The People’s Republic of China has indicated plans to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano, and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects following a request by President BOLA TINUBU.
China’s President, Xi Jinping disclosed this on Wednesday in Beijing while receiving Vice President KASHIM SHETTIMA who represented President TINUBU in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing Third Belt and Road Forum.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, STANLEY NKWOCHA , said since the launch of the projects, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments.
China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from the inception of the project through appropriations.
The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractor named to execute the project.
SHETTIMA who delivered TINUBU’s well-wishes described the rail projects as vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country.
He said President TINUBU remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, adding that it was laden with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperation.
The VP said the Nigerian – Chinese relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership.
In the area of security, President Jinping promised a continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military training and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct.