Nigeria and China sign nuclear energy pact during President Tinubu's visit to Beijing

Nigeria and China signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Beijing, including agreements on proposed infrastructure and nuclear energy projects.

The MoUs were signed on the eve of Tinubu’s participation in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is scheduled to take place from September 4-6. 

According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the Nigerian presidential spokesperson, the agreements include plans for the joint promotion of China's Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and advancements in human resource development under the Global Development Initiative.

Additionally, a memorandum on media exchange and cooperation between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority was signed.

Following the signing ceremony, Tinubu and his Chinese counterpart announced that bilateral cooperation had been elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” 

“China and Nigeria, as major developing countries, strengthening strategic coordination, will inject fresh impetus to China-Africa relations in the new era and spearhead common progress among Global South countries,” President Xi Jinping said.

Tinubu echoed these sentiments, expressing Nigeria’s ambition to become China’s leading trade and investment partner in Africa. He also welcomed increased Chinese investments in Nigeria, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mineral energy, which he believes will contribute to efforts to reduce poverty in his country.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a central component of its global infrastructure strategy, has invested heavily in Africa, with Chinese companies signing contracts worth over $700bn in the past decade. In Nigeria, this is exemplified by the $5.8bn Mambilla hydroelectric plant project, funded by the Export-Import Bank of China. Scheduled to become Nigeria’s largest power plant upon completion in 2030, it underscores the impact of Chinese investments.