Ola Akinwunmi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged China to boost its economic support for Africa and Nigeria. During a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, Tinubu requested an increase in China’s $50 billion aid package for Africa, citing the continent’s vast infrastructure needs.
Tinubu also sought to expand the $2 billion currency swap agreement between Nigeria and China, aimed at enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. He emphasized that the current level of currency swaps is inadequate, considering Nigeria’s development programs.
The President expressed appreciation for China’s support and reiterated the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. He also called on China to back Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat.In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu was quoted as saying, “I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We will want you to use your position to influence improved project funding. First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth.
The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts.”In response, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, pledged continued support for Nigeria’s development agenda and counter-terrorism efforts. Yi also expressed China’s willingness to welcome Nigeria into the BRICS grouping and support Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s re-election as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
