China contributes 30% to global economy — Envoy

• Praises Mandarin in Nigeria curriculum

The Chinese government has applauded the federal government’s decision to include the Chinese language in its academic curriculum for senior secondary schools, describing it as cheering news and an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, who spoke late Wednesday at a reception to mark the country’s 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, pledged China’s commitment to further deepening cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors of the economy.

Elated that China has become the world’s primary economic engine, having contributed over 30 per cent to the global economy, Dunhai said China is willing to align its policies with the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda in eight priority areas to promote more cooperative projects and advance China-Nigeria relations to new heights.

According to him, China has contributed to global poverty reduction and the progress of human development with the country’s Gross Domestic Product exceeding $18 trillion in 2024 and per capita GDP surpassing $13,000.

“Over the past half century, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating the ‘Chinese poverty alleviation miracle.’ We are now advancing the national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

“On this new journey, we stand firmly on the right side of history and human progress, upholding the banners of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit to promote global peace and shared progress. In this process, we are eager to share development opportunities with African countries, including Nigeria, and the rest of the world,” the envoy said.

Describing the year 2025 as a small ripple in the long river of human history, he, however, said it is an eventful one for China’s development, China-Nigeria relations, and China-Africa cooperation.

He added that China-Nigeria cooperation has come with tangible benefits, especially to the Nigerian people.

“The Lekki Deep Sea Port has become a new ‘national gateway’ for Nigeria’s global trade. It is expected to generate $360 billion in economic benefits and create 170,000 jobs over the next 45 years. Also, the Abuja Water Supply Project was completed in June. With a daily capacity of 480,000 cubic meters, it will meet the clean water needs of nearly three million people.

“Chinese companies are in talks with Nigeria to build Africa’s first local insulin production facility, potentially ending Nigeria’s reliance on imported insulin and positioning Nigeria as a hub for African medical biotechnology,” he said.

Senator Babangida Hussaini represented the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, at the occasion.

Congratulating China on their national day celebration, he said the enduring values of resilience, determination, and visionary leadership have propelled China to its present enviable heights, noting that it was a story of hope and a testament to “what is possible when the people are united behind a clear vision of progress and prosperity.”

Adding: “Nigeria and China share a bond that is both unique and symbolic. Our two nations celebrate their national days on the same date — October 1. This remarkable coincidence provides us a special reminder that the destinies of our people are deeply intertwined. As Nigeria also celebrates Independence Day on October 1, we are reminded that both our nations cherish the values of sovereignty, dignity, and national renewal. This coincidence has, over the years, become a powerful emblem of our solidarity and partnership.

“In recent decades, the relationship between Nigeria and China has blossomed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. It is a partnership defined not only by the signing of agreements, but also by tangible outcomes in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, defense, trade, and investment.”

As legislatures, Barau said they are committed to providing the enabling environment, legal funds, and oversight mechanisms to ensure that the partnerships remain transparent, sustainable, and impactful for the benefit of future generations.