Nigeria’s partnership with China through
the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has resulted in the
execution of vital infrastructure projects across the country, valued at
over $5 billion in the last three years.
the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has resulted in the
execution of vital infrastructure projects across the country, valued at
over $5 billion in the last three years.
President Muhammadu Buhari said on
Tuesday in Beijing at the FOCAC Round Table meeting, attended by African
leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Tuesday in Beijing at the FOCAC Round Table meeting, attended by African
leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Highlighting specific projects under
FOCAC, the President said that through the Chinese support, Nigeria has
impressively addressed significant challenges in the areas of
infrastructure, human capacity development, power, transport,
agriculture and humanitarian assistance.
FOCAC, the President said that through the Chinese support, Nigeria has
impressively addressed significant challenges in the areas of
infrastructure, human capacity development, power, transport,
agriculture and humanitarian assistance.
”For Nigeria, our partnership with China
through the FOCAC platform, has resulted in the construction of the
first urban rail system in West Africa. This $500 million project in
Abuja was commissioned in July this year.”
through the FOCAC platform, has resulted in the construction of the
first urban rail system in West Africa. This $500 million project in
Abuja was commissioned in July this year.”
The President also cited the construction
and operation of the first rail system in Africa that uses modern
Chinese standards and technology.
and operation of the first rail system in Africa that uses modern
Chinese standards and technology.
“This 180km rail line that connects Abuja
and Kaduna was commissioned two years ago at a cost of $500 million.
Today the rail line is functioning efficiently with no issues – indeed, a
sign that Chinese technology is world class,”
he noted.
and Kaduna was commissioned two years ago at a cost of $500 million.
Today the rail line is functioning efficiently with no issues – indeed, a
sign that Chinese technology is world class,”
he noted.
”Nigeria is leveraging Chinese funding to execute $3.4 billion worth of projects at various stages of completion.
“These include the upgrading of airport
terminals, the Lagos – Kano rail line, the Zungeru hydroelectric power
project and fibre cables for our internet infrastructure.
terminals, the Lagos – Kano rail line, the Zungeru hydroelectric power
project and fibre cables for our internet infrastructure.
”Furthermore, less than 3 months ago,
Nigeria signed an additional $1billion loan from China for additional
rolling stock for the newly constructed rail lines as well as road
rehabilitation and water supply projects”.
Nigeria signed an additional $1billion loan from China for additional
rolling stock for the newly constructed rail lines as well as road
rehabilitation and water supply projects”.
The Nigerian leader said that the
aforementioned projects had demonstrated the high level of consistency
and commitment China has shown in boosting its relations with African
countries under the umbrella of FOCAC.
aforementioned projects had demonstrated the high level of consistency
and commitment China has shown in boosting its relations with African
countries under the umbrella of FOCAC.
”I am optimistic that this Summit will
offer new opportunities that would build on these past achievements,”
Mr. Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media &
Publicity), quoted the president as saying on Tuesday.
offer new opportunities that would build on these past achievements,”
Mr. Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media &
Publicity), quoted the president as saying on Tuesday.
He added: ”Nigeria will continue to
support the FOCAC initiative and also seek to key into the Belt and Road
Initiative as an additional Chinese mechanism to build further
cooperation in our quest for infrastructural and economic
development.”
support the FOCAC initiative and also seek to key into the Belt and Road
Initiative as an additional Chinese mechanism to build further
cooperation in our quest for infrastructural and economic
development.”
President Buhari dispelled insinuations
about the so-called death trap by Chinese government on developing
countries, insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.
about the so-called death trap by Chinese government on developing
countries, insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.
”These vital infrastructure projects synchronize perfectly with our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Some of the debts incurred are self-liquidating.
Our country is able to re-pay loans as and when due in keeping
with our policy of fiscal prudence and sound housekeeping,” he said.
Some of the debts incurred are self-liquidating.
Our country is able to re-pay loans as and when due in keeping
with our policy of fiscal prudence and sound housekeeping,” he said.
While applauding China for its overall
commitment to the ideals of FOCAC, the President acknowledged that since
the launch of the Forum in 2000, China and Africa had striven to
implement the declarations and follow-up action plans
for the benefit of both parties.
commitment to the ideals of FOCAC, the President acknowledged that since
the launch of the Forum in 2000, China and Africa had striven to
implement the declarations and follow-up action plans
for the benefit of both parties.
President Buhari also commended President
Jinping, his Government and people for successfully hosting the Beijing
Summit aimed at further strengthening China-Africa partnership.
Jinping, his Government and people for successfully hosting the Beijing
Summit aimed at further strengthening China-Africa partnership.
