Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, has outlined critical strategies for Nigeria to emulate China’s successful model in lifting its population out of poverty.
He made the disclosure at a seminar titled “Taking New Opportunities for China-Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reforms in the New Era,” held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Thursday.
The seminar, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria in collaboration with the University of Abuja and the China Alumni Association Association was attended by foreign policy experts, academic scholars, members of the diplomatic community, university students and journalists.
Ambassador Dunhai pointed out that since the economic reforms began in 1978, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, through strategic policies and investments in food production, education, vocational training, infrastructure and opening up.
He emphasized the significance of agriculture as a foundational pillar for poverty alleviation. He pointed out that despite China’s limited arable land, innovative agricultural practices have led to significant increases in productivity.
“Feeding the people is paramount,” he stated, advocating for Nigeria to enhance its agricultural skills and technologies to boost food security and economic stability.
Education was another critical area highlighted by the ambassador. He noted that China has dramatically expanded its educational infrastructure, with annual university enrollments rising from fewer than one million to approximately 13 to 15 million today.
“Education opens minds to new technologies and opportunities,” Yu said. He stressed the importance of not only lifting individuals out of poverty but also equipping them with the knowledge to sustain their progress.
Vocational training, he added, plays a vital role in preparing individuals for the job market and fostering self-reliance.
Infrastructure development emerged as a third cornerstone of China’s poverty reduction strategy. Yu referenced the Chinese proverb, “If you want to get rich, you build roads first,” emphasising the necessity of robust transportation networks.
He shared his experience of visiting remote provinces in China that were previously isolated but have since been transformed through extensive highway and tunnel construction.
“Investment in infrastructure is essential for connecting rural areas to markets and opportunities,” he stated.
Ambassador Yu also encouraged Nigeria to embrace globalization and learn from international experiences. He recounted China’s journey of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2000, a decision initially met with scepticism by many Chinese citizens.
However, he noted that this move ultimately proved to be a pivotal moment for the nation’s economic growth. “Embracing the world is crucial for progress,” he said, urging Nigeria to adopt a similar mindset toward global cooperation.
“To advance, you must connect with the outside world,” he stated, advocating for a collaborative approach to development.
As of November 2022, over 133 million Nigerians are classified as living in poverty according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
See photos of the event below:
