China has pledged to strengthen financial ties with Nigeria by expanding the existing currency swap agreement and supporting the issuance of Panda Bonds, in a move expected to boost trade and infrastructure development between the two nations.
The announcement was made by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Wang Yi, who met with President Bola Tinubu earlier on Thursday, described the plans as part of a broader commitment to enhancing financial cooperation with Nigeria.
“The currency swap agreement shows how well we have carried out our financial cooperation and sustained its momentum,” Wang Yi said.
“Regarding Nigeria’s request to increase the currency swap line, we will study the issue favourably. Our cooperation is progressing well in many areas, including finance.”
Wang Yi also expressed China’s support for Nigeria’s plan to issue Panda Bonds, stating that the bonds would provide Nigeria with a reliable source of revenue and assured safety through Chinese financial backing.
Panda bonds are renminbi-denominated debt securities issued by non-Chinese entities in China’s domestic bond market, offering foreign governments and corporations access to China’s vast investor base.
“We welcome Nigeria to issue Panda bonds in China because we have full confidence in Nigeria’s credibility.
“By doing so, Nigeria will gain good revenue, and safety will be guaranteed through our financial support,” Wang Yi added.
Beyond financial cooperation, China reaffirmed its role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in railway modernisation.
Wang Yi highlighted the completion of the third phase of Nigeria’s railway modernization project, financed by Chinese banks, as an example of their shared progress.
“Just a few days ago, Chinese banks supported the building of phase three of the railway modernisation project, which has now been delivered. Projects like the Kano-Kaduna railway demonstrate our commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development,” he said.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, also underscored the importance of the partnership.
He noted that Nigeria was keen to collaborate with China to localise the production of military equipment, ensuring faster and more efficient procurement processes.
“This collaboration will help us eliminate delays and bypass the complexities associated with international regulations.
“It is a crucial step towards self-reliance in addressing our security needs,” Tuggar said.
Both nations emphasised their shared vision for regional stability, with Nigeria reiterating its leadership role in West Africa.
Tuggar affirmed that Nigeria, as a responsible and constitutionally grounded nation, would continue to rely on partners like China to address challenges such as external interference.
The developments marked a deepening of Nigeria-China relations, following the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on military cooperation and other strategic areas.
The expanded currency swap line and Panda bonds are expected to provide Nigeria with significant financial relief and promote mutual growth.
