President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure in Nigeria, following his visit to China. He made this known during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China and the Nigerian community in Beijing. Tinubu emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining. He also stressed the need for innovative teaching methods and a flourishing business environment. The President urged Nigerians in China to be good ambassadors and represent Nigeria positively. He also emphasized the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example.
Tinubu assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that the Bank of Industry was prepared to collaborate with them to leverage opportunities in Nigeria. He acknowledged the impact of investments in China’s economy and the need for bold decisions to drive Nigeria’s prosperity ¹. Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria-China relations ¹. He requested the President’s assistance in advocating for Nigeria to be officially recognized as a native English-speaking nation, which would open up job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
President Tinubu also announced plans to establish a Nigeria-China Business Council to promote trade and investment between the two nations. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to learn from China’s experiences in infrastructure development, manufacturing, and technology.
“We will replicate China’s infrastructure development in Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “We will build roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that will make Nigeria a hub for trade and commerce in Africa.”
Tinubu also highlighted the importance of education and skills development in Nigeria’s growth. He pledged to increase investment in education and vocational training to equip Nigerians with the skills needed to compete globally.
The President’s visit to China has been seen as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria-China relations and attracting investment to Nigeria. With China’s expertise in infrastructure development and Nigeria’s vast resources, the partnership has the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the potential risks of Nigeria’s increasing dependence on China. They argue that Nigeria needs to be cautious in its dealings with China and ensure that any agreements signed are in the best interests of the country.
Despite these concerns, President Tinubu remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria-China relations. He believes that with the right partnerships and investments, Nigeria can achieve its goal of becoming a prosperous and developed nation.
