The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the People’s Republic of China in areas of science, technology, digital economy, agriculture, renewable energy, space exploration, and healthcare innovation.
Chief Nnaji disclosed this after receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, on a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The visit builds on the momentum of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to China, where both nations elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the signing of over a dozen cooperative agreements.
Key Areas of Nigeria–China Cooperation
Science, Technology & Innovation: Nigeria and China are strengthening collaboration to diversify the economy, boost local manufacturing, and empower young innovators.
Agriculture: Advanced technology from China will support higher yields in rice, cassava, and other staples, improve irrigation, and enhance agro-processing.
Digital Economy: Through partnerships with Huawei, NVIDIA, and other tech giants, Nigeria is expanding AI training, digital hubs, and opportunities for more than 250,000 youths.
Renewable Energy & Manufacturing: Global solar leader LONGi is setting up a solar panel factory in Nigeria. Other projects include electric vehicles (EVs), charging infrastructure, and clean household energy solutions like compressed natural gas (CNG).
Healthcare & Biotechnology: An MoU is ready for signing with Shanghai Heike Corporation to begin local insulin production, while new projects in medical equipment and genetic engineering are underway.
Space Technology: Building on Nigeria’s NICONSAT partnership with China, both nations are advancing satellite development, crop monitoring, direct-to-device communications, and disruptive space innovations.
Driving Nigeria’s Development Agenda
Chief Nnaji emphasized that Nigeria’s partnership with China goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on job creation, food security, youth empowerment, energy access, and SME growth.
> “With China as a trusted ally, we are positioning Nigeria as Africa’s hub for innovation and sustainable development, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Minister stated.
The Nigeria–China partnership is set to transform critical sectors, making Nigeria a continental leader in innovation-driven development.
