Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar says the country is already gaining a lot from her membership in the Belt and Road Initiative BRI as nations of the world participate in the 2023 edition in China,
He was speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria in Beijing, where he underscored the importance of the forum, which he said connects countries of the world.
“The Vice President is here for the Belt and Road Initiative Forum, a very important forum that seeks to build infrastructure that connects countries around the world, with a lot happening in Africa. The connectivity is itself a symbol of unity and a symbol of peace,” he said.
On how Nigeria can benefit from the forum, the Minister said the country is already reaping a lot from the BRI, especially in the areas of infrastructure.
“You can see that there is a lot of infrastructure being constructed and financed by China and Chinese companies in Nigeria and that is very important for us. There is the Lagos-Ibadan expressway which is already completed.
“You can see the rail and other road projects, as well as airports, broadband fiber optic cables cabling, electricity and a lot more and that is precisely what Nigeria needs at this moment,” he added.
The Minister stressed that Nigeria is also addressing the problem of unemployment through infrastructure projects being executed across the country.
Similarly, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the President, (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, who also spoke to Voice of Nigeria, noted that the BRI forum would be used to woo more investors to Nigeria in order to enhance development.
According to Nkwocha, “This initiative was formed 10 years ago then Nigeria became part of it in 2018 when the then President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari signed us into the initiative.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on assumption of office looked through the initiative in line with his commitment to revamping the economy and ensuring that anything that has to do with infrastructure; Nigeria will cue in and tap from it.
“That is why he has sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to participate in this forum. So, we look forward to better trade and investment talks, better implementation of sustainable development programmes and people-to-people engagements.”
Mr Nkwocha added that while in China, the Vice President will also take time to engage in bilateral meetings with the aim of wooing investors as well as assuring them of a thriving environment for the business in Nigeria.
Dominica Nwabufo
