Nigeria’s partnership with China
through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has resulted in the
execution of projects valued at over $5 billion in the last three years of the
current administration.
President Muhammadu Buhari
disclosed this on Tuesday in Beijing, capital of China, at the FOCAC round
table meeting, attended by African leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The president said through the
Chinese support, Nigeria has addressed significant challenges in the areas of
infrastructure, human capacity development, power, transport, agriculture and
humanitarian assistance.
”For Nigeria, our partnership
with China through the FOCAC platform, has resulted in the construction of the
first urban rail system in West Africa. This $500 million project in Abuja was
commissioned in July this year,” he said.
The president also cited the
construction and operation of the first rail system in Africa that uses modern
Chinese standards and technology.
“This 180km rail line that
connects Abuja and Kaduna was commissioned two years ago at a cost of $500
million. Today the rail line is functioning efficiently with no issues –
indeed, a sign that Chinese technology is world class,” he said.
”Nigeria is leveraging Chinese
funding to execute $3.4 billion worth of projects at various stages of
completion. These include the upgrading of airport terminals, the Lagos – Kano
rail line, the Zungeru hydroelectric power project and fibre cables for our
internet infrastructure.
”Furthermore, less than 3 months
ago, Nigeria signed an additional $1billion loan from China for additional
rolling stock for the newly constructed rail lines as well as road
rehabilitation and water supply projects.”
The Nigerian leader commended
China for the commitment it has shown in boosting its relations with African
countries under the umbrella of FOCAC.
”I am optimistic that this Summit
will offer new opportunities that would build on these past achievements,” he
said, adding that, ”Nigeria will continue to support the FOCAC initiative and
also seek to key into the Belt and Road Initiative as an additional Chinese
mechanism to build further cooperation in our quest for infrastructural and
economic development,” he said.
He also dispelled insinuations
about the “so-called death trap” by Chinese government on developing countries,
insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.
”These vital infrastructure
projects synchronize perfectly with our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Some
of the debts incurred are self-liquidating. Our country is able to re-pay loans
as and when due in keeping with our policy of fiscal prudence and sound
housekeeping,” he said.
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