China boosts partnership with Nigeria, pledges more investments

China has reinforced its partnership with Nigeria, promising closer cooperation and major investments in areas like infrastructure, trade, and economic growth.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, who spoke at a ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja on Friday, highlighted the importance of the relationship, calling it a key part of China’s engagement in Africa.

In his remarks, Dunhai noted Nigeria’s central role as China’s largest engineering contracting market and third-largest trading partner in Africa.

The envoy also pointed to the $22.5 billion trade volume achieved in 2023.

“China-Nigeria high-level relations always stand at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation. Nigeria remains China’s largest project contracting market, the second-largest export market, the third-largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa.

“In 2023, bilateral trade between our two countries reached $22.5 billion.

“Our practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results in areas such as infrastructure, investment, trade, agriculture, and green economy, covering projects for aviation, on the land and in the sea,” he said.

He emphasised that the recent state visit by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to China marked a new milestone, as both countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The agreement paved the way for major joint initiatives, including the development of critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, and power grids, as well as increased collaboration in green energy and technology.

“Going forward, we aim to jointly build more roads, railways, airports, power grids and base stations and will witness their extensions to your beloved communities and hometowns.

“We will also have more blue and green projects targeting future development, which will contribute to a happier and brighter future for Nigerians.

“China would be proud to be a great partner with Nigeria on our way to achieving common development and modernisation,” the ambassador remarked.

He also, affirmed that the Belt and Road Initiative and China’s Global Development Initiative would serve as key drivers for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He highlighted the alignment between China’s vision for modernisation and Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ with both nations committed to shared progress.

With China contributing over 30 per cent of global economic growth between 2013 and 2023, Yu expressed optimism that Nigeria would benefit from China’s high-quality development.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, commended China’s remarkable progress and its longstanding partnership with Nigeria.

Abbas highlighted China’s transformation since its establishment in 1949, praising its economic development, technological innovation, and social progress.

“From being a largely agrarian society to becoming the second-largest economy in the world. Indeed, China’s journey is a testament to resilience and visionary leadership,” he said.

He stressed China’s growing global influence, particularly in high-tech industries, noting that its achievements stand as a symbol of potential and progress on the world stage.

Reflecting on the ties between Nigeria and China, Abbas underscored the fruitful cooperation between the two nations.

The speaker said, “Our two nations have enjoyed fruitful cooperation across various sectors including trade, education, health care, and infrastructure development.

“The support that China has extended towards Nigeria’s infrastructural projects has been invaluable.

“Initiatives such as the construction of railways and roads have not only enhanced connectivity within Nigeria but have also fostered economic growth and job creation.

He also referenced the importance of collaboration seen during the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, noting that agreements reached will strengthen bilateral ties and set the stage for future investments in areas crucial to Nigeria’s development, including energy, agriculture, and technology.

“The National Assembly would deploy the necessary legislative framework to support the implementation of these agreements.

“As we look forward to future endeavours together, let us reaffirm our commitment to enhancing cooperation between Nigeria and China. We must work hand-in-hand to address common challenges while seizing opportunities for growth that benefit both nations,” Abbas added.