Nigeria and China have agreed to continue to boost parliamentary relations.
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said that the over 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China have produced many outcomes of mutual benefit for both countries.
The Speaker stated this while addressing the Chinese delegation led by the ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
The Speaker also acknowledged the significance of Chinese contributions to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria over the years.
Speaker Abbas noted the many areas of developmental interventions by the Chinese government in Nigeria, just as he re-echoed the need for a robust parliamentary relationship between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the Chinese People’s Parliament.
“I welcome you to the people’s House. It’s similar to what you call the People’s Parliament in China. It’s indeed gratifying to welcome you today. China is not a small country; it is the second richest in the world today, as well as the most populated country.
“As always, the Nigerian Parliament is eager to work with your country. Since Nigeria and China established a diplomatic relationship several decades ago, we have not had any issues with China.
“I believe you brought so much to Nigeria as a result of this bilateral relationship, and you can only strengthen the partnership that will be a win-win for both countries.
“So far, the China-Nigeria relationship has been a positive one. When I was the chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, I had the opportunity of knowing the important contributions China made to that sector in Nigeria,” Speaker Abbas said.
The Speaker thereafter introduced the chairman of the Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, urging the ambassador to facilitate further introductions between the Committee Chairman and his Parliamentarians in China with a view to strengthening the relationship.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, briefed the Speaker of the Chinese Parliaments on how to strengthen ties with the Nigerian Legislature.
More Collaboration
Jianchun said that “more collaboration between both parliaments could only further cement the existing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China.”
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his warm reception, conveying the willingness of the Chinese Parliament to work with its Nigerian counterpart for the purpose of deepening the existing bilateral relationship.
Jianchun listed key areas of national development in which China has actively participated in Nigeria in the last six years.
They include road and hydroelectric power infrastructure, rail transportation, technology, and security.
He sated that China could also learn a lot from Nigeria through its Legislature and cultural collaboration.
Jianchun invited the Speaker to visit the Chinese Parliament next year to establish more ties.
Confidence Okwuchi
