The Chinese government announced on Wednesday its intent to offer financial backing and ensure the execution of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.
At a meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping of China assured his support, responding to President Bola Tinubu’s requests conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as indicated in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, on Wednesday.
The statement is titled ‘At 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum: China commits to refinancing, completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railways.’
China has not yet allocated funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria since their commencement, primarily owing to financial constraints and prior commitments.
Under the agreement, China had agreed to provide 85 percent financing for the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, leaving Nigeria with the obligation of covering the remaining 15 percent through appropriations from the outset of the project.
The Chinese President, while receiving the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged to ramp up investments in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy.
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Urging for the safeguarding of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, he affirmed his commitment to fortify the Nigeria-China bilateral relationship to a level surpassing the past.
President Xi assured an enhancement of political support and the promotion of collaboration in every sphere, acknowledging Nigeria’s support of the One China Policy.
Committing to intensify practical cooperation, the Chinese leader assured support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Manifesto and his eight-point economic agenda.
Xi reiterated China’s support for Nigeria’s exports, particularly with regard to peanuts, highlighting the integral role of the China-Africa talent initiative in its cooperation with Nigeria.
On the topic of security, the Chinese President pledged ongoing efforts to combat terrorists, highlighting China’s dedication to peace in the Sahel region, emphasizing the importance of its long-standing military training and MoUs on joint exercises.
He said, ‘Like 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 upholding 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’.
Earlier, Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, described the rail projects as crucial to the President and the Nigerian population.
According to Shettima, Tinubu’s persistence for a more robust Nigeria-China bond is defined by respect, non-political involvement, and reciprocal international cooperation.