By Gidado Ibrahim
The Sino-Nigeria relations, on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 3, 2024, received a significant boost as Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Unlike before when Nigerian leaders travel on state visits without a clear vision, President Tinubu has turned the tide.
The diplomatic shuttle to China marks a significant milestone in the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and that Asian country. The visit is a calculated move to strengthen Nigeria’s economic ties with its largest trading partner in Africa, with far-reaching implications for the country’s economic growth, political relationships, and regional influence.
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Tinubu, who is in China to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and conduct a state visit. The two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
There are 11 key takeaways from Tinubu’s meeting with Xi Jinping of China. For instance, the duo agreed to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two leaders announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Second, Mutual Respect and Cooperation: President Xi emphasised the long-standing mutual respect and cooperation between China and Nigeria since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 50 years ago, precisely on February 10, 1971.
Third, Development Potential: Tinubu received commitment from Xi that recognized Nigeria as an influential African country with significant population and development potential, highlighting the importance of joint self-improvement and win-win cooperation.
Strategic Trust: Both leaders agreed to enhance strategic mutual trust and support each other on core interests and major concerns.
Economic Cooperation: They discussed strengthening the alignment of development strategies, promoting integrated development in infrastructure, energy, and minerals, and creating new growth points in the digital economy and new energy.
Cultural Exchanges: Xi and Tinubu emphasised the importance of enhancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between their nations.
Support for Stability: China expressed support for Nigeria in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability, with a commitment to multilateral coordination.
Belt and Road Initiative: The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents related to the Belt and Road Initiative and other economic development projects.
Youth Training and Development: Tinubu thanked China for providing training opportunities for Nigerian youth and expressed a desire to deepen cultural exchanges.
Joint Statement: Both sides issued a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
Welcome Ceremony: Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Tinubu at the Great Hall of the People.
Follow-up to the above, both presidents witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on various areas of mutual interest:
(1) Cooperation plan between Nigeria and China on jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.
(2) Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Energy.
(3) Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening cooperation on Human Resource Development under the Global Development Initiative.
(4) Memorandum of Understanding on Media Exchange and Cooperation.
(5) Memorandum of Understanding between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority.
Already, the visit has started yielding significant economic benefits for Nigeria, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and economic development. China’s investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly in the transportation and energy sectors, can bridge the country’s development gaps and enhance economic growth. Furthermore, the visit provides an opportunity for Nigeria to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on Western economies.
In retrospect, Nigeria and China have enjoyed a robust relationship spanning over 50 years, with Nigeria being China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Recall that the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China dates back to February 10, 1971. Since then, a lot of socio-cultural exchanges have taken place between the two continental giants.
The icing on the cake is that this visit coincides with the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, where Nigeria is participating alongside other African nations. The China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) is a crucial platform for strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties between China and African nations. Established in 2000, FOCAC has become a significant mechanism for a win-win cooperation for China and African countries.
The visit is also driven by political considerations, as President Tinubu seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s relationships with other nations, particularly in the face of growing global tensions. By deepening ties with China, Nigeria can enhance its influence in regional and global affairs, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Nigeria’s leadership in regional organizations can be enhanced through its partnership with China, allowing the country to play a more significant role in shaping regional policies and agendas. The visit will certainly benefit various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Chinese investments in these sectors can enhance Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.
Additionally, earlier on Monday in Beijing, President Tinubu visited the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), during which he acknowledged the company’s role as a reliable partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure development programme, commending its ongoing railway projects in the country.
”It is equally very important that we give assurances to the Nigerian people across our local communities that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway segments will be completed and done to the satisfaction of Nigeria and West Africa at large.
The China Business Groups also pledged to support investment in solid minerals and other ventures in Nigeria. I am here to assure you that Nigeria is ready to do business with you,” the President said during a meeting with the Chairman of CRCC, Mr. Dai Hegen, following a tour of the CRCC and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) office in Beijing.
Mr. Hegen informed the President that CRCC has been involved in Nigeria for 43 years, implementing over 300 projects and training over 100,000 local workers.
”The Abuja-Kaduna Railway and Lagos-Ibadan Railway have transported approximately 9 million passengers and 180 tonnes of cargo. The Lagos blue line has transported over 1.6 million passengers,” he said.
In a separate engagement, President Tinubu visited Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre, where the company announced the launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom aimed at enhancing digital literacy in underserved Nigerian communities.
In conclusion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China marks a significant milestone in the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and China. The elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, mutual respect and cooperation, recognition of Nigeria’s development potential, and commitment to joint self-improvement and win-win cooperation are key takeaways from the visit. The signing of various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, nuclear energy, human resource development, media exchange, and cooperation demonstrates the willingness of both nations to deepen their ties.
The visit has already started yielding significant economic benefits for Nigeria, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and economic development. China’s investments in Nigeria’s infrastructure can bridge the country’s development gaps and enhance economic growth. The visit also provides an opportunity for Nigeria to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on Western economies.
As Nigeria and China continue to strengthen their relationship, it is essential to ensure that the partnership benefits both nations and promotes mutual understanding and respect. The visit of President Tinubu to China is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its impact will be felt in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
The Great Project of the renewed hope agenda is all about national economic development and solutions to our country’s problems. President Tinubu has strategically managed the country to create opportunities for all Nigerians. He is not sectional. The Red Carpet laid in his honour in China is a symbol of respect to the Nigerian President.
So, those who are making a mountain out of molehill to instigate Nigerians with tribal and regional politics are now hiding their heads in shame. They should, because the manner in which Nigeria’s security challenges are gradually meeting their dead end amid betrayal from political quarks who are using the spoils of looting to fly private jets from one place to another in utter mockery of the common man in the name of politics. My sincere appeal to fellow Nigerians is, let’s join hands to support the renewed hope administration of President Tinubu so that they will eventually reap the dividends of democracy.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Sky Daily
