- China is to foot 85% of total cost of the project
- The Chinese President pushed for the safeguarding of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria
- It is unclear if the Nigerian representatives made same request for Nigerians living in China
The Chinese government has reaffirmed its dedication to financing and completing the crucial Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects in Nigeria. The commitment was made by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to Nigerian representatives during a bilateral meeting in Beijing.
The symbolic meeting in the Chinese capital, had Nigerian and Chinese officials discussing crucial developmental policies aimed at strenghtening the bond between both nations
With regards to the mega rail project for Nigeria, though Xi did promise to fulfil the Chinese part of the deal, where China would foot 85% of the bill; as at presstime, only Nigeria, with 15% cost responsibilty, had honored its own commitment.
During the meeting at the People’s Building in China, President Xi expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between China and Nigeria. He assured increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy sectors.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding Chinese nationals working in Nigeria and promised continued efforts to crackdown on terrorists and supporting peace in the Sahel region.
President Xi also acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in international relations and supported Nigeria’s exports, particularly in areas like peanuts. The Chinese leader reiterated the significance of the China-Africa talent initiative in fostering cooperation with Nigeria.
With Xi,s emphasis on the protection of lives and properties of Chinese nationals living and working in Nigeria, observers are wondering if the Nigerian representatives at the Beijing meeting, tabled same requests to the Chinese President, for vulnerable Nigerians living in China
SOURCE: Punch
