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Category: Economy

  • FG Reconvenes Meeting to Fast-Track Implementation of China-Nigeria FOCAC Agreements

    FG Reconvenes Meeting to Fast-Track Implementation of China-Nigeria FOCAC Agreements

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has reconvened a high-level inter-ministerial follow-up meeting to accelerate the implementation of agreements signed at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.

    The session, co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), focused on reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and ensuring the swift execution of commitments aimed at fostering inclusive economic development.

    The meeting, chaired by Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) integral to Nigeria-China bilateral cooperation. Participants provided detailed situation reports and proposed strategies to enhance collaboration, ensuring that signed agreements translate into tangible outcomes for Nigerians.

    Ambassador Olisa, in her remarks, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to leveraging the partnership to drive economic growth, emphasising the urgency of converting memoranda of understanding (MOUs) into actionable projects that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.

    Central to the discussions was Nigeria’s ambition to secure a significant portion of China’s $51 billion pledge for green infrastructure development across Africa, with the country targeting at least $10 billion to bolster priority sectors such as agriculture, the digital economy, and critical infrastructure.

    Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the NCSP, in his remarks said the agency’s is playing a crucial role in coordinating these efforts and urged MDAs to adopt a proactive approach.

    “This partnership offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to unlock investments that will drive job creation, economic diversification, and long-term prosperity,” he stated.

    Key resolutions from the meeting included harmonising legal frameworks to facilitate project execution, aligning project roadmaps with national development goals, optimising budgets for efficiency, and establishing technical committees to fast-track implementation.

    A follow-up review session is scheduled in the coming weeks to monitor progress on agreed action items, with MDAs continuing working meetings to resolve outstanding challenges.

    At the 2024 FOCAC summit, both nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They signed over ten cooperation documents, covering a wide range of sectors including nuclear energy, human resource development, and media exchange and cooperation. Additionally, they committed to high-quality collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative.

  • Stakeholders Urge Deeper Nigeria-China Cooperation Amid Global Trade Disruptions

    Stakeholders Urge Deeper Nigeria-China Cooperation Amid Global Trade Disruptions

    Stakeholders at a high-level dialogue on Tuesday called for strengthened economic and trade cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China to navigate global trade challenges.

    The event, themed “Maintaining Resilience and Seeking Opportunities in Nigeria-China Cooperation Amidst International Trade Disruptions and Tariff Wars,” was held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.

    Organised by the Centre for China Studies, the dialogue brought together policymakers, scholars, industry leaders, and business stakeholders to strategise on deepening Nigeria-China ties in the face of global economic turbulence.

    In his welcome address, Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, said the purpose of the dialogue is to identify and leverage opportunities in Nigeria-China relations amid U.S.-imposed trade disruptions.

    He described the recent tariffs, termed “Liberation Day” by Washington, as a significant setback for global trade, with Nigeria facing a 13% tariff and China an unprecedented 146%. Onunaiju criticised these measures as self-defeating, pointing to their adverse effects on U.S. supply chains, including empty supermarket shelves and reduced port activity.

    Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2022 World Economic Forum address, Onunaiju noted that the world is undergoing “profound and sweeping changes unseen in a century.” He praised China’s “Dual Circulation” economic model, which balances domestic market strength with global integration, as a blueprint for Nigeria to build resilience against trade shocks.

    “Nigeria and China must focus on opportunities and minimise risks,” Onuniaju said.

    He advocated for governance experience-sharing as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, enabling Nigeria to develop strategic foresight and adaptability in policy-making.

    Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed the resilience of the Nigeria-China partnership, rooted in decades of mutual respect and collaboration.

    Tuggar, represented by Mohammed Haidara, stated that the bilateral trade between both countries has grown significantly, spurring industrial development, technology transfer, and infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

    “Trade disruptions, though daunting, present an opportunity for innovation and recalibration,” the Minister said. He outlined Nigeria’s ambition to diversify its economy and expand its industrial and agricultural sectors, with China’s expertise and investment playing a critical role.

    The Minister advocated for enhanced cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology to bolster economic resilience and ensure sustainable growth.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Mrs Harrong Dong, said Nigeria and China must work together to sail through “these turbulent and torrent waters.”

    “As we all know, China and Nigeria are very close partners, with trade volume reaching $22 billion, among the highest in Africa,” she said.

    Other speakers stressed the need for enhanced partnerships in critical sectors such as trade, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, cultural exchange, and human capital development, to further solidify Nigeria-China relations.

  • CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment

    CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment


    • Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
    • Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
    In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
    Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
    Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
    “We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
    The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
    “These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
    The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
    “We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
    The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
    Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
    “We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
    The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.

  • World Bank Commends Sokoto L-PRES Office for Financial Management

    World Bank Commends Sokoto L-PRES Office for Financial Management

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

    The World Bank Financial Management Specialist, Mr. Arigu Yusufu Kudu, has praised the Sokoto Livelihood and Public Works Project (L-PRES) office for its timely financial reporting processes. 

    The commendation was made during a financial review meeting with management teams of World Bank-funded projects in Sokoto State, including L-PRES, RAAMP, and ACReSAL.

    The financial review meeting aimed to address seven key areas as Interim Financial Report, Internal Audit Report, External Audit Report, Fixed Asset Register as well as Bank Statement.,Bank Reconciliation and Statement of Expenditure. 

    The objective of the review was to identify and correct anomalies in financial reporting processes, enhancing the efficiency of the projects in fulfilling their responsibilities.

    Mr. Arigu expressed appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the L-PRES management team, acknowledging their efforts in maintaining high standards of financial management. 

    The commendation highlights the L-PRES office’s effectiveness in managing World Bank funds and its potential for continued success in project implementation.

  • Julius Berger wins Best Construction and Infrastructure Company of the Decade

    Julius Berger wins Best Construction and Infrastructure Company of the Decade

    Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Thursday night in Lagos, emerged the Best Construction and Infrastructure Company of the Decade. At an award ceremony organised by West Africa Innovation Awards designed to promote excellence, creativity and innovation among brands and brands professionals in the West African subregion, the company came tops ahead of two others from the sector.

    According to the Chairman of the Award Organising Committee, Cammil Chineme, Julius Berger is worth celebrating for its core values, professionalism and solid testimony of its doggedness in pursuing its endeavours.

    We salute your professional prowess; we salute your courage  and uncommon professionalism causing you to move from one conquest to another and for winning this Diamond Award for Customer Service Excellence, the Chairman said, adding that the West Africa Innovation Awards is making a name in identifying real industry leaders in West Africa and appreciating them accordingly.

    Speaking after receiving the Award on behalf of Julius Berger, the Director, Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita appreciated the organisers for the prize even as he seized the opportunity to tell a bit of the Julius Berger success story in Nigeria amidst applause from the audience.

    According to Kaita, Julius Berger has been in Nigeria for more than 50 years. We built the first bridge in Lagos in 1965. And that bridge, Eko Bridge, still stands solidly till today, despite all the vehicular and traffic pressure on it. We began the unique cold recycling tecnology in building roads for Nigeria. It saves about 90% of resources that go into construction works. That technology has been so successful that it is now being studied as a course in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    He did not mince words in letting the audience in on the fact that contrary to what had been sold to the Nigerian public in the past, Julius Berger International is a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC; saying emphatically that, Julius Berger International is a branch of Julius Berger Nigeria.

    Raising up the Award plaque, Kaita dedicated it to all the staff of Julius Berger whose commitment continue to make  the company transform its challenges into tangible opportunities for the company, our operational communities and the country at large.

    The West Africa Innovation Awards 2025, as an annual event encourages professionals across different sectors and countries in the subregion to go above the limit and set new records of impactful achievements. The first edition took place in 2012, and has remained a yearly window of honours and awards ever since

  • SWOFON Enjoins Kogi Govt. To Establish fruit Processing IndustryTo reduce Post harvest loss

    SWOFON Enjoins Kogi Govt. To Establish fruit Processing IndustryTo reduce Post harvest loss

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Government has been called upon to engage Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach to establish fruit processing industries to reduce Post harvest loss in the state.

    The Small Scale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON) and Kogi State Budget Committee Group (BCG) with support from ActionAid Nigeria, made the call on Friday in Lokoja during a press briefing on the Kogi State 2025 Agriculture Budget Analysis, Observations and Recommendations held at Golden Grand Royale hotels, Lokoja.

    The briefing which was co- headed by comrade Mathias Okpanachi, Hajia Rukayat Ahmed and Faith Barikisu Ogaji asked the state government to expand post-harvest loss reduction interventions beyond grain storage to include fruits and vegetables to boost its agricultural economy.

    “With Kogi accounting for N94.5bn of Nigeria’s annual N3.5 trillion post-harvest losses, and smallholder women farmers having access to only 19.90% processing and 19.45% storage facilities, there is a critical need for investment in cottage-level processing and storage infrastructure.”

    The Group who blamed the poor performance of 2024 budget to  the government’s weak policy focus on smallholder farmers who are the main food producers said this has partly contributed to ongoing food inflation in Kogi State, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.

    “The Kogi state Agricultural Development Project (ADP), tasked with responsibility of supporting smallholder farmers through extension services, was the least performing MDA with only 38% execution.”

    ‘We therefore urge the government to ensure that the allocations meant to support smallholder farmers especially women are fully and timely released to support their farming activities to boost food production and promote food and nutrition security.”

    The group also lamented over the non release of the three tractors allocated to SWOFON by the state government in the 2024 budget which were allegedly diverted to Ondo and Niger states respectively.

    The SWOFON stressed the need for a comprehensive Agriculture Policy   framework that incorporates the Continental and National priorities and also consolidates the Continuity agenda of the administration which aims to provide food sufficiency and security for citizens of the state.

    Extension Services: “Beyond the need for enhanced capacity and skills of extension workers to engage farmers on emerging farming techniques as budgeted, the transfer of knowledge and skills to end users (farmers) will not be possible if funds are not allocated to support extension service provision.”

    “We therefore recommend the government to urgently increase the allocation to extension services to include the provision of extension services to farmers.”

  • Climate Change is a threat to national development -Permsec Environment ministry

    Climate Change is a threat to national development -Permsec Environment ministry

    Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna 

    The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud A. Kambari said Climate Change has become a critical issue, both for its global importance and threats to National development.

    Kambari disclosed this at the just concluded “Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Vulnerability Communities in South-West Geopolitical Zone’s worksop.

    He cited example of Nigeria’s desertification process advancing southward and potential submergence of the 853 kilometers stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. 

    “Climate Change has become a critical issue, both for its global importance and threats to National development. For instance, we have the desertification process advancing southward and potential submergence of the 853 kilometers stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean”, he said.

    He also said for these and many other reasons, “We can’t but continue to implement the Climate Change Convention, related Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement and our local efforts and initiatives at combating the threats of Climate Change and global warming”.

    He said Nigeria recognized, with great concern, this threat that climate change poses to livelihoods, economic sustainability, and health, and the imperative to embed climate change issues within the context of its work in the country.

    “Overcoming the development challenge of climate change requires that appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures are implemented coherently and integratively, in which they are appropriately mainstreamed into national programs and projects for sustainable development.

    “It also emphasizes the need for a strategic plan of action or roadmap for a national approach or response to climate change”, he noted.

    According to him, the Government of Nigeria regarded the challenge of climate change as inimical to its national sustainable development that must be squarely addressed.

    “Thus, various national efforts have been put in place at all levels of governance to promote climate-resilient environmental sustainability in the context of national development. 

    “These efforts range from putting policies and legislation in place to building institutional capacity, effective participation in global climate change negotiations and signing international agreements, building partnerships, sourcing funding, and embarking on some initiatives for climate change response.

    “The country has built partnerships with several non-governmental actors (civil society organizations, private sector operators, and development partners) to broaden the base for tackling the menace of climate change”, he stated.

    Kambari added that “The Government will explicitly address climate change as part of the various sectoral policies and management instruments that are related to this global problem”.

    “Climate Change will be taken as a strategic development issue in all areas of public policy. There is no gainsaying that there will be some climate changes that cannot be avoided due to past and inevitable future global emissions, but the detrimental effects can be avoided if we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to an acceptable level.

    “Therefore, we must move beyond thinking about climate change and global warming to take action as a nation. 

    “Since taking actions that will alleviate the effects of climate change and a warmer world is everyone’s responsibility, we will be interacting and working with the general public, individuals, communities, businesses & industries, international partners, and the global community to create the necessary awareness in this direction. 

    “The Department of Climate Change has the full backing of the Ministry to drive the practical fulfillment of the Federal Government’s vision and mission for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. 

    “We will provide leadership in promoting the culture necessary to establish the right conditions for our people to adapt, supporting quality research, education, and awareness efforts, and enforcing industry regulations that will guide businesses and communities in adapting and mitigating climate change, while providing national policy direction in combating Climate Change.

    “As committed and zealous to combating the effects of Climate Change as we may be, our efforts alone cannot give us the desired goal, until and unless the state governments share in our vision, and effective collaboration and fully partner with us in contributing their time, knowledge, resources and committed trust to support the achievement of our statutory objectives.

    “I am happy to note that this workshop will be focusing on:- Strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities in Nigeria to natural and man-made disasters as well as their capacity to prepare, respond to, recover from, and reduce risks associated with such disasters.

    “If we can achieve the objectives of this workshop as outlined above, the issue of climate change will become increasingly popular in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Environment is looking forward to seeing a time when climate change will be placed on center stage and given the priority it deserves. 

    “To attain this level, all stakeholders need to work as one in mainstreaming it among states’ high-priority policy issues”, he explained.

    He therefore urged all participants to share knowledge and experience and come up with innovative recommendations that would aid the government in taking proactive measures towards enhancing the level of managing our environment, 

    and declare the workshop opened.

  • Stakeholders commend FG over seamless operations of tolling at Garaku toll plaza

    Stakeholders commend FG over seamless operations of tolling at Garaku toll plaza

    By Lucy Omakpo

    Motorist plying the ever busy Keffi, Akwanga, Lafia, Makurdi express road have commended the FG for ensuring seamless operations at the toll plaza as against the initial hicuup the project experienced shortly after flag off.

    Recall that earlier in Febuary this year the Federal government through the works ministry announced the commencement of tolling activities on federal roads across the country with commencement of toll operations on the 227.2km Abuja-Kaffi-Akwanga- Lafia-Makurdi Road Corridor

    Speaking at the flag off of tolling which took place at Garaku toll gate on the sprawling brand new Abuja, Lafia Makurdi expressway earlier in Febuary this year, the minister of state Works, Bello Goronyo stated that the decision of the federal government to toll the road was primarily two prungs. One was to ensure that funds are available to make the road remains in tenable condition all year round and secondly to generate funds for repayment of the loan facility secured for the expansion and reconstruction of the road in line with the Federal Government agreement in rehabilitating and upgrading the road through a Preferential Credit Loan from China Exim Bank.

    The Loan Agreement provided amongst others, that upon completion, the road will be tolled, operated, and maintained by a Private Party. This clause in the agreement is to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Consewuently the Federal Ministry of Works executed a Concession Agreement with Ms China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd (CHOMC) on 26th May, 2023 for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the 227.2km. Abuja Keffl-Akwanga-Lafia Makurdi Rood Corridor for a twenty five (25) year period, as part of the twelve pilot Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Road Projects, which has the approval of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

    A recent visit to the toll plaza by our correspondent shows that operations are going on seamlessly as the concessionaire,
    China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd, has put modalities in place to make toll payment easy for motorists. Motorists plying the route do their toll payment through an electronic card payment system that ensures transparency and ease of payment for all classes of vehicles as boldly displayed on the plaza.

    Speaking with our correspondent. A commercial driver, Mr Fidelis Aku, commended the Federal Government and the operators of the toll gate for their efficiency and innovation. According to him many of the commercial drivers olying Abuja to Markudi are happy with the development irrespective of the introduction of toll fees as long as a part of the fund was deployed for the maintenace of the road. ” l have been plying this road for over a decade as a commercial driver, i know what this road use to be like and what it is today. It is a huge relief and i must thank the government. Before now the road was in very bad state. It was single lane and even the single lane was full of pot holes which led to a lot of accidents on the road. There was also this dangerous portion around “Gidan Wire”, it was a death trap. The road was snaky with huge with deep gorges on both sides! Its a miracle that the construction company, China Harbor, CHEC, was able to overcome the challenges and construct this beautiful road we are seeing today. The deep gorges seems to have disappeared and and all sections of the road have been propwrly align to remove the snaky and dangerous turns”

    Also speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Aliyu Kwande, also a commercial driver said, with the realigning and reconstruction of the road he now finds it easy to make at least two trips in a day between Abuja and Makurdi, whereas in the past he could only make a single trip. This he said has boosted his revenue.

    ” Being able to go to Makurdi twice in a day has greatly improved my revenue, furthermore my vehicle does not visit the mechanic frequently like it used to because the condition of the road is now better than before. The benefit drivers derive from having this road rehabilitated and expanded far outweighs the token we have to pay at the toll gate. I would like to commend the federal government for this initiative and also suggests that this model be extended to another parts of the country, there is no way we expert the FG to maintain this road without road tax, this is the standard globally, if we want good road, we should be able to pay a token to ensure that the road is constantly in good shape and like i said i don’t have to go to the mechanic always as a result of frequent breakdown of my vehicle. The maintenance cost of my vehicle has significantly reduced. Besides the journey from Abuja to Markudi that use to take about seven hours has reduced to less than four hours. This has been a game changer for me and many others like me.
    I believe the model should be extended to other roads across the country. Secure a loan facility build the road then toll to maintain the road and also repay the loan. This to me is a workable model that would ensure that we have good roads across the country.

    Also speaking with our correspondent, one of the staff of the concession company China Habour Operation and Maintenance Company Ltd, who didn’t want his name in print because he is not authorised to speak to the press, said the company is operating under the guidance and supervision of the ministry of Works and that tolls are applied as gazetted by the federal government. Saloon cars – N500, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Jeeps– N800, Minibuses – N1,000, Multi-axle vehicles – N1,600.

    He also revealed that frequent users, such as commercial vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Act, receive a 50% discount. Additionally, tricycles, pedal vehicles, motorcycles, and other two- or three-wheeled modes of transport primarily used by disadvantaged populations are exempted from toll charges. ” there were initial hicupp on commencement but all that has been sorted out now and our operation is running smoothly”, he said

    The Abuja, Lafia Makurdi road corridor
    is a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria, serving as an essential highway for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern regions of the country.

    The Road Corridor is crucial for the economic, social, and strategic development of Nigeria. It serves as a key artery for trade, mobility, and national security while contributing to the growth of infrastructure, urbanization, and national cohesion. Hence observers believe that the effective maintenance and further development of the corridor will continue to play a significant role in the nation’s economy and in enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who uses the road corridor.

  • Tegbe Visits China Chamber of Commerce, Vows to Boost Chinese Investments in Nigeria

    Tegbe Visits China Chamber of Commerce, Vows to Boost Chinese Investments in Nigeria

    By Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    The Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, has vowed to attract more Chinese investments in key sectors such as agriculture, alternative energy, solid mineral development, and healthcare in Nigeria.

    He made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja on Friday.

    Tegbe also expressed willingness to work closely with the Chamber to ensure ease of doing business for Chinese enterprises within the extant laws of Nigeria.

    He called on the Chinese Business Community to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s and President Xi Jinping’s efforts to foster a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between both countries.

    According to him, Nigeria is willing to leverage the comprehensive strategic plan between Nigeria and China to transition from a trade relationship to a developmental partnership where China catalyzes industrialization in Nigeria.

    Dr. Cui Guanzhen, Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce, assured Tegbe of the Chamber’s support, noting the importance of a coordinating office in facilitating bilateral cooperation.

    He assured the visiting delegation of the support of the Chamber and its member companies, which include all Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) operating in Nigeria, as well as top-level private companies.

    “Our commitment to fostering a strong bilateral relationship is unwavering, and we believe that through collaborative efforts, we can facilitate a seamless business environment for Chinese enterprises in Nigeria,” Cui said.

    “Together, we can achieve significant advancements in infrastructure, solid minerals, agriculture, energy, and technology while also contributing to Nigeria’s industrialization and export capacity.

    “The China Chamber of Commerce, which is the umbrella body of Chinese-owned enterprises in Nigeria will provide all the support needed to achieve our shared objectives and ensure the success of the cooperation agreements signed between both countries at the 2024 FOCAC summit in Beijing,” he added.

  • Tegbe Highlights Private Sector’s Role in Nigeria-China Partnership

    Tegbe Highlights Private Sector’s Role in Nigeria-China Partnership

    My Michael Onjewu, Abuja

    Joseph Olasunkami Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, emphasized the crucial role of private enterprises from China and Nigeria in fostering a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between the two countries.

    Tegbe made this statement during his keynote address at the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo, which recently took place in Abuja.

    The event brought together stakeholders from Nigeria and China and featured the launch of the Green Development Index in Africa and China, an initiative to promote sustainability and environmentally friendly practices across both regions.

    According to Tegbe, private enterprises from both countries will drive growth, development, and prosperity in both nations.

    He noted that the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Office was created to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded trade and investment, infrastructure development, human capacity building, and technology transfer.

    Tegbe urged the business community to take advantage of the partnership, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Belt and Road Initiative of the Chinese Government.

    Earlier in his remarks, Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Construction Association (CHINCA) said China and Nigeria are collaborating to leverage advanced technologies aimed at enhancing infrastructure development in both nations.

    Mr Fang emphasized that green development and the digital economy have emerged as key drivers of economic growth, presenting significant opportunities for collaboration in sustainable infrastructure.

    “Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and AI, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has become a focal point for our cooperation,” he said.

    Fang noted that Chinese companies have undertaken substantial infrastructure projects in Nigeria across various sectors, including transportation, power generation, petrochemicals, communications, and industrial investment parks.

    “Notable projects include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Oil Refinery, Lagos Rail Mass Transit, Lagos International Airport and the Lagos Blue Line Rail. These cooperation projects have contributed greatly to the social and economic development of Nigeria, and greatly strengthened our bilateral relations,” he added.