Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has secured China’s commitment to refinance and complete two crucial rail projects: the Abuja-Kano and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railways. Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the third Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday.
The two rail projects, part of Nigeria’s ambitious plan to modernize its transport infrastructure, have been delayed by funding constraints and other challenges. China had agreed to provide 85 percent of the financing for the construction of the railways, while Nigeria would cover the remaining 15 percent. However, China had not disbursed the funds for the projects, citing fiscal difficulties and prior obligations.
Shettima appealed to Xi to expedite the release of the funds and ensure the timely completion of the projects, which are vital for Nigeria’s economic development and regional integration. He also expressed Tinubu’s dedication to a strong and respectful partnership with China based on cooperation without political interference.
Xi responded positively to Shettima’s requests and pledged to boost China’s investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy sectors. He also thanked Nigeria for supporting the one-China policy and vowed to deepen practical collaboration with the West African nation.
Xi said China supports Nigeria’s role in international affairs and its allies’ commitments. He also praised Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Manifesto and his eight-point economic agenda, which aims to transform Nigeria into a prosperous and inclusive nation.
China also promised to support Nigeria’s exports, especially in products like peanuts, and to enhance the China-Africa talent initiative, which fosters human capital development. On the security front, Xi assured continued efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace in the Sahel region. He also highlighted the importance of their longstanding military training and joint exercises.
The meeting between Shettima and Xi was hailed as a milestone in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, which have grown steadily. China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment. The two countries have cooperated on various projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013.
The Abuja-Kano and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railways are expected to boost Nigeria’s trade, tourism, and social cohesion and connect it with neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. The railways will also create thousands of jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport.
The Nigerian government has expressed optimism that the rail projects will be completed by 2025, with the support of China. The government has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in managing the funds and implementing the projects.
Source: Business Day
