By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Minister of State for Works Mohammed Bello Goronyo, has applauded the partnership between Nigeria and China as a driver to foster economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, mining and knowledge transfer.
This was contained in a statement signed a issued by Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed.
It said Goronyo made this known at the CAETE Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja, recently.
He emphasised that the nations shared commitment to sustainable development through strategic cooperation.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), which aims to increase infrastructure’s GDP contribution from 30-35% to 70% by 2043, prioritising investments in transportation, energy, healthcare and water systems.
He noted China’s significant role in projects like the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and renewable energy initiatives, which have boosted connectivity, commerce and local capacity.
He also stressed the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability and urged for greater technical training and public-private partnerships.
“I am delighted to share Nigeria’s strides in redefining its infrastructure landscape through the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP). This long-term strategic framework prioritises investments across key sectors, including transportation, energy, water, irrigation and healthcare infrastructures,” the HMSW further emphasised. NIIMP will promote innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, as well as enhance collaboration with global partners like China to deliver on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. Through this plan, it is hoped that Nigeria will build robust infrastructure, which will drive industrialisation, improve the quality of lives and position the nation as a hub for trade and investment in Africa. This is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his Keynote Address, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Abubakar Sa’id Alkali, commended the progress achieved in the rail, road and maritime sectors through a Nigeria-China collaboration.
