President Bola Tinubu made a historic visit to China this week where he met Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, with whom he had broad economic discussions on the future of both Nigeria and China. In a way, both nations represent an Afro-Asian political behemoth capable of influencing global development in a catalytic manner.
China and Nigeria pledged to deepen their economic ties and agreed on nuclear energy andmedia exchanges with China proposing a $1 trillion infrastructure drive in Africa.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu said the countries’ partnership would result in “robust development, stability, and security” for Nigeria.
“We have recognized the need to reform our economy, and we are doing so diligently across tax and tariff reviews, to various other segments of our nation’s economy,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Trading and investment partners will have easy access to bring in their investments and seamlessly take their resources out.”
China has picked out Africa as a key region for its signature global infrastructure push, the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese companies signing contracts on the continent worth more than $700bn the decade up to 2023, according to Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce.
In Nigeria, the Chinese state-run Export–Import Bank of China is financing 85 percent of the cost of the $5.8bn Mambilla hydroelectric plant, which will be the country’s biggest power plant upon its scheduled completion in 2030.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday held talks in Beijing ahead of the opening of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Tinubu highlighted the critical role of global collaboration in achieving collective progress and prosperity, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
The statement said that Tinubu praised the China-Africa partnership as a model for sustainable development and shared prosperity. He highlighted the partnership’s visionary approach and its potential to foster exceptional growth and development for both Africa and China.
He asserted that global challenges can be addressed through cooperation, emphasising that the China-Africa partnership is founded on trust, mutual respect, and a commitment to common objectives.
Tinubu also expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to benefit both regions as it is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
He stated: “The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasises the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together, joining hands, and looking for win-win solutions, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Our joint efforts reinforce a vision for a multi-polar world where diverse perspectives are embraced, and where cooperation is key to solving global challenges.
“At the heart of China-Africa relations is a foundation built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we maintain the momentum. Peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution remain at the forefront of our efforts.
“These values will ensure that the bond between Africa and China continues to deepen and benefit both regions for the generations yet to come. The partnership is not only about shared history. It is driven by a bold collective vision for the future.
“Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations.”
Tinubu congratulated the earlier speakers, particularly FOCAC co-chair President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, for their contributions to the partnership.
He acknowledged the significant milestones achieved through this collaboration, including China’s steadfast support for Africa via financial aid, developmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000.
The President also highlighted how the partnership has remained strong despite global challenges, emphasising its role as a powerful example of achieving success through mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Furthermore, Tinubu underscored the flourishing economic relationship between Africa and China, with trade reaching approximately $280 billion. He expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure development goals, anticipating continued progress and collaboration.
In his address, President Xi Jinping announced a $50 billion financial aid package for Africa, alongside additional military assistance.
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He expressed China’s appreciation for its relationship with African nations and called for both China and Africa to unite their populations to forge a strong partnership and contribute to a new era of global peace, prosperity, and progress.
The statement read in part: “The Chinese leader also pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries while proposing partnership actions to jointly advance modernisation with Africa.
“According to President Xi, the 10 actions, to be implemented in the next three years, cover areas of mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture, and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green economic development, and common security.
“To implement the 10 partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit lines, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-orientated cooperation in all areas.”
Tinubu, on Friday, also in Beijing, said he was ready to take the hard decisions to move Nigeriaforward, adding that it was not always easy for a leader to have a national consensus on issues.
The President said this when he met with Nigerians living in the People’s Republic of China to round off his official engagements in the country.
Addressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China, NIDO China, and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, President Tinubu emphasized his efforts to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining during his discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and his participation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said: “What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens. And I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China. We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens.”
He emphasized the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example for Nigerians to follow.
“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” the President said.
Highlighting the impact of investments in China’s economy, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in Diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is prepared to collaborate with them to leverage opportunities back home.
According to the president, “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children? What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot make hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented? So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development,’’ the President said.
He stated that one key takeaway from his visit to China is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home.
“We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish. One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hands to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that,” the President stated.
According to the statement, “The President noted that while it is not always easy for a leader to have a national consensus on issues, he is ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward.”
He said, “We are focused, and I have a very good team.”
In his remarks, Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, particularly in trade, investment, and people-to-people collaboration.
He expressed NIDO China’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, earlier in the year.
He pledged that the organization is eager to drive the initiative forward within the diaspora community.
Mr. Barnabas requested President Tinubu’s assistance in advocating for Nigeria to be officially recognized as a native English-speaking nation, which would open up job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
“Your Excellency, I wish to indulge your kind attention and use this rare opportunity to share a key challenge on behalf of the Nigerian community in China. Due to the peculiar nature of this country, the Nigerian community is mainly composed of students, expatriates, and businessmen. Our desire is that Nigeria is officially recognized as a native English-speaking nation in China. We believe your esteemed engagements with the high-level authorities can assist us in establishing this status.
“Presently, over 70% of available international jobs in China are reserved for native English speakers. In 2016, the local authorities listed South Africa as a native English-speaking nation. We believe Nigeria has a chance to receive similar recognition due to the fact that English language is our official language and we are also blessed with Professor Wole Soyinka who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. We believe the enhancement of our status will open more opportunities to allow more Nigerians to study and work in China, thereby increasing diaspora remittance to Nigeria,” he said.
Though a very significant move, it is yet unknown how this visit will influence the tempo of economic activities between Nigerian and China which have thus far been steeped in doubts and suspicion within the country.
