( Congress Hall, Hilton Hotel, 24 September 2025)

Your Excellency, Senator Babangida Hussaini, on behalf of Deputy Senate President, 
Honorable Ministers, Senators, and Members of the House of Representatives,
Distinguished Ambassadors,
Heads of International Organizations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

Good evening！

One year ago, in this very place, I hosted our National Day reception in the capacity as China's new Ambassador to Nigeria. I mentioned that my first impression of Nigeria came from the “Super Eagles”—the Nigeria National football team. One year later, Nigeria's women football team, hailed as the “Super Falcons,” staged a comeback from a two-goal deficit to win the Women's Africa Cup. It truly embodies Nigeria's national gene of resilience, unity and never giving up. Let's give them a big round of applause.

Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I would like to highlight that both China's National Day and Nigeria's Independence Day fall on the same day—October 1. It is a shared national memory that binds our people together.

On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all distinguished guests for honoring us with your presence. Our heartfelt greetings to my compatriots in Nigeria. And our sincere thanks to friends who have long supported China-Nigeria friendship. Our deep appreciation goes to the artists of Shenzheng Delegation, who have travelled afar to present us a magnificent performance and cultural feast.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2025 is a small ripple in the long river of human history, yet an eventful one for China's development, China-Nigeria relations and China-Africa cooperation.  

Over the past 76 years, the Communist Party of China, with a strong spirit of self-reform, has united and led the Chinese people in achieving two miracles: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. China has undergone transformative changes, and the Chinese nation's great rejuvenation has entered an irreversible historical trend.  

Over the past half century, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, creating the “Chinese poverty alleviation miracle”, contributing to global poverty reduction and the progress of human development. In 2024, China's GDP exceeded $18 trillion, with a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000. For years, China has contributed over 30% to global economic growth, serving as the primary engine of the world economy.

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.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, reflecting on the lessons of two world wars, the international society established the UN, ushering in a new era of global governance. Eighty years later, China put forward the Global Governance Initiative, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to strengthen and improve global governance, injecting stability and certainty into a turbulent world.

The Global Governance Initiative embodies five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions. Together with the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, it forms the “four pillars” for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Global Governance Initiative earns widespread acclaim and echoes. Days ago, Nigeria government issued a statement to endorse the Initiative. China deeply appreciates this support and backs Nigeria’s greater role on the international stage. We are ready to work with Nigeria and African countries to advance cooperation under the framework of the GGI.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Over the past 25 years, China and Africa have adhered to principles of sincerity, equality, mutual benefit, and common development. We foster a cooperation model that is equal, pragmatic and efficient.

China has remained committed to supporting Africa's integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development. A number of cooperation plans have focused on Africa's priority areas such as infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture and finance, continuously empowering Africa's development.  

Last June, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will implement a zero-tariff policy for 100% of tariff lines on products from all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. These new measures will boost Africa’s strategic autonomy and development, opening a new chapter in high-quality China-Africa cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been one year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's state visit to China. During the visit, the leaders of our two countries decided to elevate our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which charted a new blueprint for China-Nigeria relations in the new era.

Over the year, China-Nigeria relations have witnessed strong momentum. Our Foreign Ministers have met three times. Our legislatures have maintained close communication and exchanges. It is worth noting that President Tinubu appointed Joseph Tegbe as Director General for Nigeria-China strategic partnership.

Over the year, China and Nigeria stand side by side as major developing countries. Nigeria joined the BRICS family, and became a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation. Nigeria firmly supports the one-China principle in bilateral and multilateral settings, and contributes to global governance reform, international fairness and the collective interests of the Global South.  

Over the year, our cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Nigeria 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.

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 3 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.

Over the year, I have visited Lagos, Kano and Ogun states, and I have made many new friends. I am very much impressed by Nigeria's natural beauty, splendid and diversified culture, and most importantly, its friendly, hospitable and passionate people.

Not long ago, as the first Nigerian female train driver trained by CCECC, Ms. Issah Fatimah Abiola,  known by her Chinese name Bai Yang by Chinese netizens, was honored with China's “Friendship Envoy Award”, one of only six global recipients. Her story inspires many Nigerian women to strive for self-reliance, becoming a shining symbol of China-Nigeria friendship.

Equally impressive is a young boy from a bilingual school in Kano, Ibrahim Ismail. The first time I watched the video when Ibrahim speaks Mandarin Chinese, I felt totally amazed. He is not only fluent, but without any accent. Ibrahim is with us today. Well done! 

Last week, I learnt from reports that Nigeria Federal Government has decided to add Chinese language to New Curriculum of Senior Secondary School. This is wonderful news. It will serve as an important bridge for deepening China-Nigeria friendship.

China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors. We will align our policy with Nigeria's “Renewed Hope” agenda and eight priority areas, so as to promote more cooperative projects and advance China-Nigeria relations to new height.

In conclusion, just as the “Super Falcons” show unity and self-surpassing on the football field, and as the Hausa proverb says, “Hannu da yawa ba ya karyewa” (A hand with many fingers does not break), let us stand united for a brighter and more splendid future. 

May China and Nigeria enjoy prosperity and its people happiness!

May China and Nigeria friendship last forever!

And I wish everyone good health and fulfillment!

Thank you all!