The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has insisted that Taiwan is not an independent country with a government but a part of the People’s Republic of China.
The committee stressed that the Nigerian government has stood by the One-China Policy.
In a signed statement on Tuesday, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the Committee, further clarified that the Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos is a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.
The committee said the clarification has become necessary to address recent remarks attributed to Hon. Sanya Omirin, a federal lawmaker representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency, as reported in an article titled “Rep seeks Taiwanese support to boost palm oil production.”
The committee said Hon Omirin’s call for collaboration with the “Taiwanese government” during a workshop organised by the Taiwan Trade Office in Iperindo, Osun State, is misleading and does not align with Nigeria’s official position.
“Nigeria does not recognise the Taiwanese government. The Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos operates solely as a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.
“Taiwan is an integral part of China, and any suggestion otherwise contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy and undermines our strong bilateral ties with the People’s Republic of China,” the statement said.
The committee urged public officials to exercise caution in their statements to avoid misrepresentations that could jeopardise Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China, a key ally since diplomatic relations were established in 1971. It noted that China has been a reliable partner in Nigeria’s development, supporting critical infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors.
“Agricultural advancements, including palm oil production, should be pursued through legitimate channels, such as cooperation with China or other recognised international partners, in alignment with Nigeria’s diplomatic stance,” the statement noted.
In the statement, the Committee reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, which remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“Nigeria recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China and firmly upholds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
“Our committee strongly opposes any form of Taiwanese independence or actions that suggest recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity. We will continue to promote and strengthen the robust partnership between Nigeria and China for the mutual benefit of both nations,” the statement added.
