Minister of State for Affairs, Mohammed Bello Goronyolauded the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and China, describing it as a catalyst for progress in infrastructure, transportation, mining and knowledge transfer.
Speaking at the CAITE Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja on November 28, 2024, Goronyo highlighted the mutual commitment of the two countries to promote sustainable development through strategic cooperation.
The Minister stressed the importance of Nigeria's National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), a long-term framework that aims to increase the GDP contribution of infrastructure from 30-35% to 70% by 2043.
The minister said the plan prioritizes investment in critical sectors including transportation, energy, health care and water systems, according to a statement on Friday from Mohammed Ahmed, the ministry's director of press and public relations.
Goronyo praised China's significant role in transformational projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and renewable energy initiatives, which have significantly enhanced connectivity, commerce and capacity building across the country.
Noting the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities and innovative financing, Goronyo underlined the need for technical training and public-private partnerships to sustain progress.
He said: “This long-term strategic framework prioritizes investment in key sectors including transport, energy, water, irrigation and health care infrastructure.”
“NIIMP will promote innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, as well as enhance collaboration with global partners like China to deliver sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.
“Through this scheme, it is hoped that Nigeria will build strong infrastructure, which will drive industrialization, improve the quality of life and position the country as a hub for trade and investment in Africa. This is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Minister of Transport, Senator Abubakar Saeed Alkali, in his keynote address, lauded the Nigeria-China partnership for its contributions to the rail, road and maritime sectors.
He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna Railway as a prime example of the concrete benefits derived from this collaboration.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dun Hai described the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation demonstrating the transformative potential of engineering and technology.
He reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening relations with Nigeria in ways that promote economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development.
Chairman of the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Mr Erie Nee, echoed these sentiments, stressing that relations between the two countries have been mutually beneficial.
“Chinese enterprises, engineers and investors have played an integral role in Nigeria’s development, especially in construction, telecommunications, energy and transportation,” he said.
Director-General of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation, trade and cultural exchanges to cement the prosperous future of both countries.
He stressed that continued cooperation will ensure innovation, growth and stability in the years to come.
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