Alkali Reiterates FG’s Commitment to Nigeria, China Ties on Infrastructure Development
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure development ties with China. Alkali made this known during his keynote speech at the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum, China-Africa Economic/ Trade Expo in Africa (Nigeria) 2024, and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Exhibition in Abuja.
The event, which took place on November 28, 2024, was a follow-up to the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing in September this year. Alkali emphasized that the central objective of promoting infrastructure, economic, and trade relations between China and Nigeria will be sustained to make this engagement as achievable as FOCAC.
According to Alkali, the Federal Ministry of Transportation has been collaborating with numerous Chinese companies, such as CCECC, CRCC, and CRSC, to develop, operate, and manage rail infrastructure under Public Private Partnership. This partnership is crucial in actualizing the realization of the 25-year Strategic Vision of Nigerian Railway Development.
The Minister commended the China International Contractors Association, Office of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, and all relevant stakeholders for organizing the forum. He assured the gathering of the Federal Ministry of Transportation’s commitment to ensuring the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda through sustainable collaboration with relevant Chinese entities.
Alkali expressed his appreciation for recognizing the Federal Ministry of Transportation as a strategic partner in sustaining the long-standing cherished Nigeria-China Infrastructure Cooperation. He wished the engagement a result-oriented outcome, noting that Nigeria is committed to making transportation infrastructure accessible, affordable, efficient, smart, and dynamic under its laws that promote environmental friendliness and safety.
