Nigeria’s partnership with China through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, has resulted in the execution of vital infrastructure projects across the country, valued at more than $5 billion in the last three years of his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.
President Buhari, who stated this in his remark at the FOCAC Round Table meeting, attended by African leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing Tuesday, noted that through the Chinese support, Nigeria had impressively addressed significant challenges in the areas of infrastructure, human capacity development, power, transport, agriculture and humanitarian assistance.
In a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Buhari said, ”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.”
The President also cited the construction and operation of the first rail system in Africa that uses modern Chinese standards and technology.
He said: “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.
”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.”
He said the aforementioned projects had demonstrated high level of consistency and commitment China had 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.
””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,” the President said.
President Buhari dispelled insinuations about the so-called debt trap by Chinese government on developing countries, insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.
”These vital infrastructure projects synchronise 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.
While applauding China for its overall commitment to the ideals of FOCAC, the President acknowledged that since the launch of the Forum in 2000, China and Africa had striven to implement the declarations and follow-up action plans for the benefit of both parties.
He also commended President Jinping, his government and people for successfully hosting the Beijing Summit aimed at further strengthening China-Africa partnership.
