Speaker, House of Representatives, Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, has stated that through Nigeria-China people to people exchanges, we have seen an influx of Chinese companies, humanitarian organizations and tourists in Nigeria.
This development, he said, has provided the two the opportunity to learn from Chinese expertise, acquire new skills and broaden their horizons and enhancement of transportation infrastructure.
He explained that through the belt and road initiative, China has invested in the construction of roads and railways providing Nigeria with better connectivity within the country and across borders, that has facilitated the movement of goods, services and people bringing about increased trade and economic integration.
Represented by Hon Ibrahim Haruna, Abbas stated this during the ongoing two days 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Exhibition, organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Thursday in Abuja.
The speaker informed that the Belt and Road initiative, lunched by China in 2013, aims to connect Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond through a series of infrastructural projects, such as roads, railways, ports and energy facilities. Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa ha become a key participant in this initiative seeking to improve its infrastructure, boosts trade and enhance its overall development framework.
Speaking further, he stated that “the collaboration between our two nations has led to significant advancements in the energy sector.
“China has been involved in the construction of power plants and renewable energy projects in Nigeria contributing to the country’s efforts to meet its energy demands and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. This has not only boosted Nigeria’s energy capacity but has also provided job opportunities for Nigerians.
“One of the major concerns is debt sustainability. As Nigeria continues to acquire loans for infrastructural projects from China. It is crucial to ensure that these loans are utilized effectively and efficiently to avoid burdening future generations with debt.
Additionally, there is a need for mutual understanding and respect between both nations to ensure the sustainability of this cooperation.
He therefore, reinstated his commitment to strengthening the bilateral and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China by the instrumentality of appropriate law making.
Delivery his address, the representative of Chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Mr Liu Jiang, stated that some days, Chinese President, His Excellency Xi Jinping met with
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, where the two sides highly valued the fruitful
achievements made by China and Nigeria since the establishment of diplomaticrelations for more than half a century, and expressed full confidence in the future development of relations between the two countries.
Mr Jiang, said that “It is the original mission of this 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and
Trade Exhibition, which is to add bricks to the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and build bridges for the friendship between the people.
“The China General Chamber will take this year’s Exhibition as a new starting point to continue promoting economic and trade exchanges between China and Nigeria, and create more opportunities for Chinese and Nigerian enterprises strengthening win-win cooperation.”
