Dambazau pledges stronger Nigeria-China diaspora relations, welfare support for Nigerians

ABUJA – Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, has pledged to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians living in China while deepening bilateral cooperation between both countries.

Dambazau made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of his official assumption of duty in China.

According to him, China hosts a large Nigerian community mainly involved in trade and commerce, making it necessary for the Nigerian mission to work closely with NiDCOM to provide support, guidance and protection for citizens residing in the country.

The ambassador-designate also urged Nigerians in China to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking on Nigeria-China relations, Dambazau noted that both countries have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971, with cooperation expanding steadily through high-level engagements and economic partnerships.

He referenced the 2024 visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing as a major milestone that reinforced China’s support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s continued commitment to the One-China Policy.

Drawing from his experience as former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff, Dambazau stressed the importance of stronger security cooperation between Nigeria and China, noting that Nigeria could benefit from Chinese technical and strategic support in tackling emerging security challenges.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to formally visit the Commission before taking up his posting.

She described him as a strategic leader whose vast experience in governance and security would positively impact Nigerians living in China.

The NiDCOM chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the One-China Policy and said the Commission would rely on the ambassador’s office to strengthen data collection and proper documentation of Nigerians residing in China.

She further highlighted the economic opportunities available through China’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting that investments in infrastructure, rail transport, ports and trade corridors could significantly benefit Nigeria’s economy.

According to her, Nigerians in the diaspora, especially those in China, are strategically positioned to serve as economic and investment bridges between both countries.

Dabiri-Erewa also invited Dambazau to participate in the 2026 National Diaspora Day scheduled for July 24–25, as well as the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Toronto in August and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit slated for November 2026.