Nigeria Reaffirms One-China Policy in Tinubu-Xi Pact Amid Taiwan Lobbying Concerns

Nigeria has recognised the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China since establishing diplomatic ties in 1971. Every administration since then has upheld the One-China Principle, which holds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The principle is not merely symbolic; it underpins a broad partnership that includes infrastructure, energy, agriculture and technology projects funded by Chinese investment. China's investments in Nigeria have exceeded $4 billion in the last decade, spanning ports, rail lines and renewable energy projects.

In September 2024, President Tinubu and President Xi issued a joint statement stating that Nigeria firmly adheres to the One-China Principle and acknowledges Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. In 2017, the Buhari administration relocated Taiwan's trade office from Abuja to Lagos to remove any ambiguity about its non-diplomatic status. More than 183 countries currently maintain diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, reflecting a global consensus on the issue.

The renewed statement reinforces Nigeria's official foreign policy and signals to domestic actors that any language implying Taiwanese statehood contradicts national law. It also reassures Beijing that Nigeria will continue to align its diplomatic engagements with the One-China framework, protecting existing cooperation in sectors such as railways, power generation and agro-processing. Observers note that the move may deter attempts by Taipei-linked groups to rebrand commercial activities as diplomatic outreach.

Analysts will monitor whether Nigeria's legislative bodies issue further guidance on terminology used in public forums and how China responds with potential new investment announcements.