Tag: Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of bridging financial inclusion gaps to achieve Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. 

Speaking at the inaugural Development Partners Roundtable on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which was held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Shettima urged stakeholders to tackle systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive financial system.

In this regard, he identified some unsettling gaps yawning for serious attention, including low penetration of digital financial services among women, just as he listed some socio-economic barriers behind these inequalities including low incomes, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance.

Vice President Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Aliyu Modibbo Umar, warned that Nigeria’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 will remain an illusion except the private sector and development partners are fully engaged.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “we have come this far because we are continually assessing the extent of economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria. 

“However, the results of this assessment reveal some disturbing gaps that demand our urgent attention. One such gaps is the low penetration of digital financial services among women—only 23% compared to 43% for men.

“This, as we have learned, is driven by socio-economic barriers such as low income, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance. Women in the northwest and northeast are particularly disadvantaged. The task before us, then, is clear: to bridge these systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive, equitable financial system that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of gender or geography.”

Senator Shettima, however, expressed optimism that the inaugural roundtable will provide a fertile ground for meaningful conversation that would “pave the way for a future where every Nigerian is a significant part of the nation’s financial data.”

He continued: “This roundtable is yet another important opportunity to harness our collective potential and chart a sustainable path forward. It is designed to provide a holistic view of the obstacles impeding economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria.

“As we engage in discussions today, I invite all of us to join hands, collaborate, and align our efforts in crafting lasting solutions. Whatever we do as a government, we know it cannot materialise fully unless we work together with you—our development partners, the private sector, and all stakeholders committed to progress.”

The VP hinted at the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord, saying it will guarantee the success of the initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to guarantee the success of the transformative initiatives championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord.

“It is my honour to chair this Governance Committee, which will primarily consist of the esteemed signatories to the Aso Accord, reflecting our collective commitment to ensuring its success. The Committee will be backed by a dedicated secretariat housed within the Office of the Vice President,” he noted.

Noting that discussions on the state of economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria had become a matter of priority at the National Economic Council (NEC) since April of this year, VP Shettima said, “The committee will report to the NEC on a quarterly basis to ensure that the integrated framework we have established not only implements the Aso Accord effectively but also achieves its ambitious goals.

“Once again, I call on all development partners here today to collaborate with this team to ensure the successful implementation of the Aso Accord. Your support is critical to this mission. We will rely on your technical expertise and continued assistance in accelerating the implementation of specific programmes and initiatives. None of us can deliver on this task in isolation,” he added.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke on behalf of the subnationals, commended President Tinubu for giving Nigeria visionary leadership.

He said the successes being recorded by the nation in the economic and other sectors show that Nigeria is on the right track. 

The Deputy Governor who represented the Bayelsa State Governor maintained that rural communities should be well accommodated in the scheme of things to enhance inclusive development. 

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, called for effective strategies to include more farmers, petty traders and others who are in poor financial stages, in the financial inclusion programme in order to achieve its goals.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who said the ministry plays a big role in providing financial intervention and inclusion, added that the ministry will ensure social justice, environmental protection and growth through its social intervention programmes like Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding.

He assured beneficiaries of accountability and transparency in the implementation of all the programmes of the ministry.

On his part, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said the roundtable was a defining moment for the financial inclusion strategy of the Nigerian government. 

Read Also: Shettima tasks NCP on maximising value of national assets

“Today’s gathering is a defining moment in our collective journey towards creating a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. In this hall, we have stakeholders comprising individuals and institutions who are united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through inclusive, economic and financial systems in Nigeria,” he said.  

Dr Zauro added that the Aso Accord that seeks to promote financial inclusion is also a blueprint for action guided by the drive to unlock full potential and enhance socio-economic growth, leading to the building of a resilient and inclusive future for all Nigerians.  

On her part, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, hailed Nigeria’s reforms, which she said are feasible.

She congratulated Nigeria for implementing the Aso Accord on Financial Inclusion, just as she solicited more support for women and MSMEs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the importance of bridging financial inclusion gaps to achieve Nigeria’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. 

Speaking at the inaugural Development Partners Roundtable on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which was held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Shettima urged stakeholders to tackle systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive financial system.

In this regard, he identified some unsettling gaps yawning for serious attention, including low penetration of digital financial services among women, just as he listed some socio-economic barriers behind these inequalities, including low incomes, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance.

Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, warned that Nigeria’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 will remain an illusion unless the private sector and development partners are fully engaged.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “we have come this far because we are continually assessing the extent of economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria. 

“However, the results of this assessment reveal some disturbing gaps that demand our urgent attention. One such gaps is the low penetration of digital financial services among women—only 23% compared to 43% for men.

“This, as we have learned, is driven by socio-economic barriers such as low income, limited education, and restricted access to financial tools like credit and insurance. Women in the northwest and northeast are particularly disadvantaged. The task before us, then, is clear: to bridge these systemic inequalities and foster an inclusive, equitable financial system that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of gender or geography.”

Shettima, however, expressed optimism that the inaugural roundtable will provide a fertile ground for meaningful conversation that would “pave the way for a future where every Nigerian is a significant part of the nation’s financial data.”

He continued: “This roundtable is yet another important opportunity to harness our collective potential and chart a sustainable path forward. It is designed to provide a holistic view of the obstacles impeding economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria.

“As we engage in discussions today, I invite all of us to join hands, collaborate, and align our efforts in crafting lasting solutions. Whatever we do as a government, we know it cannot materialise fully unless we work together with you—our development partners, the private sector, and all stakeholders committed to progress.”

The VP hinted at the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord, saying it will guarantee the success of the initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to guarantee the success of the transformative initiatives championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce the inauguration of a Presidential Committee for the Implementation of the Aso Accord.

“It is my honour to chair this Governance Committee, which will primarily consist of the esteemed signatories to the Aso Accord, reflecting our collective commitment to ensuring its success. The Committee will be backed by a dedicated secretariat housed within the Office of the Vice President,” he noted.

Noting that discussions on the state of economic and financial inclusion in Nigeria had become a matter of priority at the National Economic Council (NEC) since April of this year, VP Shettima said, “The committee will report to the NEC on a quarterly basis to ensure that the integrated framework we have established not only implements the Aso Accord effectively but also achieves its ambitious goals.

“Once again, I call on all development partners here today to collaborate with this team to ensure the successful implementation of the Aso Accord. Your support is critical to this mission. We will rely on your technical expertise and continued assistance in accelerating the implementation of specific programmes and initiatives. None of us can deliver on this task in isolation,” he added.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who spoke on behalf of the subnationals, commended President Tinubu for giving Nigeria visionary leadership.

He said the successes being recorded by the nation in the economic and other sectors show that Nigeria is on the right track. 

The Deputy Governor who represented the Bayelsa State Governor maintained that rural communities should be well accommodated in the scheme of things to enhance inclusive development. 

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, called for effective strategies to include more farmers, petty traders and others who are in poor financial stages, in the financial inclusion programme in order to achieve its goals.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who said the ministry plays a big role in providing financial intervention and inclusion, added that the ministry will ensure social justice, environmental protection and growth through its social intervention programmes like Conditional Cash Transfer and School Feeding.

He assured beneficiaries of accountability and transparency in the implementation of all the programmes of the ministry.

Read Also: Shettima tasks NCP on maximising value of national assets

On his part, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said the roundtable was a defining moment for the financial inclusion strategy of the Nigerian government. 

“Today’s gathering is a defining moment in our collective journey towards creating a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. In this hall, we have stakeholders comprising individuals and institutions who are united by a shared commitment to transforming lives through inclusive, economic and financial systems in Nigeria,” he said.  

Dr Zauro added that the Aso Accord that seeks to promote financial inclusion is also a blueprint for action guided by the drive to unlock full potential and enhance socio-economic growth, leading to the building of a resilient and inclusive future for all Nigerians.  

On her part, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, hailed Nigeria’s reforms, which she said are feasible.

She congratulated Nigeria for implementing the Aso Accord on Financial Inclusion, just as she solicited more support for women and MSMEs.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to ensure that Nigerians get value from the nation’s core assets.

Shettima, who spoke yesterday at the fourth meeting of the NCP in his office at the Presidential Villan in Abuja, said the national assets are crucial to the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President urged the NCP members to provide constructive leadership for Nigerians, cautioning that posterity would judge them kindly, if they made efforts to be fair to the citizens.

He also advised the council members to play active roles in unlocking national prosperity that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu works assiduously to achieve every day.

Shettima said: “The work of this council has never been more important, especially given our current economic climate. Maximising value from core national assets is a key tenet of the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We must, as a council, play our part in unlocking the national prosperity that Mr. President works towards every day.”

“The agenda today is heavily packed; the items range from very important post-privatisation matters to critical sector reform issues that typify the indelible contributions the bureau and this council continue to make towards the attainment of our national aspirations.

“I encourage members of the council to contribute strongly to our discussions today. Posterity will judge us kindly, if we make efforts to be fair to the Nigerian people. Our people need our leadership. People will pass judgment on our decisions in years to come.”

During the meeting, the council received report presentations from its finance, technical and legal committees, and they were all approved and ratified.

Read Also: Shettima, Akpabio, Jonathan, govsbid A’Ibom First Lady farewell

In his presentation to council, the Director General of the Bureau Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi, sought the approval of the NCP for the proposed 2025 work plan of the bureau, prioritising revenue-generating projects and strengthening of concession management capacity, among others.

The director general gave an update on the establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to the NCP to improve grid management, transparency and reliability.

The council also received update reports on the restructured Kano, Kaduna, Benin, and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) as well as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) orders on the transfer of regulatory oversight of electricity markets in Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Oyo, and Ondo states.

Other important updated reports the committee received at the meeting included operations at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant; Kainji and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plant, and the proposal to relocate four turbines from Afam Power Plant to Ughelli Power Plant, all in a bid to increase power supply to the national grid.

Other top government officials at the meeting included the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and other NCP members.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday joined other dignitaries to pay tributes to the late Mrs. Patience Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at her funeral.

The ceremony which took place at Ikot Ekpene, Udo Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, was also attended by incumbent and former governors as well as National Assembly members.

Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, His Bauchi State counterpart Senator Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimna, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Akwa Ibom State governor Mr Udom Emmanuel all graced the occasion.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the late First Lady as a wonderful woman who lived a life of service to God and humanity in pastoral care, just like her husband.

Speaking during her funeral, the Vice President said the invaluable contributions of the late Mrs. Eno to society and her exemplary role as a silent yet profound leader in Nigeria will be an inspiration for generations. 

He said: “We are here to celebrate life; the life of an Amazon who has contributed immensely and tremendously to the peace, stability and progress of Akwa Ibom State, the South-South region and the nation as a whole.

“She was a pillar of support to her husband, the family, and we are all going to surely miss her.”

VP Shettima, who attended the funeral at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prayed God to “grant His Excellency the Governor, the Senate President, the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Read Also: JUST IN: Jonathan, Shettima, govs bid farewell to A’Ibom First Lady

According to the Vice President, the late “Mrs. Patience Eno embodied the essence of women’s unsung leadership in our society.

“Her actions spoke louder than words through her service to the underprivileged, her pastoral commitment and her tireless dedication to the well-being of others,” he added.

VP Shettima lauded the late First Lady for her charitable initiative, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which provided essential resources such as food, shelter and education to vulnerable members of the community. 

“She was not just a wife or a mother; she was a leader who exemplified the strength and grace of Nigerian women.

“Through her work with GIFA and her unwavering faith, she touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on Akwa Ibom and beyond,” the Vice President stated.

Noting the broader significance of Mrs. Eno’s life as a reflection of women’s leadership in Nigeria, Senator Shettima said the nation owes much of its progress to women like her, “who led not with titles but with actions.”

He continued: “They are the backbone of families, communities, and our nation’s moral compass. Her legacy of service, compassion and faith is a beacon that will continue to inspire generations. She lived not just for herself but for others—for God, for Akwa Ibom, and humanity.

“She showed us all that leadership is not always in the spotlight. It is in the quiet sacrifices, the selfless acts of giving, and the courage to care for others,” the Vice President added. 

In his tribute, Eno said the memories of his late wife would remain fresh in his thoughts and warm in his heart.

He promised not to forget her or describe her in past tense for the rest of his life.

He said: “You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, a part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever.

“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here celebrating your memories, and as I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago, in church, has been a journey of growth and immeasurable blessings, and we will be fine.

“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my “Oluwakemi” alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts and warm in my heart.’”

In her remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, recalled the laudable contributions to humanity of the departed First Lady and urged the family to emulate her legacies.

In his homily, Rev. Simeon Afolabi of the First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the topic “When Death of Love One Occurs” said whenever a love one dies, our world strain because of what we think of her, adding that anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone.

Drawing copiously from the scriptures, 1 Thess: 4;15-16, Afolabi urged the family members of the late first lady to emulate the good legacies of their late mother.

Other dignitaries who attended the funeral service included Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi and the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, among others.

• VP hosts Chinese national congress delegation

Vice President Kashim Shettima has sought China’s support to surmount the current insecurity in Nigeria.

Shettima made the request when he hosted a delegation from China, led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Zhang Qingwei, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A statement by the Senior Special to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President expressed optimism that Nigeria would surmount its security challenges.

“You have mentioned security; there can never be peace without development and there can never be development without peace. We really want to reposition the security architecture of our country. We are investing in technology and we need your support, we need your cooperation and your partnership,” he said.

Shettima called for constant improvement in the relations between Nigeria and China.

The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the continuous increase in the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, saying it was the highest in Africa.

He added that both countries are friends that have sustained mutual respect and honour for each other.

“In 2023, our trade relations with China got to $22.6 billion, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest. That trade relationship is growing by 33 per cent every year.

Read Also: Shettima seeks China’s support to tackle insecurity 

“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China. So, I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship,” Shettima said.

The Vice President stressed the need to strengthen the over 50 years of relations between the two countries for the benefit of both nations.

“Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years, dating back to 1971. This friendship is evident in the numerous high-level visits between the two nations, including the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024. These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the two nations,” he said.

The Vice President, who expressed admiration for China’s culture and traditions, said the country was making its mark among the committee of nations and called for greater engagements between the two friendly countries.

“This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties,” Shettima said.

The Vice President assured the delegation that Nigeria supported the One China policy.

Qingwei said the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China was opening a new page of relations between the two countries.

The delegation leader said China was ready to move the relations to a new high.

“In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and had a state visit. Presidents Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations.

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria-China relations to a new height,” he said.

Qingwei noted that there was a need for Nigeria and China to support each other politically, adding that President Tinubu was committed to economic diversification, while China was ready to support Nigeria’s developmental expedition.

Other members of the delegation included the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, and Vice Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC), Chio Bing.

Others included a member of the Committee of Institutions, Wang Li-Sha, and a member of the Constitution and Law Committee of the NPC, who is also a member of the China-Nigeria group of the NPC, Sung Si Dung.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to China for support to tackle the security challenges facing the country today.

Senator Shettima made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja when he received a delegation from China led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr Zhang Qingwei at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This was according to a statement by the Senior Special to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, on Wednesday.

The Vice President expressed optimism that Nigeria will surmount the problems it was facing 

“You have mentioned security; there can never be peace without development and there can never be development without peace. We really want to reposition the security architecture of our country. We are investing in technology and we need your support, we need your cooperation and your partnership,” the VP said.

He called for constant improvement in the relationship between Nigeria China.

The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the continuous increase in the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, which he pointed out, is one of the highest in Africa.

He noted that both countries are friends that have sustained mutual respect and honour for one each other.

The Vice President said, “Last year in 2023, our trade relations with China got to $22.6 billion, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33 percent every year.

“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China. So, I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship.”

Shettima stressed the need to strengthen relations between the two countries which have spanned over 50 years for the benefit of both nations.

“Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years, dating back to 1971 and this friendship is evident in the numerous high-level visits between the two nations, including the recent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024. These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the two nations,” said Senator Shettima.

Shettima, who expressed his admiration for China’s culture and traditions said the country is already making its mark among the committee of nations, even as he called for greater engagements between the two friendly countries.

“This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties,” the VP added.

Senator Shettima assured the delegation that Nigeria supports the One China policy.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and Vice Chairman, Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr Zhang Qingwei, said the Strategic partnership between Nigeria and China is opening a new page of relationship between the two countries.

Qingwei said China is ready to move the relationship to a new high.

“In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a State visit. President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations.

Read Also: Volume of trade between Nigeria, China highest in Africa – Shettima

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a new height,” he said.

He also pointed to the need for Nigeria and China to support each other politically, adding that President Tinubu is committed to economic diversification, and China is ready to support Nigeria’s developmental expedition.

The delegation which had the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, also had Hon. Chio Bing, Vice Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC).

Others include Hon Wang Li-Sha, member of the Committee of Institutions, and Hon Sung Si Dung, member, Constitution and Law Committee of the NPC, who is also a member of the China-Nigeria group of the NPC.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed satisfaction with the continuous increase in the volume of trade between Nigeria and China.

This is contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, on Wednesday.

Shettima made this known when he received a delegation from China, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Qingwei

According to Shettima, trade between Nigeria and China is one of the highest in Africa.

” In 2023, our trade relations with China got to 22.6 billion dollars, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33 per cent every year.

“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China.

” I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship.”

Shettima stressed the need to strengthen relations between the two countries which have spanned over 50 years for the benefit of both nations.

” Nigeria and China have enjoyed warm bilateral relations for 53 years, dating back to 1971 and this friendship is evident in the numerous high-level visits between the two nations, including the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu to China in September 2024.

” These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the two nations,” Shettima said.

The vice president, who expressed his admiration for China’s culture and traditions, said the country was already making its mark among the committee of nations.

Shettima also called for greater engagements between the two friendly countries.

“This is the time when there should be greater South-South cooperation. There should be greater engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is also time to strengthen ties.”

Shettima, who assured the delegation that Nigeria supports the One China policy, expressed optimism that Nigeria would surmount its security challenges.

The vice president, therefore, appealed for support from China in that regard.

” You have mentioned security; there can never be peace without development and there can never be development without peace.

” We really want to reposition the security architecture of our country. We are investing in technology and we need your support, we need your cooperation and your partnership,” he said.

Earlier, Zhang, said the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China was opening a new page of relationship between the two countries.

Zhang said China was ready to move the relationship to a new high.

Read Also: Shettima, First Lady, Abbas, others seek action against gender-based violence

“In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a State visit.

” President Tinubu and Xi Jinping jointly announced to elevate Nigeria-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter of relations.

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the important consensus between our leaders on the outcome of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a new height,” he said.

He also pointed to the need for Nigeria and China to support each other politically, adding that Tinubu was committed to economic diversification, and China is ready to support Nigeria’s developmental expedition.

(NAN)