President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Sunday after wrapping up an official visit to China, followed by a brief stopover in the United Kingdom.
Tinubu departed for Beijing on August 29, marking the start of a significant diplomatic mission.
His visit officially began on September 2 with a grand reception at the Great Hall of the People, where he was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A 21-gun salute and a military honor guard underscored the importance of the visit. Tinubu’s agenda in China focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, resulting in the signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu held high-level talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
The MoUs signed during the visit cover crucial areas of cooperation, including a plan to further China’s Belt and Road Initiative, peaceful nuclear energy applications, and human resource development.
One MoU emphasized media collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese outlets, while another major agreement involved the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the construction of the Lagos Green Rail Line.
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This 68-kilometer rail project will connect the Lekki Free Zone to Marina, linking with the already existing Blue Line.
In another significant development, a $1 billion iron ore-to-steel project in Kogi State was agreed upon between Nigeria’s Chart and Capstone Integrated Limited and China’s Sinomach-He, set to boost Nigeria’s industrial sector.
During his visit, President Tinubu also toured leading Chinese companies, including Huawei and CHEC, before attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
Representing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as chairman, Tinubu delivered a speech highlighting the need for multilateralism and global partnerships to promote peace.
Tinubu’s final stop in China involved a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (China chapter), where he shared updates on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving infrastructure, power supply, and education.
After leaving China, the President made a brief visit to the United Kingdom, where he held discussions with King Charles III, addressing key global issues, including climate change.
President Tinubu’s return to Abuja is highly anticipated, as he concludes a pivotal diplomatic journey aimed at fostering international cooperation and investment for Nigeria’s future.
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