At the opening of the CIIE in Shanghai, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, reaffirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is implementing bold reforms that are stabilising the country’s economy, boosting investor confidence, and improving the ease of doing business.
The National Assembly is fully backing these reforms with strong legislation — including the 30% local value-addition requirement before export and updates to the Nigeria Export–Import Bank to better support exporters. These measures are designed to help Nigerian businesses take full advantage of opportunities like the CIIE.
Abbas also highlighted the important role Parliament plays in strengthening Nigeria–China relations. Under the 10th House, the Nigeria–China Parliamentary Friendship Group was created, becoming a model for legislative diplomacy. Recent high-level engagements with Chinese leaders have deepened cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
On China–Africa trade — which reached $222.05 billion in the first eight months of 2025 — Abbas stressed the need for a more mutually beneficial structure. He emphasized that Africa must move from exporting raw materials to pursuing industrialisation, value addition, and technology transfer.
Regarding Nigeria’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States, Abbas reiterated that freedom of religion is protected under the Nigerian Constitution, and that constructive dialogue is essential to addressing the real drivers of tension: poverty, exclusion, and insecurity.
Looking ahead, true global prosperity will come only when every nation has a fair chance to grow. For Nigeria, this means strengthening its industrial base, infrastructure, and market access. Abbas called on partners, including China, to support African economies through investment, technology, and fair trade policies.
Nigeria’s partnership with China has grown into a strategic relationship built on trust and shared aspirations. The National Assembly will continue to champion laws and policies that foster more productive, balanced, and sustainable cooperation between the two nations.
