Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have expressed commitment to collaborate on humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, as both countries seek new strategies to address shared socio-economic challenges.
The commitment was made when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, in Abuja.
Nigeria Seeks to Learn from China’s Experience
During the discussions, Dr. Sununu commended the Chinese government for its willingness to support Nigeria’s humanitarian and poverty reduction efforts. He noted that Nigeria faces critical challenges, including acute child malnutrition, displacement, refugee management, and climate-related crises.
He outlined possible areas of collaboration such as:
Durable solutions for displaced persons.
Skill-to-wealth training programmes.
Capacity building for ministry staff and frontline workers.
Rapid humanitarian response mechanisms for vulnerable populations.
“Nigeria is eager to learn from China’s success stories in poverty alleviation and humanitarian response. This partnership will strengthen our capacity to respond to pressing challenges,” Dr. Sununu said.
China Pledges Technical Support
Ambassador Yu Dunhai emphasized the shared similarities between both nations, particularly their large populations, noting that China has successfully lifted millions of citizens out of poverty over the past decade.
He highlighted China’s holistic approach to poverty reduction, which includes investment in food security, agriculture, industrialisation, education, security, and developmental stability.
“China has overcome hunger and poverty through comprehensive reforms, and we are ready to share our expertise with Nigeria. Our embassy is prepared to support joint initiatives that will achieve sustainable impact,” the Ambassador assured.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit and China’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s humanitarian and poverty reduction agenda. He noted that such collaboration would also enhance capacity training for staff of the ministry.
The discussions mark a step forward in strengthening Nigeria–China bilateral relations, with both countries pledging to work together to tackle poverty and humanitarian challenges in line with Nigeria’s national development priorities.