In a move to bolster Nigeria’s economic ties with China, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General and Global Liaison for the newly established Nigeria-China strategic partnership.
This appointment follows Tinubu’s recent visit to China, where significant agreements were made to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Tegbe is tasked with developing a comprehensive action plan that outlines specific deliverables, timelines, and key performance indicators related to the partnership. His role will involve daily operations management and continuous engagement with Chinese counterparts to ensure that all commitments align with Nigeria’s national development goals.
A first-class civil engineering graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Tegbe brings over 35 years of experience in business strategy, having previously served as senior partner at KPMG Africa. He will report directly to President Tinubu.
The partnership aims to address various sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare collaboration, and educational initiatives. Notably, during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi Jinping pledged approximately $51 billion in new financing for African nations, with Nigeria set to benefit significantly from these investments.
As part of the strategic plan, Tegbe will focus on priority projects such as expanding Nigeria’s rail network and improving agricultural practices through technology transfer. The collaboration also includes deploying Chinese healthcare professionals to support Nigeria’s medical system.
With his appointment, Nigeria aims to solidify its position as a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its economic diversification efforts.
