Reps Committee Cautions Lawmaker Over Taiwan Remarks, Reaffirms One-China Policy

The House Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, on Tuesday, responded to comments attributed to a federal lawmaker, Sanya Omirin, cautioning him over remarks made about Taiwan during a recent public event.

The lawmaker representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency was quoted in an article titled “Rep seeks Taiwanese support to boost palm oil production” following a workshop organised by the Taipei Trade Office in Iperindo, Osun State.

During the event, Omirin reportedly called for collaboration with the “Taiwanese government,” a reference the Committee described as inaccurate and contrary to Nigeria’s foreign policy.

In a statement issued by the Committee Chairman, Jaafaru Yakubu said, “We wish to clarify that Nigeria does not recognise any entity called the ‘Taiwanese government.’ The Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria is a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.”

“As a federal lawmaker, Hon. Omirin should be fully aware that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that the Nigerian parliament does not recognise Taiwan as a separate entity.

“Any suggestion of collaboration with a “Taiwanese government” contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy and undermines the strong bilateral ties with China, which have been built on mutual respect and the One-China Principle since 1971.”