Nigeria committed to deepening relations with China – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with China, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, trade, finance, and energy.

In an op-ed published in China Daily on September 5, 2024, the Nigerian president emphasized the growing partnership between the two countries and expressed optimism for expanding bilateral trade, which reached $22.6 billion last year.

Tinubu highlighted the shared strengths of Nigeria and China, noting the similarities between the two nations in terms of their vast economies, rich natural and human resources, and distinctive cultural heritage.

He underscored China’s significant role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, praising the construction of railways, roads, and other public infrastructure facilitated by Chinese investment.

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“My administration is committed to strengthening relations on infrastructure, trade, finance, and energy.

China is a very significant player in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, particularly in the transportation sector”, Tinubu wrote.

He cited key projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, where future collaboration on the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano section is expected to further enhance connectivity and economic growth.

The president also acknowledged the importance of transportation infrastructure as a driver of development.

“Transport infrastructure is one of the primary agents of development as it facilitates the movement of people and goods, connects buyers and sellers, and opens up channels of investments, creating jobs and opportunities down the line,” he said.

He pointed to the LAGRIDE initiative, a partnership between Lagos State and CIG Motors, as a promising model for future e-mobility advancements in Africa.

Tinubu expressed admiration for President Xi Jinping’s leadership, crediting China’s rise as a global economic leader to Xi’s vision.

He drew parallels between the bold reforms undertaken in both nations, highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to revitalize its economy and set it on a path toward sustainable growth.

“As the President of the largest economy in Africa, I am aware of the rare facility and efforts required to lead a great nation like China,” Tinubu noted.

The Nigerian president’s visit to China and his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) are expected to further strengthen the already robust ties between the two nations.

Tinubu expressed confidence that his engagement with Chinese leadership during the forum will lead to deeper cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries.

As Nigeria continues to pursue its “Renewed Hope” agenda, which focuses on economic revitalization and improved infrastructure, the partnership with China is seen as a crucial component in achieving these goals.

With further collaboration in trade, transportation, and energy, Nigeria aims to leverage Chinese expertise and investment to drive long-term development.

This renewed commitment to bolstering Nigeria-China relations comes at a time of significant global challenges and opportunities, with both countries poised to play major roles in shaping the future of international trade and infrastructure development in Africa and beyond.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE