National News
Nigeria @ 63: Gains of Nigeria-China’s diplomatic relations
Nigeria @ 63: Gains of Nigeria-China’s diplomatic relations
By: Fortune Abang
Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China has continued to attract tangible development since inception of the formal establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations on Feb. 10, 1971.
Over the years, both countries worked closely together, particularly in celebration of their respective independence anniversary on October 1, annually.
The celebration centered on the commemoration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria often promote benefits of cooperation between them.
As both countries commemorate their anniversary this year, it has become important to glance at gains of Nigeria’s partnership with China so far, in terms of national development.
Such gains derived under framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include; the Agricultural Projects tagged: Green Agriculture West Africa Ltd., (GAWAL) by CGCOC Group Co., Ltd in 2006.
Construction and Operation of Agriculture High-tech Abuja-Industrial Park in 2013, by GAWAL and development of Lekki Port, the first deep sea port in Nigeria by CHEC with the BOOT model, completed in October, 2022.
Also, construction of the Lekki Deep-Sea Port, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway projects are expected to create nearly US$360 billion of economic benefits and 170,000 jobs for Nigeria.
Furthermore, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, constructed by China Civil and Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).
Nigeria-China relations which span above 52 years has indeed, stood the test of time with Nigeria benefitting strategically in their trade volume pegged at $5.4billion, as of the first quarter of 2023.
Nigeria and China share similarities, in terms of celebration of indepence every 1st of October, which mark an important day for both countries having the largest population in their respective continents.
Nigeria and China are both highly complimentary in economic structure and development strategy.
Obviously, Nigeria has enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development through cooperation with China and thereby, flourished in many spheres of economic and social development.
Nigeria, one of African countries that has attracted most investments from China is the third largest trading partner to the country.
According to Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, trade volume between Nigeria and China reached $23.9 billion in 2022.
Yan said, “In spite of the impact of Covid-19, Nigeria still maintains its position as China’s largest civil engineering contracting market, second largest export destination, third largest trading partner and major investment destination.
“The opportunities arising from Chinese Modernisation will certainly benefit 200 million Nigerians.
“China is willing to work together with Nigeria to strengthen the development strategy dialogue, enhance close contacts at various levels to firmly support each other.
“To expand pragmatic cooperation in all aspects and promote development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership towards a deeper and higher level.”
Obviously, partnership between Nigeria and China brought about High-Quality Development of Belt and Road Cooperation, and many landmark construction projects by Nigeria-based Chinese enterprises.
Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China also enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development.
Cooperation between the two countries is flourishing, especially in the fields of politics, trade, infrastructure development, IT, agriculture and culture.
As of January 2023, the opening ceremony of Nigeria’s Lekki deep-Sea Port herald its operation as the largest deep-water port in West Africa constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.
In line with this, President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping had during the official exchange of pleasantries on the occasion of October 1, independence anniversary promised to deepen Nigeria-China ties.
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd and China’s 73rd independence anniversary respectively.
In his letter, congratulating the Chinese president on the anniversary, Buhari said Nigeria’s relation with China achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits.
According to him, Nigeria sought to elevate its strategic partnership with China to a new level.
Buhari said, “The bilateral ties between Nigeria and China have achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits.
“We thank China for its support to us in various ways and are ready to seek more collaborations with you, as well as to elevate the Strategic Partnership between our two countries to a new level.”
For his part, Xi said the Sino-Nigerian relations enjoy sound momentum, with political mutual trust being enhanced, cooperation in various fields yielded fruitful results and coordination on international and regional affairs being closer.
“I highly value the development of China-Nigeria relations, and would like to join efforts with you to promote the strategic partnership between our two countries and the two peoples.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks during the 74th independence anniversary celebration of China, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, lauded Chinese for driving growth and development in the nation.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Bimbo Salu-Hudeyin, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said China had helped in the actualisation of significant projects in Nigeria.
According to him, the completion of the first phase of the Blue Line rail transportation from Marina to Mile-2 is one of the mutually beneficial partnerships between China and Lagos State.
“We commend the people of China for their incredible spirit that has continued to drive growth and development.
“Your outstanding and remarkable accomplishment in critical areas such as infrastructure, technological innovations, and aerospace technology, ecological development, cultural evolution etc, is most inspiring.
“The government of Lagos State cherishes the long standing beneficial relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
“This relationship has contributed immensely to the rapid growth of our economy, especially in the areas of trade infrastructure and road construction,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The analysts agreed that irrespective of the evolving international situation Nigeria-China pragmatic cooperation in major sectors also witnessed a rapid development, driven by wheels of guiding strategy, trade, investment and contracted projects, development assistance, and that a lot more could be achieved by deepening relations to build community with shared future.
Nigeria @ 63: Gains of Nigeria-China’s diplomatic relations
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
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