Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to China, retired General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, has pledged to prioritise the welfare and protection of Nigerians living in China while advancing stronger bilateral cooperation between both countries across key sectors.
Dambazau made this known during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of his official assumption of duty in Beijing.
According to a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, the envoy-designate emphasised that safeguarding the interests of Nigerians abroad would remain central to his mission.
He noted that China hosts a significant population of Nigerians, largely engaged in trade and commerce, stressing the importance of close collaboration with NiDCOM to provide guidance, support, and ensure that Nigerians in the country uphold positive national values.
Beyond diaspora engagement, Dambazau highlighted plans to deepen Nigeria-China relations in critical areas such as human capital development, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and security.
He recalled that Nigeria and China have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971, with ties strengthening over the years through high-level engagements. He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2024 visit to Beijing as a recent milestone, during which China reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while Nigeria reiterated its commitment to the One China Policy.
Drawing from his experience as former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Dambazau underscored the need for enhanced security cooperation, noting that Nigeria could benefit from China’s technical and strategic support in addressing evolving security challenges.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa commended Dambazau for being the first ambassador-designate to visit the Commission prior to deployment, describing his gesture as commendable.
She expressed confidence that his vast experience in governance and security would be instrumental in advancing the welfare of Nigerians in China, describing him as a strategic networker capable of leveraging international connections for the benefit of the diaspora.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the Commission’s support for the One China Policy and stressed the importance of accurate data collection on Nigerians residing in China, noting that the Commission would rely on the ambassador’s office for proper documentation.
She also highlighted the economic opportunities available through China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in infrastructure, rail, ports, and trade, urging Nigerians in China to position themselves as key facilitators of such opportunities.
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Dabiri-Erewa further invited Dambazau to participate in upcoming diaspora-focused events, including 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 in November 2026.
The engagement signals a renewed push to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and diaspora relations between Nigeria and China, with a strong emphasis on citizen welfare and strategic cooperation.
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