I’m a reformer with verifiable antecedents, Tinubu tells Chinese president

By Hadiza Ibrahim

President Bola Tinubu says the relationship between Nigeria and China has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Tinubu spoke in Beijing, the capital of China, when he met Xi Jinping, the Chinese president.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, said the two leaders also agreed to build a high-level Nigeria-China community with a shared future.

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.

”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,” the statement reads.

”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.”

Speaking on the economic reforms in Nigeria, Tinubu told the Chinese president that his administration remains 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,” he said.

”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,” the Chinese president said.

”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.”

The Chinese leader said the 2024 FOCAC summit provides 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,” ‘ the president said during a meeting with the Chairman of CRCC, Dai Hegen,

”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.”

Hegen informed the president that CRCC has 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.