President Bola Tinubu is set to return to Abuja from the United Kingdom on Sunday, following an official trip to China. This was disclosed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Saturday night.
The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu returns to Abuja from an official trip to China after a stopover in London,’ confirmed the president’s return after concluding his diplomatic engagements.
Onanuga said Tinubu “will return to Abuja on Sunday, following his official visit to China and his short stay in the United Kingdom.”
President Bola Tinubu embarked on an official visit to Beijing, China, on August 29, marking another significant milestone in Nigeria-China relations. His visit, which commenced with a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, September 2, took place in the prestigious Great Hall of the People. The talks between the two leaders were productive, culminating in the signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties through MoUs
One of the most notable agreements was the Cooperation Plan between Nigeria and China, which seeks to promote China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global development strategy spearheaded by China. The plan also includes cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear energy and a focus on human resource development under the Global Development Initiative.
Other MoUs signed include a pact on Media Exchange and Cooperation between China and Nigeria, with a specific agreement between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority. Additionally, a major infrastructure project was solidified with the signing of an MoU between Nigeria and China Harbour Engineering Company to construct the 68 km Lagos Green Rail Line. This ambitious project will run from the Lekki Free Zone to the Marina and connect with the existing Blue Line.
Another significant deal was the $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project planned for Kogi State, signed between Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited of Nigeria and Sinomach-He of China.
Engaging with Chinese Leadership and Industry
President Tinubu’s diplomatic activities extended beyond the initial meeting. The following day, he led his delegation into another round of bilateral discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, further cementing cooperation across various sectors.
In the evening, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a grand Welcoming Banquet and Cultural Gala Performance for the Nigerian leader on the eve of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. The event served as a warm introduction to the formal proceedings that would follow during the summit.
Before attending the official opening of FOCAC in Beijing, President Tinubu also visited major Chinese companies, Huawei and China Harbour Engineering Company, demonstrating his commitment to exploring opportunities in technology and infrastructure development for Nigeria.
Addressing Global Peace and Nigeria’s Future
At FOCAC, President Tinubu, in his capacity as chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, delivered a speech focused on global peace. He emphasized the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation as essential tools for ensuring peace in an increasingly complex global landscape.
To conclude his visit, President Tinubu met with members of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation, China chapter, where he addressed ongoing reforms in Nigeria. He expressed optimism about the future, noting that the changes being implemented would pave the way for improved infrastructure, stable power, and better education in Nigeria—similar to China’s rapid advancements in these areas.
Continuing Diplomatic Engagements
Following his time in China, President Tinubu departed for London, where he engaged in discussions on climate financing with King Charles III. This marked China as his 24th international destination since taking office roughly 16 months ago.
So far, President Tinubu’s diplomatic engagements have taken him to several key countries, including Equatorial Guinea, the United Kingdom, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, the Benin Republic, South Africa, Ghana, India, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Qatar.
