By Joy Odor
The Chinese Director-General of the Department of African Affairs, Wu Peng and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar have expressed desire to expand trade, economic cooperation and building bridges with Nigeria keen to see increased participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Peng who stated this when he led a delegation to pay visit to Ambassador Tuggar at the MFA Headquarters, Abuja to strengthens ties with Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development and economic growth.
He lauded its existing involvement in major Nigerian projects, emphasising its recent loan to the railway project and assured its support for Nigeria’s industrialization and value-added manufacturing, particularly in battery-related minerals, job creation and local economic empowerment.
Peng pledged its support for Nigeria’s aspirations on the global stage, backing Nigeria’s call for increased African representation in the United Nations Security Council which aligns with China’s broader position advocating for a more equitable international order.
The Chinese delegation expressed great confidence in Nigeria’s economic future which the optimism coincides with Nigeria’s own plans for reform and growth, creating a fertile ground for closer collaboration.
Both Nigeria and China agreed to build on the momentum of the visit which include a potential presidential trip to China and a reciprocating visit by Tuggar to China, signifying a strong commitment to bolstering ties.
“This visit underscores the deepening relationship between China and Nigeria, one that promises mutual benefits in infrastructure, trade, and global influence. As Africa rises in prominence, Nigeria, with China’s support, appears poised to play a leading role in shaping the continent’s future” he said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, echoing this sentiment while, highlighting infrastructure as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda.
