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Nigeria @ 63: Gains of Nigeria-China’s diplomatic relations

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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

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UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬‭

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UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬

By: Michael Mike

‭ In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects ‬led by grassroots organisations have been awarded ‭USD 395,000  ‬through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.

Awardees will receive between ‭US‬$5,000 and ‭US‬$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience. 

The announcement was livestreamed‭ ‬at an event showcasing the grant winners. 

The Small Grants Programme is ‭ ‬an ‭ ‬important tool for achieving the ‭G20 GLI’s mission of ‬reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.

‭Speaking during the award ceremony, ‬ Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,‭Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy‬, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be ‭supported, promoted and recognized,”‬

Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elder‭ly‬. 

The ‭ ‬programme ‭ ‬was ‭ ‬set ‭ ‬up ‭ ‬in ‭ ‬2024 ‭ ‬to ‭ ‬support ‭ ‬community-level ‭ ‬non-profit ‭ ‬organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress ‭ ‬across ‭ ‬global ‭aided ‬restoration ‭ ‬priorities, ‭ ‬such ‭ ‬as ‭ ‬soil ‭ ‬fertility ‭ ‬enhancement, ‭ ‬forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation. 

The statement added that beyond reclaiming ‭ ‬land, ‭ ‬the ‭ ‬projects ‭ ‬are ‭ ‬enhancing ‭ ‬livelihoods, ‭ ‬strengthening ‭ ‬community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and ‭eco‬-preneurship.

“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the ‭network ‬which we create and the visibility it provides ‭—‬ both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience‭,”‬ Thummarukudy added. 

Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight the‭ir‬ potential for scaling and replication across regions. 

The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future 
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.

Stressing ‭that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about ‬to start,‭” ‬Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.‭ ‬

He noted that the second ‭ ‬call ‭ ‬for ‭ ‬applications ‭ ‬will ‭ ‬open ‭ ‬in ‭ ‬2025 ‭ ‬with ‭ ‬increased ‭ ‬funding ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬expanded 
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide. 

Innovative ‭ ‬community-led ‭ ‬restoration ‭ ‬initiatives ‭ ‬are ‭ ‬essential ‭ ‬for ‭ ‬creating ‭ ‬green ‭ ‬jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.

Examples of selected 2024 grantees include‭: ‬ Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), ‭which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while ‬empowering ‭ ‬90 ‭ ‬women ‭ ‬as ‭ ‬landowners ‭ ‬of ‭ ‬fully organic cooperative ‭ ‬farms. ‭ ‬By ‭ ‬integrating climate-smart ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬artisanal farming methods, the project aims ‭ ‬to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities. 
Up2Green Foundation (India)‭ is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. ‬The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience ‭ ‬for flood prevention, and training local ‭ ‬communities in sustainable agroforestry practices. 
Sustainability ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬Environmental ‭ ‬Studies ‭ ‬Endeavor ‭ ‬(Nepal)‭ is working to restore ‬
ecological ‭ ‬balance along the mythological ‭ ‬Nagaraj Trail. By ‭ ‬revitalizing ‭ ‬degraded ‭ ‬farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes ‭ ‬nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches. 

The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing 
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.

UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬

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VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution

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VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution

By: Michael Mike

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.

The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.

In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.

“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.

“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.

The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.

Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.

Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.

VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution

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Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting

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Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting

By: Michael Mike

The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.

A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.

“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”

According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.

The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.

Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.

Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting

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