By Nkiruka Nnorom

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of Nigeria, Ms Yan Yuqing, has pledged to continue to pursue people-centered diplomacy as it marked 55 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

Yuqing made the pledge at the reception celebrating China’s Spring Festival and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria ties in Lagos.

“The Consulate-General will continue to practice “people-centered diplomacy” and strive to provide more convenient, better and warmer services,” she said.

She assured that her country would continue to expand high-level opening up and would share development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa.

She noted that the past 55 years had seen growth in partnership between both countries in various fields,including trade, infrastructure, education and cultural exchange.

Specifically, she said that 2025 saw significant progress in economic cooperation, sub-national exchanges as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges between both countries, resulting in tangible outcomes that are genuinely benefiting the people of both nations.

The CG further stated Consulate General in Lagos made meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s poverty alleviation efforts through charitable initiatives, such as such as Renewed Hope, Rebirth From the Light and Together Fight Against Hunger, helping over 400 local cataract patients regain their sight and providing assistance to over 1,000 low-income households.

Outlining some of the projects completed, She said: “The year 2025 also witnessed fruitful outcomes in China–Nigeria economic and trade cooperation. During the year, Nigeria participated as the guest country of honor in both the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China International Import Expo. And an increasing number of Nigerian business people actively took part in the China International Fair for Trade in Services and the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).

“At the same time, more and more Chinese enterprises traveled to Nigeria to participate in trade and investment events such as the China Commodities Expo (Nigeria) and the Lagos International Trade Fair. The Abuja Greater Water Supply Project, designed and constructed by Chinese companies, was successfully completed, addressing water supply challenges for three million people.”

in his remarks, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, hailed the partnership between both nations, saying that it has evolved into a robust and strategic partnership, delivering tangible benefits to both nations in areas such as infrastructure development, trade, technology transfer, industrialization, education, and cultural exchange.

He reinforced the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legislative cooperation, improving bilateral frameworks, and ensuring the partnership was transparent, sustainable, and people-centered.

Dr Eric Ni, Chairman, China Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association, said: “The Chinese community has grown to become an integral part of this great nation, we have not merely resided here as sojourners, but have committed ourselves to contributing meaningfully to the development and wellbeing of our Nigerian brothers and sisters.

‎”‎Through our initiatives, we have provided educational scholarships to deserving Nigerian students, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams and unlock their potential.

“‎Today, we are again extending support to families of low-income earners through our food distribution programs, “Together Fight Against Hunger” Charity Program, by supporting 40 families with N200,000 each.

“These efforts reflect the core values of compassion and community that are central to both Chinese and Nigerian cultures. They also embody the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative’s emphasis on shared development and the betterment of all peoples.”