Nigeria-China partnership driving infrastructure growth — Minister
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, has hailed the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China as a pivotal force for growth in infrastructure, transportation, mining, and knowledge transfer.
Speaking at the CAETE Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja, Goronyo emphasized the nations’ shared commitment to sustainable development through innovative cooperation.
In his address, Goronyo highlighted Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), a long-term strategic framework designed to boost the GDP contribution of infrastructure from 30-35% to 70% by 2043. The plan prioritizes key sectors, including transportation, energy, healthcare, and water systems.
The Minister credited China for its significant role in transformative projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and renewable energy initiatives, which have enhanced connectivity, commerce, and local capacity.
“Our goal is to redefine Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape through the NIIMP,” Goronyo stated.
“This plan promotes innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations like those with China to deliver sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. These efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at driving industrialization, improving the quality of life, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for trade and investment in Africa.”
He also emphasized the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities, and technical training to ensure sustainability. The Minister called for expanded public-private partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms to achieve these objectives.
The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Abubakar Sa’id Alkali, also delivered a keynote address, commending the progress achieved in Nigeria’s rail, road, and maritime sectors through its collaboration with China.
He noted that such partnerships enhance regional integration and economic growth, in line with the government’s vision of infrastructure as an enabler of development.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dun Hai, described the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation, highlighting transformative projects like the Abuja-Kaduna Railway as examples of engineering and technological success.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Mr. Erie Ni, stressed the importance of the event in deepening bilateral ties.
“Over the years, China and Nigeria have maintained a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship. Chinese enterprises, engineers, and investors are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s development across sectors, including construction, telecommunications, energy, and transport,” he said.
Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Director General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, called for enhanced collaboration, cultural exchange, and trade to cement a prosperous future for both nations.
