The Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in China Ambassador Babagana Wakil (center) and the visiting Chinese team pose for a group picture at the Embassy of Nigeria in China on March 17, 2025. Photo: WeChat official account of the Silk Road Golden Bridge International Cooperation Center

The Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in China, Ambassador Babagana Wakil met a delegation from the Silk Road Golden Bridge International Cooperation Center led by Yao Sai in Beijing on March 17. Both sides agreed to work together during the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), injecting new impetus into China-Nigeria international economic and trade cooperation.

During the talks, Yao said that as the largest economy and most populous country in Africa, Nigeria has great influence in the regional and global economy. He sees great potential for bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria, especially in infrastructure, medical care, oil and gas as well as mining. Yao said the country is China's important partner for international cooperation and exchanges. 

Nigerian ambassador welcomed the team's visit, acknowledging the fruitful results achieved together with the team during 2024 CIFTIS, calling it a "role model platform for deepening international economic and trade cooperation."

For 2025 CIFTIS, the ambassador confirmed to work with the team to build the national pavilion, roll out economic and trade cooperation forums and business matchmaking. He would also like to comprehensively upgrade the two countries' cooperation in service trade, science, technology and culture. 

The ambassador expects that through CIFTIS, a new chapter of China-Nigeria cooperation in service trade will be opened.