The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has appealed to the Government of the People’s Republic of China to support Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing it as a step that would strengthen global peace and prosperity.
Okay News reports that Abbas made the appeal during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. The meeting was part of his participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, following an official invitation from the Chinese Government.
According to a statement released by his media office, Abbas said Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to African and global stability make it deserving of a more prominent role within the UN system.
He said, “Considering Nigeria’s relevance in African and global affairs, the bid, if successful, will not only benefit Nigeria and China but also the entire world.”
The Speaker explained that the Nigerian parliament has been pursuing reforms to align with this global ambition, noting that these reforms aim to strengthen public finance laws, modernize trade and tax codes, and promote innovation-friendly regulations.
“At home, the Nigerian legislature is pursuing reforms that align with this vision,” Abbas said. “We are strengthening public finance laws, revising trade and tax codes, and promoting innovation-friendly regulation. These efforts make Nigeria a more predictable partner and a safer destination for investment.”
He also emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping international partnerships and proposed a Nigeria–China Legislative Cooperation Framework. “This will institutionalize regular dialogue between the National People’s Congress and the National Assembly of Nigeria on issues of governance, transparency, and innovation,” he added.
Abbas identified three key areas for deeper Nigeria–China cooperation: technological sovereignty, green industrialization, and human capital development. He said these would define the future of both nations in an increasingly digital and climate-conscious world.
“The next decade will belong to those who control their data, innovate responsibly, and protect their citizens in the digital space. We seek cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital trade, and cybersecurity. These are areas where China’s experience offers both knowledge and caution,” Abbas said.
He continued, “Nigeria invites China’s partnership in renewable energy, sustainable mining, and low-carbon transport. The Zungeru Hydropower Project is a model we can build upon—it is proof that green growth is not an aspiration but an achievable plan.”
Abbas also proposed expanding people-to-people cooperation, including legislative staff exchanges, technical training, and academic collaborations. “We want to move from ‘Made in China for Nigeria’ to ‘Created in Nigeria with China,’” he said.
Reflecting on over five decades of Nigeria–China diplomatic relations, the Speaker revealed that discussions were nearing completion between Nigeria and a major Chinese state-owned enterprise for a partnership to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company. “When concluded, this will be the largest steel company and the biggest Nigeria–China collaboration,” he said.
In his remarks, Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. He commended recent progress in bilateral relations, describing them as being on a “fast track of development.”
Li said China was ready to “actively implement the Ten Partnership Actions for China–Africa cooperation” and to promote the Belt and Road Initiative with high-quality projects in Nigeria. He further pledged China’s readiness to advance cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure, while supporting Nigeria’s leadership role in regional and international affairs.
Nigeria’s campaign for a permanent UN Security Council seat is anchored on its diplomatic record and leadership across Africa. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has been a major participant in peacekeeping missions and international mediation efforts under the United Nations and the African Union.
The UN Security Council currently has five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—each holding veto power, alongside ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Many African and developing nations have long advocated for an expansion of permanent membership to make the Council more representative of today’s global realities.
Abbas concluded that Nigeria’s inclusion would strengthen Africa’s voice in international decision-making and bring greater balance to the global order.
