Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday called on the Chinese government to increase its aid to Africa, particularly Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and accelerate development initiatives.
Akpabio made the appeal while hosting Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), during his historic first visit to Africa. The meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Nigeria-China relations amid evolving global dynamics.
In his address, Akpabio highlighted a worrying trend of reduced Chinese aid commitments to Africa, referencing a pledge made at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The commitment was reportedly lower than the $60 billion promised in 2015.
“While China’s trade relations with Africa have continued to grow, I call on the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Africa, particularly to Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President emphasized fostering innovation and collaboration, urging China to invest in transforming Nigeria into a hub of creativity. He also proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group to enhance mutual learning and cooperation between legislative bodies.
“Let us aspire to build a partnership that strengthens our economies while enriching our cultural and social bonds,” Akpabio added.
Zhang Qingwei reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development and implementing agreements made during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China in September. He stressed China’s readiness to bolster friendship and mutual trust while enhancing legislative exchanges.
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“Our visit aims to consolidate the China-Nigeria relationship, enhance exchanges between legislatures, and elevate bilateral relations to a new height,” Zhang said.
The discussions reflected a shared vision to deepen cooperation on projects that enhance livelihoods and drive innovation in Nigeria. The visit marks a critical step toward realizing agreements aimed at fostering economic growth and cultural exchange between the two nations.
This engagement underscores Nigeria’s strategic importance in China’s diplomatic outreach to Africa and signals potential growth in bilateral trade, investment, and development collaboration.
