Chinese Ambassador Visits Wike To Deepen Bilateral Ties With Nigeria

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, YU Dunhai has reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria, emphasizing cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, and security.

The Ambassador made this known during a visit to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.

The Chinese envoy highlighted the rapid development of Abuja under the leadership of the Minister, particularly in projects such as road connectivity.

YU Dunhai commended Nigeria’s progress under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that China is eager to partner Nigeria in achieving its development goals.

“This is a relationship that is hinged to so many areas, including a high level of mutual political trust, cooperation in development, and security assistance.”

“We have seen the improvement of infrastructure, a lot of new roads have been built. So as the new Chinese Ambassador, I came, I would say, we are moving forward to materialize the national rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the Chinese way of modernization.

“While Nigeria, under the strong leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is engaging in the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the eight priority areas. So, China would be very proud to be partnering with Nigeria to achieve our common development, “the Ambassador stated.

He also recalled the visit of President Tinubu to China last September, during which several agreements were signed to strengthen ties between the two nations.

The Ambassador noted China’s involvement in several key projects in Abuja, including a $400 million water supply project, railway construction, road development, and traffic light installation.

He also highlighted China’s efforts in education through the establishment of “China Corners” in high schools across the FCT, with 13 already launched and plans to open two more this year.

“So, looking forward, we would like to continue to strengthen our bilateral cooperations in all these areas. I personally, as Chinese ambassador, I have visited some of the local schools.”

Receiving the Ambassador, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, acknowledged the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and China.

He reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to ongoing collaborations, including the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with two Chinese firms—CGC and CCECC—for major infrastructure projects.

“CGC is set to carry out satellite water development, while CCECC and CGC will collaborate to improve street lighting in Abuja”.

Wike also explained that the new security features will be integrated into the lighting infrastructure to prevent vandalism.

The Minister also called for increased collaboration in agriculture and vocational training, particularly in the ICT sector, emphasizing that empowering the youth through education and skills development was crucial for national progress.

“I would like us to also partner in terms of agriculture. It’s very key. We have very good land for whatever kind of farm. So it would interest us more if we can partner on that. And then the vocational school, particularly as it relates to ICT.”

“So like you said, the youth is key. If we must move forward, education is key, and the youth is key. So these are two very important areas I would like us to cooperate, partner together and see what we can do to be a symbiotic relationship.”

On security, Wike assured the Ambassador of significant improvements, stating that the government is committed to providing a safe environment for businesses to thrive.

Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-China relations and pledged to continue working together for mutual benefits.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Blessing Nyor