China, Nigeria Sign $328m Agreement, as Nigeria Seeks Chinese Support for Mambilla Projects *Chinese firm unfolds plan to invest $200m in textile, industries in three states

 

Nigeria and China on Wednesday, as part of Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, signed $328 million agreement for Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase II (NICTIB II) project.

This came as President Muhammadu Buhari also sought the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the building of 3050 Megawatts Mambila hydroelectric power project in Taraba State.

In the same vein, the statement said a Chinese firm announced its decision to invest $200 million in an industrial park in Kano State; cotton farms in Funtua, Katsina State, and textile and garment manufacturing establishments in Aba, Abia State and Lagos State.

In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the $328million concessional loan agreement between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI) was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Kemi Adesoun, and Director-General of International Development Agency, Wang Xiaotoa, and witnessed by Buhari and Jinping.

He said Nigeria and China also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).

According to him, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and Director, China’s National Development and Reform Commission, He Lifeng, signed OBOR, which he described as an initiative of Jinping, which focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among multiple countries across the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.

Shehu said during the meeting with Jinping, Buhari commended the Chinese Government for successfully hosting FOCAC, and solicited its support for Mambila hydropower project.

He said Buhari noted that Mambilla project remained a key priority matter to Nigeria and also sought additional Chinese funding for four airport terminal projects as well as the Abuja light rail project.

The president aide also said the Buhari thanked China for accepting to support the international efforts to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, quoting him as saying: "The inclusion of this project in the FOCAC Action Plan 2019 to 2021 will go a long way in supporting our efforts to rehabilitate and resettle the conflict-impacted North-east region."

The statement also said Buhari noted that easy movement of citizens of both Nigeria and China would complement the currency swap agreements recently signed by the central banks of both countries.

‘‘Since our last meeting two years ago, Nigeria has relaxed its visa requirements for Chinese citizens. Today, I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that Chinese citizens receive Nigerian visas in less than 48 hours.

‘‘Another measure that will improve our trade volumes will be to introduce import duty waivers on Nigeria’s commodity exports to China. Today, our commodities such as sesame seeds, hibiscus and cassava among others attract import duty in China,’’ Buhari was quoted as saying.

The statement also said Buhari lauded China’s support for two permanent seats for Africa at the United Nations, noting that the reform of the UN Security Council would ensure equitable representation for the continent.

It added that in his remarks, Jinping, who commended Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and the progress that has been made so far, promised China’s support in capacity building and intelligence sharing.

The statement also said he pledged 50 million Chinese Yuan support to Nigeria’s military, saying: ‘‘Buhari is as decisive in dealing with terrorism as China.’’

Furthermore, it said the Chinese President said China would import more agricultural products from Nigeria and expressed gratitude to Buhari on Nigeria’s interest to participate in the forthcoming Chinese Import Fair.

On Mambilla, the statement said the Chinese leader said: "We understand how critical the project is to your country and we will take a serious look at it and ensure that it succeeds because of its social and economic benefits.’’