Akpabio Urges China to Increase Aid to Africa During Historic Visit

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the Chinese government to boost aid to Africa, particularly Nigeria, to strengthen bilateral relations and support development initiatives. Akpabio made the appeal on Tuesday while hosting Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), during Zhang’s first visit to Africa.

Describing the meeting as one filled with “promise and possibility,” Akpabio emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China. “While China’s trade relations with Africa continue to grow, I urge the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Africa, particularly Nigeria,” he said.

The Senate President expressed concern over a decline in Chinese aid commitments to Africa, referencing a lower pledge at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) compared to the $60 billion pledged in 2015.

Akpabio proposed greater collaboration on initiatives that would transform Nigeria into a hub of creativity and innovation, leveraging the nation’s resources and cultural richness. “As we gaze into the horizon of possibilities, let us aspire to build a partnership that not only strengthens our economies but also enriches our cultural and social bonds,” he added.

To enhance legislative ties, Akpabio advocated for the creation of a Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, aimed at fostering mutual learning and cooperation between the two countries’ parliaments. “We can begin this mutually beneficial relationship by establishing the Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group to exchange ideas on how our parliamentary institutions can support shared goals,” he said.

In response, Zhang Qingwei noted that his visit was focused on implementing agreements reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Tinubu’s visit to China in September. Zhang described Nigeria as a valued partner and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the country’s development and reform efforts.

“Our visit is to consolidate China-Nigeria friendship and mutual trust, enhance exchanges between legislatures, and advance cooperation in various areas to elevate bilateral relations to a new height,” Zhang stated.