A few days ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made what many in diplomatic circles have termed a strategic move aimed at bolstering bilateral relationship and enhancing trade partnership.
Agreed, China has become one major player in the continent of Africa, indeed globally and Nigeria would not an exception but there issues often raised as to the genuine efforts by this ‘large economy’ to deal with its partners with equity.
Notwithstanding, the President was anticipated to have had a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing not long ago on arrival.
President Tinubu left Abuja for Beijing, China to undertake a significant diplomatic mission accompanied by a retinue of officials including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, Kaduna State Governor,Sen. Uba Sani among others.
On the less ‘inspiring’ sources from the Presidency indicated that the Chinese President will host President Tinubu “spectacularly”.
They further mentioned that there would be a gun salute and an inspection of the guard of honour. All these are naturally not unexpected but they are not what most Nigerians anticipate as the essence of the trip which cost the tax payer a fortune.
Salutary enough, the event is expected to conclude with the signing of several bilateral agreements between the two nations and that brings succor to many concerned Nigerians that the journey is not just a ‘merry-go-round’ often associated with our leaders over time.
The President himself had revealed that his schedule includes visits to major Chinese companies, including Huawei Technologies and the China Railway and Construction Corporation.
However, here comes the big question. What would this translate as gains to Nigeria? Are these companies not already playing in their respective sectors in Nigeria? Should it take the President such an elaborate trip to get the attention of these entities to a large continental player like Nigeria?
We do believe that the meeting with the Chinese President and the bilateral sign offs would be the hallmark of this visit but the interface with big firms as even private entities can fit into this role of bringing Chinese big time players into Nigeria. This could be achieved with a Minister of Trade and Investment as it were.
On a complementary note, Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, who is on the trip has announced the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei Technologies Company to advance the Smart City Project in the State.
The Governor, on his verified X account, stated, “Today, I had the honour and privilege of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kaduna State Government and Huawei Technologies Company, Nigeria Limited at the Huawei Technologies office in Beijing, China.
Chris Lu, CEO, Huawei Technologies, Nigeria Limited, signed on behalf of the company. The ceremony was witnessed by our dear President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, my colleague governors, ministers and other senior government officials.
“The MoU is for the actualisation of the Smart City Project in Kaduna State. It is geared towards enhancing security, efficiency and transparency in public service, competitiveness, city management, and attracting talents and investments. The ultimate goal is the establishment of a safer and smarter Kaduna State”.
We are impressed by these moves but we urge our governments to be circumspect in making unnecessary trips that could be done through private sector concerns from both countries.
While we do not stress that the President’s trip was needless, he must ensure that he returns with a bag full of investment profiles which are achievable for Nigeria’s benefit and importantly, China has been around Nigeria providing rail, bridge and critical roads infrastructure and the citizens wished that Mr President and his team get more deals in other modern developmental infrastructure otherwise the trip will not be fancied.
