President Tinubu will travel to China to represent the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the upcoming Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Summit, scheduled from September 4 to 6, 2024. As the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, he will play a pivotal role in discussions that will shape the region’s future.
During the summit, President Tinubu will hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on issues related to regional peace and security. According to presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, who addressed State House reporters on Tuesday, the trip also aims to secure significant economic benefits for Nigeria.
This high-level meeting with one of the world’s most influential leaders comes amid ongoing tensions over the seizure of Nigerian assets by the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. Former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Usman Sarki, stressed that diplomatic efforts are crucial to resolving the firm’s seizure of Nigerian assets abroad. He urged President Tinubu to address the issue directly with President Xi Jinping during their talks.
Recently, a French court ruled in favor of the Chinese firm, allowing the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets undergoing routine maintenance in France. This ruling is connected to a long-standing legal dispute involving an arbitration award related to a conflict between the Chinese company and the Ogun State government.
