The Federal Government has said deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in the power sector will help deliver reliable electricity, renewable energy and locally manufactured power equipment to Nigerians.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated this on Wednesday night in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Tegbe said the benefits of increased Chinese investment would be greater if such cooperation also focused on developing Nigerian technical capacity and strengthening local enterprises.
He said, “As Minister of Power, I see particular promise in deeper cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria with our cooperation with China.
“The benefits will be the greatest when investment also develops Nigerian engineers, technicians, and strengthens local enterprises and equips us to operate and maintain what we build in Nigeria.”
The minister noted that Nigeria and China had developed their relationship from a diplomatic friendship into a broad partnership covering infrastructure, healthcare, technical exchanges, trade and investment.
He recalled that the two countries established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, adding that the relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership by President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2024.
Tegbe said Nigeria appreciated China’s contribution through investment, financing and engineering to major projects, including the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernisation and the Zungeru Hydropower Station.
The minister, who is also the Director General of the Nigerian-China Strategic Partnership, commended China’s accomplishments describing it as an extraordinary transformation.
“China’s advancement and achievement in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail, and clean energy command significant respect.
The minister also commended China’s zero-tariff programme, saying it presented opportunities for Nigerian producers and could boost the country’s exports.
The minister disclosed that bilateral trade stood at $28bn at the end of last year, adding that trade had reached $17bn in the first half of 2026.
He, however, said the focu
