Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Relationship, Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu, has called on global investors to prioritize Nigeria as a key destination for trade and development.
Yakubu made the statement during a meeting with Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of GAC Motors Nigeria, Lai Mingyong, Vice Chair of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference, and a delegation from Huaihua Hunan Province in Abuja.
Highlighting the importance of China-Nigeria relations, Yakubu emphasized that the bilateral ties have been strengthened through parliamentary initiatives, including a dedicated legislative committee. He revealed plans for a Nigeria-China summit to foster sustainable trade and investment relations, spearheaded by Merited Negotiating Consulting.
“Nigeria, representing 20% of sub-Saharan Africa's population, is the continent's largest market and a strategic gateway to regional commerce,” Yakubu said. “With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Nigeria is perfectly positioned for expanded market access, driving trade within Africa.”
He praised China's leadership in manufacturing, global trade, and poverty alleviation, noting that its interventions in humanitarian aid and infrastructure development set a global benchmark. “China’s development model is inspiring, and Hunan Province, as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, holds significant historical and economic importance,” he added.
Yakubu encouraged the visiting delegation to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities, especially in mining, manufacturing, and regional commerce. He also stressed the need for collaborative frameworks that ensure ease of doing business between the two nations.
The meeting reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging its strategic position and demographic advantage to attract sustainable investments while deepening its longstanding partnership with China.
