President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to China, where he will engage in bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
Scheduled to take place between September 4 and 6, 2024, the crucial meeting will see Tinubu representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
According to presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, the summit will provide a platform for discussions on regional peace and security, with Tinubu poised to address these critical issues.
In addition, the trip is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Nigeria, further solidifying the country’s ties with China.
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However, the high-stakes meeting takes place against the backdrop of a contentious issue – the seizure of Nigerian assets by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm.
Recall that the asset seizure has sparked talks, with experts like Usman Sarki, a former Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, advocating for swift diplomatic action to resolve the dispute.
Sarki has urged Tinubu to prioritize a meeting with President Xi Jinping to address the longstanding conflict between the Nigerian government and the Chinese company.
The dispute has recently seen a French court rule in favor of the Chinese firm, allowing it to seize three Nigerian presidential jets in France as security for claims related to an arbitration award.
