BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo has disclosed that the partnership between Nigeria and China will increase investment in infrastructure, transportation and mining, as well as strengthen knowledge transfer.
At the CAETE Exhibition and 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja recently, Goronyo harped on the nations' shared commitment to sustainable development through strategic cooperation.
The minister highlighted that Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) aims to increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in infrastructure from 30-35% to 70% by 2043.
This, he said would be achieved by prioritising investments in transportation, energy, healthcare and water systems.
He noted that China’s significant role in projects like the Abuja-Kaduna railway, Lagos - Ibadan expressway and renewable energy initiatives boosted connectivity, commerce and local capacity.
Goronyo highlighted the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative financing mechanisms for economic growth, just as he requested for greater technical training and public-private partnerships.
He said: “I am delighted to share Nigeria's strides in redefining its infrastructure landscape through the NIIMP.
"This long-term strategic framework prioritises investment across key sectors including transportation, energy, water, irrigation and healthcare infrastructures."
NIIMP will promote innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, as well as enhance collaboration with global partners like China to deliver on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.
Through the plan, Nigeria is expected to build robust infrastructure, which will drive industrialisation, improve the quality of lives and reposition the nation as a hub for trade and investment in Africa.
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Abubakar Sa’id Alkali commended the progress achieved in the rail, road and maritime sectors through the Nigeria-China collaboration.
Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dun Hai described the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation that showcased transformative projects like Abuja - Kaduna Railway, and the potentials of engineering and technology.
The event reaffirmed the role of partnerships in fostering economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development, which aligned with one of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
Chairman of the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Mr Erie Ni emphasised that the event would deepen the relationship between the two countries, foster immense innovation, growth and sustainable development.
He stated that over the years, China and Nigeria have been involved in a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship as Chinese enterprises, engineers and investors contributed to Nigeria's development in various sectors including construction, telecommunications, energy and transport.
Director General and Global Liaison, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe reiterated the need for enhanced collaboration, cultural exchange and trade to cement a prosperous future for both nations.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen recently in Abuja, by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed.
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