Akpabio Hosts Chinese Lawmaker, Requests Increased Support For Nigeria

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Chinese government to increase financial aid to Nigeria and Africa, urging deeper bilateral cooperation to enhance developmental efforts.

Akpabio made the appeal during a visit by Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), marking his first trip to Africa.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Senate President highlighted a decline in Chinese aid commitments, citing the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) pledge, which fell short of the $60 billion commitment made in 2015.

He described the meeting as an occasion of “promise and possibility,” emphasizing the need for stronger ties.

“While China’s trade relations with Africa continue to grow, I urge the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Africa, particularly Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He also proposed the creation of a Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group to foster collaboration and exchange of parliamentary ideas. “This partnership could strengthen our economies and enrich our cultural and social bonds,” Akpabio added.

Zhang Qingwei reaffirmed China’s commitment to Nigeria’s growth, describing the country as a valued partner. He explained that the visit aimed to consolidate the friendship and mutual trust established during discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Tinubu’s September visit to China.

“Our visit is to strengthen China-Nigeria relations, enhance legislative exchanges, and foster communications across various areas to elevate bilateral ties to a new height,” Zhang stated.

FURTHER READING