Tinubu Appoints Joseph Tegbe as Director-General for Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership

In a strategic move following his visit to China earlier this month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the Director-General and global liaison for the Nigeria-China partnership. Tegbe’s role will be pivotal in advancing the agreements made between the two nations during the President’s visit.

A first-class civil engineering graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Tegbe brings a wealth of expertise to the position. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

As part of his immediate responsibilities, Tegbe will develop and submit a comprehensive strategic action plan aimed at enabling Nigeria to maximize the benefits of the partnership with China. The plan will focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation, all aligned with Nigeria’s national development goals.

Tegbe will lead day-to-day operations, engage with Chinese counterparts, and ensure that all agreed deliverables are met. The action plan will also include detailed timelines, projected investments, and key performance indicators for each project under the partnership.

During the recent 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged 360 billion yuan (approximately $51 billion) in financing to African countries over the next three years. This commitment includes support for 30 infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and creating one million jobs across the continent.

In addition to FOCAC pledges, President Xi Jinping assured President Tinubu of China’s support for Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, signaling a strong partnership that promises significant socioeconomic benefits for the nation.