In order to refinance the completion of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, the People’s Republic of China has pledged 85% of the funding.
President Xi Jinping made this commitment on Wednesday in response to a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was being represented at the Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing by Vice President Kasim Shettima. This is according to a presidential spokesperson, Stanley Nwocha.
The development happens after the 2021-started railway construction stopped when China withdrew its funding.
Read Also:Gov. Zulum: Moving railway coaches out of Borno is unfair and suspicious
However, Jinping reaffirmed its commitment to funding the railway during a conference between the two nations.
President Jinping expressed his gratitude to Nigeria for supporting the One-China Policy by promising that China would increase political support and foster cooperation in all areas.
Assuring clearly that China is dedicated to maintaining peace in the Sahel region and that its long-standing military training and Memoranda of Understanding on joint exercises remain sacrosanct, President Jinping pledged to continue his campaign against terrorists.
The rail projects, according to Vice President Shettima, who conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s best wishes, were crucial to the president and the people of Nigeria. He said they remained a legacy project that would further open up the country’s economy, create jobs, and increase trade and investments throughout the nation.
Shettima asserted that President Tinubu is still dedicated to forging closer ties between Nigeria and China, noting that these ties are marked by mutual respect, absence of political meddling, and international cooperation.
“Our relationship began around 50 years ago, precisely in 1971, and it has since been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership, but given the importance we place on our relationship with China, Your Excellency, we humbly request your indulgence to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
