Tinubu appoints adviser for China-Nigeria strategic partnership

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, a key initiative resulting from the president’s recent visit to China in September. This appointment was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Sunday.

Mr. Tegbe, a highly accomplished professional, graduated with first-class honors in civil engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1988. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. His role will involve submitting a strategic action plan to ensure Nigeria maximizes the benefits from the agreements made with China.

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As the head of this strategic partnership, Tegbe will oversee daily operations, maintain continuous engagement with Chinese counterparts, and ensure the deliverables align with Nigeria’s national development goals. His strategic plan will detail key deliverables, timelines, and performance indicators, including priority projects, projected investments, and socioeconomic outcomes.

During the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping committed 360 billion yuan (approximately $51 billion) in new financing for African nations over the next three years. The initiative includes 30 infrastructure projects designed to improve connectivity across Africa and generate one million jobs.

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In addition, President Tinubu secured commitments from China to support Nigeria’s economic diversification, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and job creation. Key agreements involve expanding Nigeria’s rail network, upgrading power distribution, and establishing new industrial parks. Other areas of collaboration include healthcare, education, and agriculture, with Chinese professionals set to support Nigeria’s healthcare system and contribute to education and vocational training.

Tegbe, who is 58, brings over 35 years of experience in business strategy. He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he managed portfolios across the Middle East. He also spearheaded investment drives for several Nigerian states, including Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo, to countries such as South Africa, China, and the UAE. His expertise will be crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of the Nigeria-China partnership agreements.