President Bola Tinubu on Friday rounded off his official visit to China with his trip to the world’s 2nd largest economy ending with very significant and mouthwatering gains for Nigeria. It was obvious that the President was looking forward to a trip heavy on deals that would impact on Nigeria’s quest to improve our infrastructure, agriculture, power, solid minerals etc judging by the public officials in his official entourage.

From the Finance Minister/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Trade and Investment, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Minister of Power, FCT Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Transportation, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister of Foreign Affairs etc, to Governors of Lagos, Kaduna and Kwara States, the President’s entourage was tailored for purpose.

Hope Rise On Completion of Lagos-Kano Railway by CRCC

Shortly after being warmly received by the Chinese government, President Bola Tinubu on Monday, September 2, visited the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), during which he acknowledged the company’s role as a reliable partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure development programme, commending its ongoing railway projects in the country. President Tinubu right there at the headquarters of CRCC promised that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway segments will be completed and done to the satisfaction of Nigeria and West Africa at large. Already China is providing funding through the China Development Bank for the ongoing Kaduna-Kano section of the Lagos-Kano railway project. The Ibadan-Abuja section is set to be funded by the Chinese too thanks to renewed cooperation between Nigeria and China on the Belt and Road Initiative.

HUAWEI announced launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom

After the visit to CRCC headquarters in Beijing, President Tinubu also visited the Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre, where the company announced the launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom aimed at enhancing digital literacy in underserved communities in Nigeria. Chairman of Huawei’s Board of Directors, Mr Liang Hua, said that the initiative would operate in 10 states annually, training at least 3,000 students each year. Huawei also proposed to build two major technology data storage centres in Lagos and Kaduna states, which would create employment and opportunities for more young people in Nigeria.

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Fruitful Bilateral Meeting With Chinese President, Xi Jinping

President Bola Tinubu held a high-powered bilateral meeting with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, September 3. At the bilateral meeting, the two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership from just a strategic partnership, signaling deeper ties between the world’s second most populous nation and the most populous black nation on earth.

At the bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping, several bilateral MoUs were signed on the Belt and Road co-operation plan (promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative), economic development, application of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, nuclear energy, peanut exports to China, and news media, among other fields.

The belt and road MoU is particularly very crucial as it further solidifies China’s interest to continue to invest in infrastructural projects in Nigeria especially on railways and roads/bridges. The cooperation agreement on nuclear energy is equally important as it is meant to enhance Nigeria’s capability to harness nuclear technology for electricity and also utilization in medicine.

The MoU on export of shelled peanuts is very important for our agricultural and Nigeria’s quest to increase non-oil exports. It also signals China’s readiness to buy more processed or semi-processed goods from Nigeria. Already, with a trade volume of over $23 billion, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa. With huge potentials for even more trade, Nigeria can surpass South Africa as China’s largest trade partner on the continent.

The President then joined other African leaders to participate in the Forum for Africa-China Cooperation with the theme. At the Forum, the next chapter of Tinubu’s trip unfolded. On the sidelines of the conference, more MoUs were signed by Ministers and governors some of which include:

Gas-related Projects

The Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) witnessed the signing of critical Project Agreements for the Brass Industrial Park, Gas Gathering Pipelines & Associated Facilities, and the Methanol Complex Project between Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd. (BFPCL) and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

This partnership involving three key projects has the potential to inject about $3.3 billion into Nigeria’s economy and particularly driving growth and innovation in Nigeria’s energy sector. These projects are very pivotal in driving Nigeria’s industrial growth and energy security. This is a big win for Nigeria.

$1bn Proposed Iron-ore-to-steel Project

During President Tinubu’s trip, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, witnessed the signing of an MoU between Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited of Nigeria and its Chinese counterpart, Sinomach-Hea, who is a market leader in solid minerals development. The deal is for a $1 billion new iron-ore-to-steel project planned for Kogi state, which has abundant deposits of iron ore and home to the Ajaokuta Steel complex. The Nigerian company, Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited already has a mining license approved by the Cadastal Office and needed both a proven technical and financial partner, thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s trip to China, it has gotten a partner in Sinomach-Hea.

Lagos Green Metro Line Project Deal and Lekki-Epe link bridge

Still on the sidelines of FOCAC and with the full guarantee of the Federal Government, Lagos State government signed a monumental Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to reality the ambitious Green Line metro rail project in Lagos. The Green Line, which is a 68km rail line designed to run from the Lekki Free Zone to Marina and connecting with the Blue Line at Marina is projected to carry over 500,000 passengers daily at launch, rising to over a million eventually.

The Green line is expected to transform the transport landscape of Lagos as it will complement the Blue and Red Lines and link areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, etc. The federal government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated and CHEC would be involved in the design, financing, and construction.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu earlier signed an MoU with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the construction of the Lekki-Epe link bridge in the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos. With the MoU in place, Lagos state has commenced discussions to award the Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to CCECC with feasibility and design studies for the bridge already completed.

Solar Power, Water Supply Deals With Chinese Firms

During the FOCAC summit in China, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was also on hand to sign an MoU with CCECC for the provision and installation of solar street lighting in key areas in the FCT such as Maitaima, Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District, Airport Road. The Minister also signed another MoU with China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) for water works including the completion of the Abuja Water Works project and for extension of clean water supply to Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje areas of the FCT. CGCOC also signed MoU on solar street lighting and would cover Mabushi, Katampe and Garki.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that President Bola Tinubu’s China visit was carefully planned to bring home greater infrastructural development for Nigeria. Judging by the five focal infrastructure developmental agreements signed between Nigeria and China, Tinubu’s state visit to China and his participation in the FOCAC summit was a resounding success. These agreements would translate to better transport infrastructure for Nigerians, it would lead to greater gas utilisation by industries, it would open doors for value addition in our solid minerals sector in line with the anti-mine-to-ports policy of the Tinubu administration in the solid minerals sector.

All these mean more jobs, increased productivity, more external trade, more FX earnings and of course increased prosperity for Nigerians. During the trip, the Chief Marketer of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu did not fail to interact with the Nigeria diaspora community in China. He spoke passionately to his fellow Compatriots sojourning in China, explaining to them why his administration is taking the hard decisions necessary to reset Nigeria’s economy and place it on the path of sustainable development.

*Dada is Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media

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Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Tinubu highlighted the success of the China-Africa partnership as a model for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

He noted that the partnership was driven by a bold vision for the future and that by working together, Africa and China can unlock unprecedented levels of growth and development for their nations.

The president said cooperation was key to solving global challenges and that the China-Africa partnership was built on trust, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.

President Tinubu called for the sustenance of the momentum of cooperation and emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution in deepening the bond between Africa and China.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to benefit both regions as it was driven by a bold collective vision for the future.

”The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership emphasizes the important truth that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together and 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.

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”Together, we join hands by pulling our strength and resources together. We can unlock an unprecedented level of growth and development for our nations,” the president said.

President Tinubu congratulated earlier speakers, particularly the co-chair of FOCAC, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, for their contributions to the partnership.

The president highlighted the defining moments of the partnership, including China’s consistent commitment to Africa through financial and developmental support, cultural exchanges, and the establishment of FOCAC in 2000.

He said the partnership had stood firm despite global challenges, offering a powerful example of what could be achieved through respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal politics of other nations.

The president also highlighted the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China, with trade reaching an estimated $280 billion, and expressed optimism about the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure goals.

In his remarks, President Xi Jinping announced $50 billion in financial support for the continent, in addition to military aid.

President Xi Jinping said China appreciated its ties with African nations and that China and Africa should rally their populations together to become a powerful force and write a new chapter in global peace, prosperity and progress.

The Chinese leader also pledged another $280 million in aid to African countries while proposing partnership actions to jointly advance modernization with Africa.

According to President Xi, the 10 actions, to be implemented in the next three years, covered areas of mutual learning among civilizations, 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 line, 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-oriented cooperation in all areas,” he said.

The Chinese leader proposed that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

”Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history.

”With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,” President Xi stated.

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Speaking at a bilateral meeting on Wednesday in Beijing, China, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, President Tinubu commended the role of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, in advancing partnership between Africa and China for mutual development and prosperity.

”The African spirit for FOCAC is based upon mutual respect and partnership that promotes development, happiness, peace, and stability for our people. We are in this journey together. We believe that we share common interests, which are investments and development.

”For me, as a Nigerian and as Chairman of ECOWAS, I am happy that the strategic partnership being promoted is acceptable to both sides and this is the way to go,” the president said.

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President Tinubu also called for a strategic focus on areas of collaboration that will ensure the relationship remains mutually beneficial.

“Africa is a huge opportunity for economic development. As great people, we are willing to partner for progress and development. What is most important will be the focus of FOCAC in areas on which we can collaborate to make the relationship mutually beneficial to all of us,” President Tinubu stated.

The president, who is in Beijing for the ninth FOCAC, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation by the Chinese government.

“I thank you for receiving us warmly. I am happy, despite the jetlag; we were well received and we are ready to move the ball,” the president concluded.

The Premier said China was ready to work with Nigeria to deliver on the mutual understanding reached by President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu under the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

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The leaders also agreed to build a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.

This was the outcome of talks between the two leaders during President Tinubu’s official visit to China.

President Tinubu’s official visit precedes his participation in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, scheduled to hold from September 4-6, 2024.

”This is an important visit for Nigeria and the rest of Africa, as I arrive in my capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS. I thank you for the high-level of honour accorded to us.

”Relations between China and Nigeria have indeed lasted for over half a century and should be further strengthened to advance our trade and economic development programmes.

”Nigeria holds great potential as the country with the largest population in Africa and is the biggest economy with a very young population that can drive economic growth and cross-sectoral programmes.

”We have upgraded the relationship to more than what is just strategic — but a comprehensive developmental partnership.

”This comprehensive strategic partnership should result in robust development, stability, and security in the West African sub-region. This is very crucial,” President Tinubu said.

On economic reforms in Nigeria, President Tinubu told his Chinese counterpart that his administration remained committed to sustainable growth through the effective implementation of ongoing economic reforms.

”We believe that President Xi has demonstrably reformed the Chinese economy, and our reform programme in Nigeria is on a similar course. I am a reformer with verifiable antecedents.

”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.

”Trading and investment partners will have easy access to bring in their investments and seamlessly take their resources out,” the president stated.

In his remarks, President Xi noted the strong mutual understanding between Nigeria and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties over the past 50 years.

”We have found the path of seeking collective strength, through unity, and win-win cooperation.

”China and Nigeria, as major developing countries, strengthening strategic coordination, will inject fresh impetus to China-Africa relations in the new era and spearhead common progress among Global South countries,” President Xi said.

According to the Chinese leader, the 2024 FOCAC Summit provided an opportunity to reflect on mutual friendships and advance the consolidation of China-Africa relations.

He pledged that China and Nigeria would continue to work closely within the FOCAC framework as a model of cooperation between nations.

During the meeting, both presidents witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, MOUs, on various areas of mutual interest:

(1) Cooperation plan between Nigeria and China on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative

(2) Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Energy

(3) Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation on Human Resource Development under the Global Development Initiative

(4) Memorandum of Understanding on Media Exchange and Cooperation

(5) Memorandum of Understanding between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority

Earlier, on Monday in Beijing, President Tinubu visited the China Railway Construction Corporation, CRCC, during which he acknowledged the company’s role as a reliable partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure development programme, commending its ongoing railway projects in the country.

”It is equally very important that we give assurances to the Nigerian people across our local communities that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway segments will be completed and done to the satisfaction of Nigeria and West Africa at large.

”We will support your investment in solid minerals and other ventures in Nigeria. I am here to assure you that Nigeria is ready to do business with you,” the president said during a meeting with the Chairman of CRCC, Mr. Dai Hegen, following a tour of the CRCC and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, office in Beijing.

Mr. Hegen informed the president that CRCC had been involved in Nigeria for 43 years, implementing over 300 projects and training over 100,000 local workers.

”The Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Lagos-Ibadan Railway have transported approximately 9 million passengers and 180 tonnes of cargo. The Lagos blue line has transported over 1.6 million passengers,” he said.

In a separate engagement, President Tinubu visited Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre, where the company announced the launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom aimed at enhancing digital literacy in underserved Nigerian communities.

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During the president’s meeting with Huawei’s leadership, led by Mr. Liang Hua, chairman of the Board of Directors, the company said the initiative would operate in 10 states annually, training at least 3,000 students each year.

Acknowledging the ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to train 3 million technical talents (3MTT) and equip the country’s young population with the skills necessary for present and future economic opportunities, Huawei’s leadership said the DigiTruck initiative will complement the programme.

Mr. Hua praised the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda for identifying digital technology as a critical driver of economic growth.

“This is very encouraging for us. Huawei is fully prepared to offer its ICT expertise and become a reliable partner of the Nigerian government to support the country in achieving its policy objectives and furthering its digital, intelligent, and low-carbon development.”

Also speaking, Mr. Chris Lu, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Nigeria, expressed support for Nigeria’s National Talent Export Programme, NATEP, an initiative that seeks to position Nigeria as a hub for talent outsourcing in Africa.

“In the future, we hope to continuously develop the NOC and expand its capacity so that it can meet the requirements of more African markets, thus facilitating more Nigerian technology talents in serving more overseas’ markets and helping to achieve the goal of NATEP,” Mr. Lu said.

During the tour of the Huawei Research Centre’s exhibition hall, President Tinubu and his delegation were introduced to Huawei’s latest innovations in e-government, smart education, smart grid, and solar power, demonstrating their potential to enhance public services, digital governance, and Nigeria’s inclusive development agenda.

As part of the efforts to achieve the aforementioned goals, Huawei also plans to establish a joint PV test lab with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency, REA.

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The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale.

He said Tinubu would have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.

In China, the president will meet with President Xi Jinping and will hold meetings with Chinese business leaders on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by senior government officials on the trip.

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The Chinese president spoke through his special envoy, Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairperson, Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, People’s Republic of China who met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

Qinghua said the two countries at present had good bilateral relations and economic cooperation, noting that Chinese companies were doing well in Nigeria in railways, roads, hydropower and free trade zones.

While commending President Tinubu’s plan to lead Nigeria to a new era of economic development and prosperity, the Chinese envoy, however, said there were areas where Nigeria could benefit from China.

He called on the two countries to share ideas and align strategies, urging President Tinubu to also create more conducive environment for investment.

Responding, President Tinubu said Nigeria was open for business and constructive partnerships, and would do business with any country ready to do business with it.

He promised that his administration would work to promote ease of doing business.

He said: “We need accelerated growth and we are ready to do business honestly with those ready to do business with us.

“We will continue to work to promote democracy in the West African sub-region. I’m a product of democracy and shall work day and night to advance democracy.

“We will fight terrorism and all forms of criminality.

“We will continue to work to promote democracy in the West African sub-region. I’m a product of democracy and shall work day and night to advance democracy.

“We will fight terrorism and all forms of criminality.

“We can learn from each other, but we will remain non-aligned.”

The Chinese delegation included her Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun and Minister-Counselor Zhang Yi.

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Xi Jinping was also elected Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China on the platform of the ruling Communist Party of China.

The re-election on Friday was an outcome of the ongoing session of the 14th National People’s Congress.

The event marked the third plenary meeting of the first session of the congress which held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.

Xi Jinping’s re-election as President of China illustrates the choice by representatives of Chinese people and the history of the 1.4 billion population of the country.

It also reflects Chinese path to modernisation, democratic culture and tradition to remove 100 million people out of poverty.

Source: NAN

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The declaration is as reported by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

‘‘Nigeria is an important strategic partner of China in Africa. China-Nigeria cooperation has been the pacesetter of China-Africa cooperation,’’ President Xi wrote in a letter to the Nigerian leader, appreciating his congratulatory letter on the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which came up October 1.

The Chinese leader, Adesina said, pointed out that he attached great importance to the development of China-Nigeria relations, and assured President Buhari that his country would spare no effort in strengthening existing relations.

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