President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to return to the nation’s capital on Sunday, following a successful official visit to China and a brief stop in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, September 14.
The president’s visit to China, which commenced on September 1 after his arrival in Beijing, marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China. During his visit, President Tinubu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a high-level meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The Nigerian leader was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and inspected the guards of honor before proceeding with formal talks.
Key outcomes of the discussions include the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which aim to deepen cooperation between the two countries in various sectors. The MOUs covered a range of strategic areas, including a joint promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, peaceful nuclear energy development, human resource capacity building under the Global Development Initiative, and media exchange programs. Among the most notable agreements was a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project for Kogi State, signed between Nigeria’s Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited and China’s Sinomach-He.
Additionally, a major infrastructure development project, the Lagos Green Rail Line, was also agreed upon. The 68-kilometer line, which will run from the Lekki Free Zone to Marina, is a key initiative to improve transportation in Nigeria’s economic hub. The rail project will be constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and is expected to link with the Lagos Blue Line, improving connectivity in the region.
During the visit, President Tinubu also held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and participated in a high-profile state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the eve of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
President Tinubu’s engagement at FOCAC highlighted his role as Chairman of ECOWAS, where he delivered a key address on the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation for achieving global peace.
Before concluding his China trip, President Tinubu met with representatives from the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (China chapter), where he spoke about his administration’s reform efforts, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure and service delivery to the level seen in China.
After his China visit, President Tinubu made a brief stop in London, where he met with King Charles III on Thursday. The two leaders discussed critical global issues, including climate change and potential avenues for cooperation.
President Tinubu’s return to Abuja marks the end of a productive diplomatic mission that has further solidified Nigeria’s strategic partnerships on the global stage.
