– Nigerian delegation to sign at least 25 pacts with Chinese companies
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday arrived Beijing to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation holding between September 3 and 4.
During the six-day official visit of the Nigerian President, he is expected to join his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to witness the signing of an agreement on the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 11 between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI) at the cost of $328m facility provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the bank facility is for the development of NICTIB 11 project which he said was consistent with the current administration’s commitment to incorporating the development of ICT into national strategic planning under the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Shehu said the President and his Chinese host would also witness the signing of the MOU on One Belt One Road Initiative.
The presidential spokesman recalled that in 2013, the Chinese leader proposed the initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, with a view to integrating the development strategies of partner countries.
The statement read: “During the High-Level Dialogue between Chinese and African Leaders and Business representatives on the margins of FOCAC, the Nigerian delegation is also expected to sign no fewer than 25 MOUs, including those proposed by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission , Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
“Earlier, the President on arrival at Capital International Airport, Beijing at about 9.04 am (Nigerian time), was received by top Chinese government officials including the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhou Pingjian.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda and his wife Zahra; the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Bakori Aliyu Usman; Consular-General of Nigeria, Guangzhou, Shairudeen Oloko; Consular-General of Nigeria, Shanghai, Anderson Madubuike; and Defence Attaché, Brig-Gen. Temitope Ademola were also among those who received the President.”
Earlier on Saturday, the president’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Alhaji Bashir Ahmad, who is on the president’s entourage to China, had confirmed the President’s arrival on his twitter handle @BashirAhmaad.
He posted: “President Muhammadu Buhari arrives in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China — Africa Cooperation (FOCAC2018).’’
The president left Abuja on Friday for the summit after receiving the German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
During the bilateral meeting between Nigeria and Germany, the President reiterated his administration’s position to always upholding the sanctity of the rule of law in governing the country, while assuring Merkel that all agreements would be fully respected.
He maintained that unity and harmony in every society could only be preserved by observing the rule of law, assuring her that agreements reached in good faith would be followed through for mutual benefit of countries.
President Buhari was accompanied to Beijing by his wife, Aisha, who is scheduled to participate in a spouses’ programme on China-Africa at the Great Hall of the People, with the theme: ‘‘Joining Hands for a Future of AIDS.’’
Also on the president’s entourage are Governors Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State; Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos; Mohammed Abubakar, Jigawa; and Rochas Okorocha.
Others are Senators Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume, Godswill Akpabio and Aliyu Wamakko.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and FCT, Muhammad Bello were also in the entourage.
Also, Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Ministers of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu; and Aviation, Hadi Sirika, went for the summit.
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar and Group Managing Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Maikanti Baru, will also attend the summit.
Punch/NAN
