China to Give Nigeria RMB200m Grant for Development Projects

China is to provide RMB200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria to support development projects agreed upon by both countries, as Beijing moves to deepen its strategic partnership with Africa’s largest economy.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, in Abuja.

Dunhai said the grant was part of China’s continued support for Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, adding that the assistance would be channelled to projects jointly agreed upon by the two governments.

The announcement comes as Nigeria and China mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional economic ties.

The ambassador said bilateral relations had remained at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation since diplomatic ties were established, adding that the partnership had entered a new phase under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said both countries had maintained close communication and coordination in implementing agreements reached by their leaders, as well as outcomes from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

According to Dunhai, the focus was to ensure that cooperation between the two countries translated into tangible benefits for their citizens.

“To further support Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, China will provide RMB 200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria for the implementation of projects agreed upon by the two governments,” he said.

The announcement adds to a series of recent efforts by both countries to strengthen economic and development cooperation, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, energy and industrial development.

Receiving the envoy, Ahmed expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for what he described as its concrete support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.

He said the grant demonstrated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria while reflecting the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“The grant assistance fully demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility as a major country and reflects the deep friendship between Nigeria and China,” Ahmed said.

The Permanent Secretary assured that Nigeria would ensure effective utilisation of the funds and work closely with the Chinese government to implement the agreements underpinning the assistance.

He said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring that the growing partnership delivered greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

The meeting also underscored the two countries’ intention to sustain high-level engagement and translate political understanding between their governments into practical development outcomes.

With the two nations now in their 55th year of diplomatic relations, both sides have continued to describe the relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership, with economic cooperation forming a major pillar.

The latest grant is expected to further support Nigeria’s development priorities while reinforcing Beijing’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Abuja.