The Chinese government has pledged its commitment to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects in Nigeria. The assurance was given during a bilateral meeting between the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, and a Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, in Beijing.
China had initially agreed to provide 85% financing for these railway projects, while Nigeria was responsible for the remaining 15%. However, China’s funds were not released, primarily due to budget constraints and other commitments.
During the meeting, President Xi Jinping expressed his support for Nigeria’s economic development, pledging to increase investments in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy. He also emphasized the need for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria and assured that China would continue its commitment to peace and security in the Sahel region.
The Chinese leader stated that China and Nigeria should strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. He acknowledged Nigeria’s support of the one-China policy and expressed his commitment to Nigeria’s exports, particularly in the area of peanuts.
Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, expressed the importance of the railway projects to Nigeria and emphasized their role in further enhancing Nigeria-China relations. He highlighted the non-political interference and mutual international cooperation between the two countries.
The commitment from China to refinance and complete these railway projects is significant for Nigeria’s infrastructure development and bilateral relations with China.
Stay tuned for further developments on these railway projects.