China has invited Nigeria to become a founding member of the newly formed World Artificial Intelligence Organisation.
This is following Nigeria’s participation in the organisation’s inaugural meeting.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the offer when he paid a visit to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Ambassador Yu highlighted the growing economic ties between the two nations, revealing that Nigerian exports to China have increased by over 88% following the implementation of China’s Zero-Tariff Policy for eligible African exports.
He underscored Beijing’s readiness to further expand practical cooperation across priority sectors.
In response, Ambassador Enikanolaiye stated he would consult relevant government agencies regarding the proposal for Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Organisation.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China Policy, Enikanolaiye praised China’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda.
He noted that the zero-tariff initiative offers significant opportunities to expand Nigerian products in the Chinese market, boost value addition, and create jobs.
During the meeting, both diplomats reviewed the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, focusing on key areas under the Nigeria–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade, investment, infrastructure, industrialisation, energy, agriculture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The visit marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, with both parties agreeing to maintain high-level consultations and explore fresh collaboration in the digital economy, science, technology, and regional security.