The Chinese government has promised to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.
President Xi Jinping made the commitment while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing between 17-18 October 2023.
Despite project initiation, China has yet to release funds for the two railway projects due to cutbacks and commitments.
China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, with Nigeria responsible for paying the balance of 15%, which it had consistently funded through appropriations.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications in a statement said the Chinese leader also pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy.
President Xi called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, promising to ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relationship becomes stronger than before. He promised that China would enhance political support and build cooperation in all fields, appreciating Nigeria’s support for one China Policy.
Pledging to deepen practical cooperation, Xi says China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially peanuts, even as the China-Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.
On security, President Xi promised a continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, and its long-standing military training and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.
“As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly, Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the world,” Xi said.
“We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies’ commitments. Mr. Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading our strategic relationship, and I agree with you.
“Nigeria is developing with big potential. I agree with you. Our foreign ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrade.”
Speaking earlier, Vice President Shettima described the rail projects as vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.
The vice President said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria-China tie characterized by respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperation.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Mr Saidu Alkali and Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Jiddaothers, among others.
