Buhari seeks Chinese president’s support for Mambilla hydro project
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Beijing requested for the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping for the country’s 3050 megawatt Mambilla hydroelectric power project.
This is just as the two countries signed an agreement of $328m for the Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase II (NICTIB II) project.
The concessional loan agreement between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI) was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Kemi Adesoun and Wang Xiaotoa, Director-General, International Development Agency, in the presence of President Buhari and President Xi.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said Nigeria and China also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).
He said Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and He Lifeng, Director, China’s National Development and Reform Commission signed the OBORan initiative of President Xi which focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among multiple countries spread across the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe.
Earlier during his meeting with President Xi, the Nigerian leader, who commended the Chinese government for successfully hosting the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), solicited support for the Mambilla hydropower project.
While noting that the Mambilla project remains a key priority to Nigeria, Buhari also sought additional Chinese funding for four airport terminal projects as well as the Abuja light rail project.
In his remarks, President Xi promised to take “a serious look at it [Mambilla project] and ensure that it succeeds because of its social and economic benefits.”
He commended Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and pledged 50 million Chinese Yuan support to Nigeria’s military, noting that “Buhari is as decisive in dealing with terrorism as China.”
President Xi said China would import more agricultural products from Nigeria and expressed gratitude to President Buhari on Nigeria’s interest to participate in the forthcoming Chinese Import Fair.