Highlights from Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON’s address at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on November 5, 2025:
🔹 A New Era of Cooperation:
China’s leadership in global trade continues to open new opportunities for African economies. Nigeria views the Expo as a platform for partnership and shared prosperity.
🔹 Reviving Ajaokuta Steel:
Negotiations are at an advanced stage between Nigeria and a leading Chinese state enterprise to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which will become the largest Nigeria China collaboration to date.
🔹 Expanding Trade:
China Africa trade reached 222 billion dollars in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 15.4 per cent increase from last year. China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner.
🔹 Economic Reforms Under President Tinubu:
Nigeria is implementing reforms that stabilise the economy, boost investor confidence, and promote industrial growth. The House of Representatives has supported these reforms through laws mandating 30 per cent local value addition before export and strengthening the Nigeria Export Import Bank.
🔹 Strengthening Legislative Ties:
The Nigeria China Parliamentary Friendship Group, established under Speaker Abbas, is deepening cooperation through high level exchanges and legislative diplomacy.
🔹 Nigeria’s Position on Religious Freedom:
The House of Representatives has rejected Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” and reaffirmed that freedom of religion and belief is fully protected by the Nigerian Constitution. Speaker Abbas thanked China for its friendship and solidarity during this period.
🔹 A Call for Fair Trade:
True prosperity requires balance and fairness in global trade so that every nation can grow, industrialise, and compete equitably.
🔹 Shared Vision for the Future:
Nigeria and China stand as strategic partners united by mutual respect, innovation, and a shared commitment to global inclusion and sustainable development.
