China Commits To Refinance Nigerian Railway Projects

China's President Xi Jinping on Wednesday committed to refinance and complete the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects.

The construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway Lines started in 2016 to boost Nigeria's economy and enhance transportation. Since the very beginning, Chinese government and several Chinese companies were involved in building these two railway lines. However, the Asian country is yet to release funds for these two projects due to cutbacks and commitments.

Xi made the investment pledge while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing.

The Chinese President told Shettima that "you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you."

"Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies' commitments," Xi said, as per the State House's official website. "Nigeria is developing with big potential. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading."

The Chinese president also vowed to increase investment in Nigeria's power generation and digital economy and stated that Beijing will also provide 85 percent of finance of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects construction, while the Nigerian government will pay for the rest 15 percent.

During the meeting with Xi, Shettima said that Tinubu is committed to stronger ties between Nigeria and China, adding that both countries' relationship commenced about 50 years ago, and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership.

"But we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China," he said.

Shettima continued, "Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish, and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don't dictate to us who our friends are. We don't forget our friends."

The Nigerian vice president recalled that China stood with his country through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique.

The 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum was held in Beijing from Tuesday to Wednesday and world leaders from over 130 countries, including Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, attended the event.

The event was held under the theme, titled "High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity."