President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the People’s Republic of China in early September, a trip aimed at bolstering economic ties and attracting vital investments to Nigeria.
This visit is part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China while exploring key economic opportunities for growth.
Speaking at a briefing held at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, emphasized the significance of the upcoming visit.
Ngelale detailed that President Tinubu plans to visit major Chinese companies such as Huawei and the China Rail and Construction Corporation (CRCC).
The goal of these visits is to expedite the completion of the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the Lagos to Kano rail project, a key infrastructure initiative.
In addition, President Tinubu is scheduled to meet with the chief executive officers of 10 leading Chinese corporations. These companies collectively manage assets exceeding $3 trillion across various sectors, including information and communications technology (ICT), oil and gas, aluminum production, seaport development, finance, and satellite technology.
Ngelale stated, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will depart for the People’s Republic of China, most specifically, Beijing, from the nation’s capital within the first week of September, to engage in a series of meetings and activities with immediate and future benefit to the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian people.
“First and foremost, His Excellency, Mr. President, will conduct site visits to two major Chinese corporations; Huawei Technologies, as well as the China Rail and Construction Corporation, (CRCC). This is to achieve one of Mr. President’s top agenda items, which is the completion of the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the Lagos to Kano high-speed rail line.
“Thereafter His Excellency, Mr. President, will meet 10 selected chief executive officers of 10 major Chinese corporations with assets under management totaling over $3 trillion US dollars across multiple sectors of the economy, including information and communications technology, refining oil and gas, aluminum production, seaport construction, harbour construction and dredging services, financial services, satellite technology development, as well as many other critical sectors.”
Ngelale also revealed that during his visit, President Tinubu will engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
These agreements will focus on crucial areas such as the green economy, agriculture, satellite technology, media enterprise development, blue economic initiatives, and national planning collaboration.
Additionally, the meeting will provide an opportunity for both presidents to discuss broader issues of mutual interest, including economic partnerships, security at national, regional, and international levels, and other global challenges.
