Relations Between Nig, China Beneficial – Speaker

By Oduyemi Odumade

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, says decades of diplomatic relations between the governments of China and Nigeria has been mutually beneficial for both countries.

The speaker, who acknowledged the contributions of China to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria, disclosed this while addressing the Chinese delegation led by the Ambassador to Nigeria,Cui Jianchun, who paid him a visit in his office in Abuja.

Dr. Abbas commended the Chinese Government for its commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructural development and reiterated the need for a robust relationship between the parliaments of both countries.

“I welcome you to the People’s House. It’s similar to what you call the People’s Parliament in China. It’s indeed gratifying to welcome you today. China is not a small country, it is the second richest in the world today, as well as the most populated country.

“As always, the Nigerian Parliament is eager to work with your country. Since Nigeria and China established a diplomatic relationship several decades ago, we have not had any issues with China.

“I believe you brought so much to Nigeria as a result of this bilateral relationship, and you can only strengthen the partnership that will be a win-win for both countries.

“So far the China–Nigeria relationship has been a positive one. When I was the chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, I had the opportunity of knowing the important contributions China made to that sector in Nigeria,” Speaker Abbas said.

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador told the Speaker of the readiness of his country’s parliament to continue to collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of technology and economy.

He listed key areas of national development, in which China has actively participated in Nigeria in the last six years including road and hydro-electric power infrastructure, rail transportation, technology, and security, adding that China could also learn a lot from Nigeria through its Legislature and cultural collaboration.

He invited the Speaker to visit the Chinese Parliament next year to enable both countries to learn from each other the ways of lawmaking.

Edited By Grace Namiji