Nigeria Strengthens Ties with China as President Tinubu Appoints Joseph Tegbe to Lead Strategic Partnership

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, solidifying the commitment between Nigeria and China to enhance bilateral ties, particularly in healthcare. This development follows the joint statement issued by China and Nigeria on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Tegbe, a distinguished professional with a first-class degree in civil engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, will report directly to President Tinubu. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Tegbe will submit a strategic action plan to leverage agreements between Nigeria and China. “As the czar of the strategic partnership, he will lead day-to-day operations, engage with Chinese counterparts, and ensure deliverables align with national development goals,” Onanuga stated.

The strategic partnership aims to establish hospital alliances and collaborate on medical research, enhancing healthcare delivery systems, knowledge exchange, and technological advancements. This cooperation is crucial, especially considering President Xi Jinping’s pledge of 360 billion yuan ($51 billion) in new financing to African nations over three years.

During President Tinubu’s official visit, China committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation. Tegbe’s appointment is timely, as both nations foster a stronger alliance in health, infrastructure, and trade.

Tegbe’s strategic plan will outline specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators for each cooperation area. This includes priority projects, investments, and socioeconomic outcomes.

Nigeria’s partnership with China has already seen significant developments, such as Fidson Healthcare Plc’s partnership with Chinese pharmaceutical companies to tackle HIV in Africa. With Tegbe at the helm, Nigeria is poised to reap benefits from this strengthened alliance.