By Hammeed M. Bello
Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas has given the commitments of Parliament to fast track the implementation of the agreements signed between China and Nigeria at the recently held meeting of the Forum for China and Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, in Beijing.
A total of 13 Memoranda of Understanding were signed between both countries at the FOCAC meeting, cutting across key sectors of the economy and infrastructure.
Speaker Abbas made the legislative commitment while speaking at a reception to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China held on Friday, September 27, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The National Assembly, Abbas said, would deploy the necessary legislative framework to support the implementation of the agreements.
“The recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held a few weeks ago stands as a beacon of hope for our continued collaboration,” he said.
The agreements reached during this forum with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signify a renewed commitment to strengthening our bilateral ties, he added.
According to Speaker Abbas, these agreements will pave the way for further investments in critical areas such as energy production and technology transfer—areas that are vital for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
“As we celebrate this anniversary, we must also acknowledge the deepening of relationship between Nigeria and China—a partnership built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.
“Our two nations have enjoyed fruitful cooperation across various sectors including trade, education, health care, and infrastructure development.
“The support that China has extended towards Nigeria’s infrastructural projects has been invaluable.
“Initiatives such as the construction of railways and roads have not only enhanced connectivity within Nigeria but have also fostered economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Abbas noted that the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China has demonstrated how a robust legislative framework can serve as an instrument for national development.
“By fostering a collaborative relationship with this esteemed body, we can exchange ideas and best practices that will enhance our own legislative processes. The success story of China is not merely one of economic prowess; it is also a testament to the power of effective governance and legislative action in driving national progress,” Nigeria’s Speaker said.
He added: “In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the House of Representatives will be actively engaging through our China-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group. This initiative aims to explore various areas for collaboration and cooperation, focusing on sectors such as trade, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
“By learning from China’s experience in leveraging its legislature for national advancement, we can better position ourselves to address the challenges facing our own country.
“As we look forward to future endeavors together, let us reaffirm our commitment to enhancing cooperation between Nigeria and China. It is imperative that we work hand-in-hand to address common challenges while seizing opportunities for growth that benefit both nations.”
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