The Northern Christian Youth Professionals have commended the Kaduna State Governor for successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese tech giant Huawei to advance the Smart City Project in Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the chairman, of Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak, said it is a significant milestone that promises to enhance the ICT sector and create opportunities for the youth in our state.
“While we celebrate this major achievement, we wish to call on the state government to ensure that this project is fully and effectively executed to benefit all the people of Kaduna State. We urge the government to avoid a repeat of past experiences, such as those under the previous administration led by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, which took a World Bank loan of $350 million for the development of basic education. Unfortunately, the purpose of this loan was not fulfilled as intended, and today, the people of Kaduna State are burdened with repaying a loan that did not yield the expected benefits.
“We are confident in the leadership of the current governor, whose policies and programs have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improving the living conditions of all residents of Kaduna State. However, we appeal to the governor’s team, especially those involved in the Huawei deal, to ensure that the project meets its objectives: enhancing the security of life and property, improving efficiency and transparency in public services, and attracting talent and investment to the state,” Abrak said.
According to him, “We must also learn from similar past experiences involving international business dealings. A cautionary example is the ongoing seizure of Nigerian assets abroad by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Limited, a Chinese firm, due to a business agreement with the Ogun State government signed in 2007. The contract, which involved the construction of a park and factory in the Ogun State Free Trade Zone, ended in a dispute that has now cost Nigeria $70 million in compensation. Despite the Ogun State government’s claims of foul play, the Chinese firm has already seized three jets and two residential properties belonging to Nigeria.
“These are important lessons for both federal and state governments. We must be vigilant to prevent similar situations that could damage Nigeria’s reputation and place undue financial burdens on our people.
“We believe that with careful planning, transparency, and accountability, the Smart City Project in Kaduna State can be a model for success and a source of pride for all Nigerians,” the group added.
