President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China on Friday, wrapping up several high-level engagements with Chinese officials and international leaders. During a meeting with the Nigerian community in China, Tinubu described his trip as “very good and successful,” highlighting key discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical sectors.
Addressing members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the broader Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing, Tinubu stressed the importance of advancing ties in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining. His discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit were pivotal in these efforts.
The President called on Nigerians living in China to be exemplary citizens, urging them to reflect the values and integrity of their home country. “What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens. Be good ambassadors of our nation in China,” he said. Tinubu emphasized the nation’s cultural diversity as a source of strength, calling on Nigerians to unite in their service to the country.
While underscoring the need for national pride, the President also highlighted the role of discipline in nation-building, using China’s societal structure as a model. “China is a very disciplined society, and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world,” he remarked.
Tinubu further challenged Nigerians in China to capitalize on the opportunities available in both nations, encouraging them to uphold the rule of law and contribute positively to their host country. “We must be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country.”
He assured the diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is poised to partner with them, providing financial support to tap into opportunities back home. “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking bold and unprecedented decisions,” Tinubu said. He addressed concerns over recent fuel price hikes, stressing that tough decisions were necessary to modernize infrastructure and improve the nation’s overall quality of life.
Tinubu lauded Nigerians in China for their linguistic adaptability and skills, acknowledging their ability to communicate fluently in Mandarin. He noted that such talents, when combined with hard work and commitment to development, would help elevate Nigeria’s global stature. “It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people,” he said. “The more you want everything free, the more expensive and delayed development becomes.”
As he concluded his remarks, Tinubu reiterated a key takeaway from his visit: a commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, inspired by China’s remarkable achievements. “We want our children to be in good schools, not in dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses to flourish,” he asserted.
The President pledged to provide the necessary leadership to guide Nigeria through these changes, emphasizing that progress would require collaboration and resilience. “One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hands to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that.”
In his closing remarks, Tinubu acknowledged that leadership often involves making difficult decisions that may not always garner national consensus. However, he reaffirmed his dedication to taking those necessary steps. “We are focused, and I have a very good team,” he added.
Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended Tinubu for his efforts to strengthen Nigeria-China relations, particularly in trade and investment. He expressed the organization’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative—Development, Diplomacy, Democracy, and Diaspora—launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, earlier in the year. Barnabas pledged that NIDO China would work closely with the government to advance this initiative within the diaspora.
In a request to President Tinubu, Barnabas highlighted a key challenge faced by Nigerians in China, urging the President to advocate for Nigeria’s recognition as a native English-speaking country. “This recognition would open up more job and educational opportunities for Nigerians here,” Barnabas said, noting that 70% of international jobs in China are reserved for native English speakers. He pointed out that South Africa had gained such recognition in 2016, and Nigeria, with English as its official language, deserved the same consideration.
Barnabas emphasized that recognition would also enhance remittances from the Nigerian diaspora in China, further contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth. He cited Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, including Professor Wole Soyinka’s Nobel Prize in Literature, as a strong case for the country’s recognition.
As a final note, Barnabas reassured President Tinubu of NIDO China’s commitment to supporting his administration’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s standing on the global stage, pledging to leverage the expertise and resources of the diaspora community to advance national development.
President Tinubu’s visit to China has not only reinforced Nigeria’s relationship with one of the world’s largest economies but also emphasized the vital role of the Nigerian diaspora in driving the country’s growth and progress. With bold reforms underway and a clear vision for the future, the President’s call for collaboration, discipline, and dedication resonates as a crucial message for all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
