On February 10, 2021, President Xi Jinping exchanged messages of congratulations with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' diplomatic relations.

Xi Jinping pointed out in his message that over the past half century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have seen their traditional friendship growing stronger and practical cooperation bearing rich fruit, and have coordinated closely on international and regional affairs. In recent years, the China-Nigeria strategic partnership has shown a sound momentum of development, and has effectively improved people's well-being in both countries. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has joined hands with African nations, including Nigeria, to fight the pandemic, which has demonstrated the brotherly friendship between China and Africa featuring solidarity in the face of adversity.

Xi Jinping stressed, I attach great importance to the development of China-Nigeria relations, and stand ready to work with President Buhari to take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to carry forward traditional friendship and deepen cooperation across the board within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), so as to make positive contributions to the building of a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.

Buhari said in his message that since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 50 years ago, Nigeria and China have been trusting each other and working closely, and have achieved fruitful results in cooperation, bringing enormous benefits for the two countries and their people. Nigeria appreciates China's support in such fields as railway, highway, electric power and national defense. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, China has been fighting together with Nigeria and other African countries against COVID-19 pandemic, which enriches the Nigeria-China relations. Facing major global challenges, the two countries have been upholding multilateralism and the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and also staying committed to defending common interests of developing countries. Nigeria is willing to work with China to ensure a successful meeting of the FOCAC this year.