Nigeria and China have moved to deepen their longstanding relationship through stronger cooperation in security, intelligence sharing, crime prevention, cultural exchange, capacity building and economic development.
According to both countries, the security ties between the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Police Force, and the Chinese government will be centred on intelligence gathering, criminal investigations and the protection of foreign nationals and businesses operating in the country.
The renewed commitment was made in Lagos on Tuesday when the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing, led a delegation from the Chinese Consulate on a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon Akpanudom.
The visit, which brought into focus the growing importance of cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the Chinese community, was also attended by the Chinese Second Secretary, Alexander Liu Kai, and Third Secretary Ricky.
Speaking during the visit, Yan commended the Nigeria Police Force and the FCID Annex for their role in maintaining law and order, combating crime and ensuring the security of citizens, residents and foreign nationals.
She particularly appreciated the efforts of the police in providing security for Chinese nationals, businesses and other Chinese interests operating in Nigeria.
The Consul General said the Chinese community was committed to sustaining a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force and pledged continued cooperation, including the provision of timely and relevant information that could assist security agencies in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and criminal investigations.
Yan also expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-China relations, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration between security agencies and other institutions in both countries.
She disclosed that the Consulate was exploring plans to organise a special cultural exchange programme and a capacity development seminar aimed at strengthening existing ties between Nigeria and China.
According to her, the proposed programme would provide opportunities for Nigerian police officers to interact with their counterparts and other stakeholders, share professional experiences and benefit from knowledge exchange.
She said similar initiatives had been undertaken in other African countries.
As part of efforts to promote the welfare of police personnel, the Chinese Consulate also offered to organise a medical outreach programme focusing on eye health, which would provide FCID personnel with eye screening and other basic eye-care services.
Yan formally invited Akpanudom and members of the FCID Annex leadership to the celebration of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, describing the occasion as an opportunity to further promote friendship, cultural understanding and people-to-people relations.
She also reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening the broader China-Africa partnership and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting social and economic development, employment creation and opportunities for women and young people.
Responding, Akpanudom welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to the Chinese Consulate for its commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Nigeria Police Force.
The AIG acknowledged the cordial relationship between Nigeria and China and assured the delegation that the police would continue to provide a secure environment for Chinese nationals, businesses and other foreign residents in the country.
He welcomed the proposed cultural exchange and capacity development initiatives, saying they would promote knowledge sharing, professional interaction and stronger institutional cooperation.
Akpanudom also commended the proposed medical outreach programme, particularly its eye-care component, noting that personnel of the FCID Annex would benefit from the initiative.
The AIG urged the Chinese Consulate and members of the Chinese community to sustain their cooperation with the police by providing timely information that could assist investigations and efforts to prevent crime.
He stressed that intelligence sharing and effective cooperation between security agencies, communities and foreign residents remained critical to combating criminal activities and guaranteeing public safety.
Akpanudom also expressed support for initiatives aimed at encouraging police personnel to learn the Chinese language, saying improved communication would strengthen mutual understanding and operational synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Chinese community.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in security, intelligence sharing, cultural exchange, capacity building, personnel welfare and other people-oriented programmes.