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Xi Jinping and Tinubu Strengthen China-Nigeria Ties, Sign Key Agreements
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, with a focus on enhancing the diplomatic relationship between China and Nigeria and advancing broader China-Africa cooperation.
During a formal meeting at the Great Hall in Beijing, held at President Xi’s invitation, the two leaders discussed their shared goals.
The meeting took place ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, scheduled for September 4–6 in Beijing.
In his remarks, President Xi highlighted the longstanding ties between China and Nigeria, which have spanned over five decades.
He emphasized that both nations have consistently maintained mutual respect and understanding, fostering unity and collaboration for mutual benefit.
He proposed elevating the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, positioning it as a key pillar for broader cooperation between China and Africa.
President Xi also saw the upcoming FOCAC summit as a pivotal moment to further cement China-Africa relations.
He expressed his eagerness to work closely with President Tinubu to fully realise the potential of China-Nigeria cooperation, setting an example of diplomatic friendship and collaboration that other nations could emulate.
In response, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and invitation, noting that this visit was his second to China—his first being during his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.
He acknowledged the deep-rooted diplomatic and economic ties between China and Nigeria and highlighted the opportunities for boosting trade, investment, and development between the two countries.
The high-level meeting concluded with the signing of several agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering key areas such as Belt and Road Initiative projects, media and news exchange, and television collaboration.
These agreements aim to deepen cooperation between the two nations and contribute to their mutual growth and development.
President Tinubu was accompanied by a delegation that included Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, among other officials.
The meeting signifies a strong step forward in China-Nigeria relations and sets the stage for further cooperation at the upcoming FOCAC summit.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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