News
Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has said its target is to become net exporter to China in the next five years, overtaking Brazil which currently stands atop the list with the net export of $104.32 billion.
The country’s ambition was revealed by the Director General, China-Nigeria Partnership, Joseph Tegbe on Thursday at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja,
Tegbe recalled that Nigeria presently has an export $22.6 billion, however said that the narative is about to change with the latest upgrade of China-Nigeria relations into partnership.
Brazil export to China, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2023.
Tegbe. who spoke at the opening of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Abuja, said: “One of our primary goals is to increase trade volume between Nigeria and China. As of December 2003, trade volume between Nigeria and China was over $22 billion
“But on the other hand, when you look at Brazil and China’s relationship, today, Brazil ranks as China’s ninth largest trading country. And during this same period, Brazil’s export to China in 2023 was $105 billion. While China’s export to Brazil was just $59 billion. Thus making Brazil a net exporter to China.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is our desired position as a nation. For us, the next five years, to push our trade volume between China and Nigeria higher than what it used today and for Nigeria to become a net exporter to China.
“It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous continent of Africa”
He also disclosed that no fewer than 1200 Nigerians are trained yearly by the Chinese firm, Huawei, as a pointer of the new things to come.
Currently, he also said 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from diffferent sectors of the economy are undergoing training.
He said: “The Nigerian-China Strategic Partnership is already making results. As of today, one of China’s companies, Huawei, trains an average of 1,200 Nigerians every year in Nigeria.
“As we speak, 30 Nigerian officials, drawn from various ministries, departments and agencies, are in China, undergoing an intensive training on the governance of China and the strengthening of economic development between China and Nigeria.”
Tegbe stressed the place of Nigeria in the continent, saying: “It is also worth noting that industrializing Nigeria means industrializing 25% of Africa. An economically sound and stable Nigeria signifies a prosperous culture of Africa. “
Speaking on the Expo, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai said: “This exhibition is an important event organized to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit Forum and the consensus reached between our two heads of state. I am pleased to see that this exhibition brings together many outstanding entrepreneurs and innovators in a wide range of fields, including engineering, contracting, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy conservation, environmental protection, and green energy.
“Through the exhibition and exchanges, we believe it can play an important role in further promoting the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization in Nigeria, and facilitate in-depth cooperation between our two countries in all fields.”
On his part, the Chairman, China International Contractors Association,Mr Fang Qiuchen, revealed that Chinese firms are mobilising funds to invest in Nigeria as a fallout of the recent FOCAC summit.
He said: “We want to be together to work on the infrastructure, on the projects, especially on the new energy projects, as well as the digital smart cities, many renovation projects.
“So we are here, we’ll bring the capital, we’ll bring our technology, we’ll also bring the very genuine, honest, we want to collaborate with the Nigerian partners for a very pragmatic cooperation to do some of the works here so that we can grow together to benefit the economic and social development of Nigeria”.
On the funding of infrastructure, Fang said: “So China is also working with a consortium of all the banks together, African banks and China Development Bank. We want to work together to financing more of the projects here in Nigeria, so that they can benefit the economic development.”
Though, he failed to disclosed the amount they are bringing in, he noted that: “The investment we can see is huge, I should say, because the projects are not small, because it’s infrastructure.”
He also added: “As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and digital transformation is on the way, green development and the digital economy have emerged as new engines driving economic growth, presenting vast opportunities for cooperation in green and sustainable infrastructure. Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has emerged as a focal point for cooperation. Furthermore, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, are gaining increased attention worldwide, further advancing the development and utilization of the clean energy.
“These emerging characteristics and trends not only facilitate the transformation and upgrading of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria, but also inject new impetus for mutual benefit and shared development.”
He also revealed that the Expo is a fallout of the recent Beijing Summit, which aimed to “effectively accelerate the infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa.”
He revealed that: “We planned to hold the China Engineering and Technology Expo and the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum here in Abuja this year, at the same time, to further strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between the engineering companies of the two sides while exploring new areas and potential opportunities for further cooperation.
“We believe that through the elevation of the bilateral relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership, and through our joint efforts, the bilateral infrastructure cooperation will for sure yield more fruitful results in the days to come.”
Nigeria Target Becoming No.1 Net Exporter to China in the Next Five Years
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Several worshippers were killed on Tuesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.
Eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.
Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.
Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action
By: Michael Mike
Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have expressed worries about the worsening condition of major highways linking Abuja to the South East, warning that continued neglect has turned the roads into serious safety hazards for commuters and businesses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (ICA FCT) said the poor state of the road network had persisted for decades, despite repeated appeals for rehabilitation.
The group in a statement signed by the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Mazi Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah,
noted that large sections of the highways are riddled with potholes, failed portions and weak security presence, making travel dangerous and discouraging economic activities between the North Central and South East regions.
The group argued that the situation reflects long-standing infrastructure neglect and an uneven distribution of national resources, adding that the dilapidated roads have become attractive routes for criminal operations, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
According to ICA FCT, the impact of the bad roads goes beyond transportation challenges, contributing to youth frustration, reduced commercial exchanges and a growing sense of exclusion among people of the South East. The association urged the Federal Government to declare an emergency on the affected corridors and begin immediate reconstruction to ensure the safety of travelers, particularly during the festive season.
The association also called on lawmakers from the South East and the Minister of Works to take responsibility for restoring the roads to acceptable standards, stressing that infrastructure development is critical to national cohesion and economic growth.
Warning of political consequences, the group said communities in the South East would hold their representatives accountable if tangible progress is not recorded before the 2027 general elections. It added that voters would be mobilized to oppose the re-election of lawmakers perceived to have failed in addressing the issue.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Igbo people, the ICA FCT said it would continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, enhanced security and equitable development across all regions of the country.
End
Yuletide: NEMA flags off emergency rescue operation in Gombe
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe State, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inaugurated Operation Eagle Eye, to ensure rapid response during the festive periods.
While declaring the operation open in Gombe on Wednesday, the state’s Head of Operations, Mrs. Ummuna Ahmed, said that the initiative was in view of increased road and human activities during the festive season.
Ahmed said that the operation was a strategic initiative designed to enhance timely rescue operations towards saving lives in the event of road traffic crashes, fire outbreaks, and other emergencies.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property through effective coordination, early response mechanisms, and the strategic deployment of Search and Rescue personnel.
She appealed to motorists and other road users, to observe traffic regulations, drive responsibly, and cooperate with emergency responders to minimise preventable incidents.
“As part of the operation, NEMA Search and Rescue teams have been strategically deployed along major routes linking Gombe State to neighbouring states.
“These include the Gombe–Bauchi, Gombe–Yola, Gombe–Maiduguri, and Gombe–Kano corridors.
“The routes were identified based on their high traffic volume and strategic importance, with emergency personnel and assets, positioned to ensure swift intervention and life saving support whenever the need arises,” she said.
Ahmed urged members of the public to promptly report emergencies through appropriate channels to enable timely response.
She expressed NEMA’s readiness to respond promptly to emergencies, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of Operation Eagle Eye.
On his part, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr Samson Kaura, said that motorists would be sensitised on the need to observe traffic rules and regulations during and after the yuletide celebration.
Kaura said that the collaboration with NEMA was to ensure quick response to emergencies towards saving lives and property in cases of crash.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the inauguration, two emergency incidents were recorded at the Bauchi road axis of Gombe State, involving a total of seven casualties.
No deaths were however recorded.
The victims were promptly rescued and evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical attention. recorded.
Yuletide: NEMA flags off emergency rescue operation in Gombe
Bomb explodes inside mosque in Maiduguri market, worshippers killed
Igbo Association Raises Alarm Over Abuja–South East Highways, Seeks Urgent Federal Action
Yuletide: NEMA flags off emergency rescue operation in Gombe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
