China and Nepal jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly build a one-stop business circulation system. Nigerian Ambassador to China Baba Ahmed Jeddah said that as the ninth country in Africa to join the Belt and Road Initiative, Nigeria is an important partner of China in Africa, and the two sides have in-depth development of infrastructure cooperation. In the future, I hope that more Chinese companies can come to West Africa, and that more people will participate to jointly promote the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

China is an important partner of Africa

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is rich in petroleum energy. Nigeria is also a country with more than 250 ethnic groups. Nigeria has a presidential system and has 36 states. It is a major member of the African Union, a leader of the Economic Community of Central African States, and an active member of the United Nations. It is especially important to emphasize that Nigeria is a good friend of China.

Baba Ahmed Jeddah said that Nigeria welcomes Chinese companies to carry out infrastructure construction. Now we have received support from the railway, but we still need support for other construction projects that are beneficial to the people, so as to better solve the unemployment problem. Nigeria is an important partner of China in Africa. We hope that more Chinese companies can come to West Africa, and we hope that more people will participate.

In-depth development of China-Nepal infrastructure cooperation

Baba Ahmed Jeddah said that many large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria have received strong support from Chinese companies, and the people are very grateful for the convenience brought by Chinese companies.

In July 2016, the railway linking Nigeria’s capital Abuja and Kaduna (Aka Railway) began its official operation; in March 2017, the Lagos-Ibadan section of the railway (Rai Railway ) Construction started; in July 2018, the first phase of the Abuja Metropolitan Railway was officially put into operation. This is the first light rail in West Africa. China Earth Group is carrying out the construction of light rail projects and airport terminals in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Lagos.

Passenger trial operation of Rye Railway

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. A large number of people traveling to and from the airport need convenient transportation, but there is no subway in Abuja. We use the light rail to bring a large number of passengers from all sides of Abuja to the airport. Among the coastal railway lines, one is from Port Harcourt to Tariba, connecting Kaduna, to Kano State, and then to Abuja; the other is from Benue State, Plateau State, and Bauchi State. All the way to Borno State. These are important projects in large-scale infrastructure construction, all of which have received strong support from China.

Multiple measures to attract Chinese investment

Baba Ahmed Jeddah: We are very happy to join the Belt and Road Initiative and welcome Chinese companies to Nigeria. Currently, Nigeria has formulated many regulations to attract Chinese investors.

In terms of visas, Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding with China in 2016, guaranteeing that any Chinese holding a diplomatic passport or official passport can travel to Nigeria without a visa. At the same time, if the Chinese apply for a visa at the Nigerian Embassy in China, Nigeria will provide the visa within 48 hours. If it is a personal trip, Nigeria will arrange a visa on arrival when the passenger arrives at the airport. Nigeria hopes that it is very convenient for Chinese people to go to Nigeria. For Nigerian businessmen who want to come to China, Nigeria has also made the highest level of preparation for them.

Secondly, Nigeria's taxes and fees are lower. Nigeria will provide industrial land, Chinese companies can obtain land without difficulty, and allow local labor to be hired. At the same time, the Nigerian government has also made a lot of preparations to promote investment. Nigeria has opened its door to Chinese investment, the two countries have very good diplomatic relations, and the space for future cooperation is unlimited. Editor/Tian Zengpeng