China pledges funding for completion of railway projects

… Pledges increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy

 China has committed itself  to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.

President, Xi Jinping, made the pledge on Wednesday 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 in Beijing.

The commitment could best be described as a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing, China

It would be recalled that since the launch of the projects, China has yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and other commitments.

China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance of 15% paid its part of the funding from the inception of the project through appropriations.

The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractors named to execute the project.

The Chinese President who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Great Hall of the People in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy and called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before.

President Jinping promised that China would enhance political support and build cooperation in all fields, just as he appreciated Nigeria’s support of one China Policy.

While pledging to further deepen practical cooperation, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda adding that China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China – Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria.

In the area of security, President Jinping promised a continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military training and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.

Noting that China is committed to peace, President Jinping said, “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. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and uphold allies’ commitments.

“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potential. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading,” the Chinese leader said.

Vice President Shettima, who delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Tinubu to China, described the rail projects as vital to the Nigerian leader, 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.

VP Shettima said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria-China tie, adding that it was ripped with respect, to non-political interference and mutual international cooperation.

“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.

“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don’t dictate to us who our friends are.

“We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique, and the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, and we thus appreciate your friendship,” the Vice President submitted.