On September 29, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai met with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

Ambassador Yu welcomed the two traditional leaders to the embassy and said that over the 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, bilateral ties have always been at the forefront of China-Africa relations. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership has entered the fast lane. Kano and Kaduna States are important areas of China-Nigeria cooperation. China attaches great importance to the important role played by Nigeria’s traditional institutions and is ready to work with Nigeria to strengthen local exchanges and people-to-people interactions, so as to help sustain high-quality development of bilateral relations.

His Royal Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II fondly recalled how his father, as Nigeria’s first ambassador to China, promoted Nigeria-China friendship, and how he himself, during his tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, advanced bilateral financial cooperation. He spoke positively of the development of Nigeria-China relations and thanked China for its contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social development over the years. His Royal Highness Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli said that the traditional society in northern Nigeria is committed to promoting friendly cooperation between Nigeria and China and is willing to work with China to expand practical cooperation in various fields to benefit the peoples of both countries.