China Pledges N40bn In Grant For Nigeria

The government of the People’s Republic of China has pledged to provide over N40 billion (RMB 200 million) in grant assistance to Nigeria as part of measures to enhance the diplomatic ties between both countries aimed at helping Nigeria in some of its developmental needs.

Indications to this development emerged on Thursday when Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai met with the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Dunoma in Abuja on Thursday, a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja said.

During their interaction, Ambassador Yu said that over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria, both countries have consistently remained at the forefront of China-Africa relations.

He said further that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has entered a new stage of high-quality development.

“China and Nigeria have maintained close communication and coordination, working together to implement the common understandings reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and to ensure that more cooperation outcomes benefit the peoples of both countries.

“To further support Nigeria’s national development and economic growth, China will provide RMB 200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria for the implementation of projects agreed upon by the two governments,” the Chinese envoy said.

Responding, Dr Dunoma commended China for its concrete support for Nigeria’s economic and social development, saying that the grant assistance fully demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility as a major country and reflects the deep friendship between Nigeria and China.

He said Nigeria will make effective use of the grant assistance, work with China to implement the common understandings on bilateral cooperation reached by the two governments, and further advance Nigeria-China friendship, bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.