CHINA PARTNERSHIP WILL DELIVER RELIABLE POWER TO NIGERIANS — FG
The Federal Government says deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in the power sector will help deliver more reliable electricity, expand renewable energy and promote the local manufacturing of power equipment in Nigeria.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated this in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He said increased Chinese investment could play an important role in addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
Tegbe, however, stressed that the benefits of the partnership would be greater if investments also focused on developing Nigerian engineers and technicians and strengthening local businesses. He said Nigeria must have the capacity to operate and maintain infrastructure developed through such partnerships.
The minister noted that Nigeria and China had expanded their relationship beyond diplomatic ties to areas including infrastructure, healthcare, trade, investment and technical cooperation. He highlighted Chinese involvement in major projects such as the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernisation and the Zungeru Hydropower Station.
Tegbe also said Nigeria needed to translate growing bilateral trade with China into increased domestic production and exports. He welcomed opportunities created by China’s zero-tariff programme for African countries, saying Nigerian producers could benefit from greater access to the Chinese market.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said China was ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas including industrialisation, digital development, renewable energy and the green economy. He said both countries should continue working together to turn their growing relationship into practical economic and developmental benefits for their citizens.
