General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau and Abike Dabiri-Erewa

Nigerians in China Will Remain Top Priority – Dambazau
Seeks Stronger Nigeria-China Ties
Pledges Protection of Nigerians in China

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, has assured that the welfare and protection of Nigerians living in China will remain a top priority during his diplomatic assignment.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that 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.

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The ambassador-designate said he would also focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China in critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development and security.

According to him, China hosts a large Nigerian population, particularly those engaged in trade and commerce, making it important to work closely with NiDCOM to provide support, guidance and proper engagement for Nigerians residing in the Asian country.

Dambazau also urged Nigerians in China to conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors of Nigeria abroad.

Speaking on the relationship between both countries, he noted that Nigeria and China have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971, adding that the partnership has continued to expand through several high-level engagements and state visits.

He referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 visit to Beijing, where China reaffirmed support for the Renewed Hope Agenda while Nigeria restated its 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 collaboration between both countries, noting that Nigeria could benefit from China’s technical and strategic support in tackling emerging security challenges.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to officially visit the commission, describing him as a strategic leader whose experience in governance and security would benefit Nigerians in China.

Nigerians in China Will Remain Top Priority - Dambazau — General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau and Abike Dabiri-Erewa

She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s support for the One-China Policy and disclosed that the commission would rely on the ambassador’s office for data collection and documentation of Nigerians residing in China.

The NiDCOM boss also highlighted the opportunities available to Nigeria through China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in infrastructure, rail transportation, ports and trade development.

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

Dabiri-Erewa further invited Dambazau to participate in 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 expected to hold in November 2026.