Babagana Wakil, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Nigeria in China, attends the 2024 Belt and Road Commerce Chambers and Associations Conference (GCCAC) on December 5, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of GCCAC

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an inspiring framework for collaboration in the interconnected world, embodying a shared vision for growth founded on mutual respect and cooperation. Nigeria is fully committed to working alongside its Chinese partners and the global BRI community to seize new opportunities and build a future where prosperity knows no borders, Babagana Wakil, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Nigeria in China, told the Global Times on Friday.

Wakil made the remarks as he attended the 2024 Belt and Road Commerce Chambers and Associations Conference (GCCAC), which was held on Thursday in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian Province, in a bid to build an effective platform for connectivity and promote exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, culture, science and technology between BRI partner countries, as well as the prosperity and development of the Maritime Silk Road.

"It is indeed a pleasure and honor for me to be part of this great conference. This conference serves as an important forum that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including esteemed government leaders, forward-thinking business innovators, representatives from trade organizations, and members of regional chambers of commerce," he said.

"As we gather here today, it is clear that the BRI represents an exciting opportunity for shaping the future of global trade and collaboration. By connecting regions from Asia to Africa, and Europe to the Americas, the BRI is fostering a network of connections that enables businesses, nations, and individuals to collaborate in innovative ways. This initiative not only enhances economic partnerships but also promotes mutual understanding and shared progress on a global scale," Wakil said.

Nigeria's partnership with the BRI aligns with its vision for sustainable development and economic diversification. As Africa's most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria plays an important role in bridging African and global markets. Since joining the BRI in 2018, Nigeria has embraced its opportunities, harnessing the initiative to develop critical infrastructure, promote trade, and drive innovation. The success of this partnership stands as a testament to the transformative potential of collaboration. Sustainability and inclusivity must remain central to the BRI as we deepen our partnership, he told the Global Times.

Our active engagement in the BRI has led to significant achievements across key sectors. In infrastructure, landmark projects such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos-Ibadan Railway, and Abuja Metro Line have enhanced trade, connectivity, and industrialization, while the Zungeru Hydropower Plant has bolstered renewable energy capacity, according to Wakil. 

Trade between Nigeria and China reached over $22 billion in 2023, reflecting a strong partnership that supports Nigeria's economic diversification efforts in agriculture, manufacturing, and information and communications technology (ICT). He noted that collaborations in ICT have positioned Nigeria as a tech hub in Africa, with advancements in 5G, e-commerce, and digital skills.

Additionally, people-to-people ties have grown, with over 7,500 Nigerian students studying in China and cultural exchanges like the Chinese Film Festival strengthening mutual understanding, he said.

In addition, Nigeria remains committed to leveraging the BRI framework to achieve shared prosperity by prioritizing sustainable and inclusive development. This includes accelerating green development through renewable energy projects, afforestation, and climate resilience initiatives to ensure sustainable economic growth. "With China's technical expertise, we aim to enhance food security by modernizing agriculture through mechanization, irrigation, and value chain development," he said.

Furthermore, strengthening industrialization is also a key focus, with investments in special economic zones and manufacturing to create jobs and boost exports, Wakil noted.