Five-Year Plan: China pledges stronger Nigeria ties (Page 592)

By Busayo Onijala

China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria as it embarks on a new development phase under its 15th Five-Year Plan.

This was revealed during a dialogue jointly organised by China Media Group (CMG) and the Chinese Consulate on Friday in Lagos.

The event’s theme, “Innovation, Openness, Shared Development,” highlighted opportunities for deepened economic, cultural, and technological collaboration between the two countries.

It followed the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in Beijing from Oct. 20 to Oct. 23.

The plenary reviewed China’s achievements under previous five-year plans and outlined strategies for national development over the next five years.

During the session, China officially unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan, setting out a roadmap for high-quality growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, said the plan offers boundless potential for China-Nigeria collaboration.

She highlighted that China’s focus on high-quality development and expanded openness would create more market opportunities, investments, and joint ventures for Nigeria.

Yan said China was ready to align its plan with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly its eight priority development areas, through the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Consul General encouraged both countries to leverage the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

“Our partnership should deepen in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, green development, and cultural exchanges,” she emphasised, underscoring mutual benefits for both nations.

Nigeria remains one of China’s most important African partners, with bilateral trade and investment ties steadily strengthening each year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries reached $12.89 billion, representing a 29.4 per cent year-on-year increase.

Yan said China would continue supporting Nigeria in upgrading transport and energy infrastructure while promoting agricultural modernisation and food security.

Industrialisation remains a priority, with China assisting Nigeria to expand manufacturing, create jobs, and develop expertise in green energy and digital technologies.

She also stressed people-to-people exchanges, especially in media, education, culture, and health, as critical for strengthening the foundation of bilateral friendship.

“Nigeria is a major African country with immense development potential. China remains a reliable partner in building an even closer China-Africa community,” she said.

Highlighting China’s governance model, Yan said five-year plans reflect long-term strategic planning and socialist governance, guiding the nation’s remarkable transformation since 1953.

From an impoverished nation, China has become the world’s largest manufacturing economy and the second-largest economy overall, a testament to disciplined planning and execution.

Reflecting on the 14th Five-Year Plan, Yan said China achieved historic milestones despite global economic challenges, positioning the country for continued growth.

NAN also reports that China’s total economic output is projected to reach 140 trillion yuan ($19.6 trillion) by the end of 2025, reinforcing its role as a global growth engine.

The country contributes approximately 30 per cent annually to global economic growth, with innovations in aviation, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence strengthening its competitive edge.

China has also built the world’s largest clean power generation system, with renewable energy capacity surpassing coal output, signalling commitment to green development.

The 15th Five-Year Plan sets seven major goals, including technological self-reliance, deepened reform, social advancement, and high-quality development across key sectors.

It outlines 12 strategic tasks, from establishing a modern industrial system to accelerating technological innovation and expanding high-standard international cooperation.

Yan assured that China will continue sharing development opportunities globally, as a more open China brings stability, certainty, and economic benefits to the world.

In his remarks, Mr Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, praised CMG and the Chinese Consulate for fostering mutual understanding via media and culture.

He described the dialogue as more than a diplomatic event, calling it a celebration of communication, collaboration, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Anaba said China’s successful five-year plans demonstrate accountability, vision, and mission-driven leadership, inspiring other developing nations to adopt similar approaches.

He noted the 15th Plan’s emphasis on innovation, digital transformation, green growth, and human development offers a model for sustainable development worldwide.

He urged media professionals to continue reporting China’s story fairly, objectively, and insightfully while authentically telling Nigeria’s story to Chinese audiences. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Five-Year Plan: China pledges stronger Nigeria ties

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Five-Year Plan: China pledges stronger Nigeria ties (Page 592)