President Tinubu Departs China, Heads To UK Via Dubai

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concluded his official visit to China on September 6, 2024, and subsequently headed to London via Dubai.

This trip marked a pivotal diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening Nigeria's international relations and fostering economic cooperation.

During his stay in China, President Tinubu met with representatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the broader Nigerian community at the China World Hotel.

In these meetings, he assured the diaspora of his administration's commitment to delivering good governance and replicating China's developmental successes in Nigeria.

He stated, “One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that.”

Tinubu's visit was described as "very good and successful," focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining.

He also led the Nigerian delegation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), further solidifying Nigeria's role in this multilateral platform.

Addressing the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians, including the rise in petrol prices, Tinubu emphasized that these hardships are necessary sacrifices for the country's long-term development.

He noted, “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices.”

He elaborated on the need for these tough decisions to pave the way for improved infrastructure and public services, akin to those seen in China. “But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?”

Tinubu's vision includes replicating China's infrastructure achievements in Nigeria, despite the inherent difficulties in achieving national consensus on such issues.

He expressed his readiness to make the hard decisions necessary for national progress, stating, “We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish.”