China commits to refinancing, completion of Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railways

President Jinping pledges more investment in power generation

China has committed to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects in what could be a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the pledge, yesterday, while responding to a request by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing.

Recall that since the launch, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria, largely due to cutbacks and commitments.

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

The crucial infrastructure, also termed a legacy project, has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as contractors. The Chinese President, who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy. He also called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before.

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

Speaking earlier, Shettima described the rail projects as vital to the people of Nigeria, saying it would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investment.

The Vice President was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali; Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda, and others.