The Ambassador-Designate of Nigeria to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising the welfare and protection of Nigerians residing in China while advancing broader bilateral cooperation between both countries.
Dambazau made this known during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of his assumption of duty in Beijing.
He said Nigerians living in China many of whom are engaged in trade and commercial activities required stronger institutional support, noting that his mission would include deepening engagement with NiDCOM to ensure effective welfare coordination, data management, and consular assistance.
The Ambassador-designate stressed that his priority would also include strengthening Nigeria–China relations in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, human capital development, and security cooperation.
He noted that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, established in 1971, have evolved steadily over the decades through sustained high-level engagements. He further referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 visit to Beijing as a major milestone that reinforced mutual commitments, including China’s support for Nigeria’s development agenda and Nigeria’s reaffirmation of the One China Policy.
Drawing from his extensive background in security and governance, the former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff emphasized the need for enhanced security collaboration, stating that Nigeria stands to benefit from China’s technical expertise in addressing emerging security challenges.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to formally visit the Commission before deployment, describing the gesture as a demonstration of proactive engagement and commitment to diaspora affairs.
She expressed confidence that his experience in public service and security would positively impact Nigeria’s diplomatic and diaspora management efforts in China, while also describing him as a strategic networker capable of advancing national interests.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the One China Policy and emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s diaspora community in China as a bridge for economic and developmental opportunities.
According to her, Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in infrastructure development, including railways, ports, and trade corridors that could stimulate economic growth and private sector participation.
She also announced invitations to Dambazau to participate in upcoming diaspora-focused engagements, including the 2026 National Diaspora Day scheduled for July 24–25, the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto from August 12–15, and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in November 2026.
Dabiri-Erewa further reiterated NiDCOM’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Embassy in China to enhance documentation, engagement, and protection of Nigerians in the diaspora.
