The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has called on Nigeria to strategically harness its 55-year diplomatic relationship with China to accelerate industrialization, warning that neighboring countries could outpace the nation if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking at the 55th anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations in Abuja, Sanusi stressed the need for a focused diplomatic and economic strategy. “We need to sit down and have a clear, focused diplomatic strategy. If we do not move, our younger brothers will get there ahead of us,” he said.
Recalling his family’s historic link to China, Sanusi noted that his father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, was Nigeria’s first envoy to the country in 1971. He highlighted China’s transformation over the past five decades, lifting more than 700 million people out of poverty and producing more graduates than the entire population of the United States.
Sanusi urged Nigeria to attract low-value industries relocating from China to host production locally, create jobs, and generate revenue. “We need to make sure Nigeria becomes their destination, not Ghana or Benin… We produce in Nigeria, sell in Nigeria, and export to West Africa, rather than remain here with our youth unemployed,” he said.
Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, noted that bilateral trade, which reached over $22 billion last year, can drive Nigeria’s structural transformation. Muhammed Haidara of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted incentives such as China’s Zero Tariff Treatment, stressing the need to address infrastructure, standards, and market intelligence constraints.
China’s Chargé d’Affaires to Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, reaffirmed his country’s support for Nigeria’s industrialization, citing landmark projects including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Zungeru Hydropower Station, and Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.
Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, described the anniversary as an opportunity for strategic reflection, noting that Nigeria-China cooperation has strengthened national development while promoting mutual benefit.
