recognizes the One-China Principle as the bedrock of its diplomatic engagement with Beijing,.
He said the recent media engagements and strategic visits by Liu appear to be deliberate attempts to strain bilateral relations.
Read Also: Court declines Anyanwu’s request to stop INEC from dealing with PDP without him
“We remain resolute in upholding the One-China policy. Any efforts to reposition Taiwan’s Trade Office beyond its current function in Lagos will be resisted through appropriate diplomatic and legislative channels,” he added.
Hon. Jaafaru further emphasized that China-Nigeria relations have flourished significantly, yielding notable achievements in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and human capital development.
“The bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria has deepened since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971. In 2024, we upgraded our partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the FOCAC Summit in Beijing.
“Today, Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with trade volumes exceeding $20 billion,” he noted.
He also acknowledged China’s crucial role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, highlighting major investments in rail networks, roads, ports, power projects, and water treatment facilities.
Yakubu reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue to strengthen its relationship with China while ensuring that diplomatic principles guiding the partnership remain respected.