By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize investments in policies that focus on enhancing productivity, capacity building and infrastructure development, which serves as critical components for poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Yu, stated this at a Seminar, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, themed “Taking New Opportunities for China – Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reform in the New Era”
The Envoy, also noted that his country had adopted people centered approach to become relevant among the committee of nations by advocating stability among nations.
He also said the collaboration between the two nations, will be of benefit to Nigeria drawing from China’s own experiences in lifting about 800 million people out of poverty over the past few decades.
“Poverty alleviation is not just about financial support; it is about creating sustainable opportunities. Nigeria could benefit from adopting a multi-faceted approach similar to the one employed by China.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of education and vocational training as critical components of poverty alleviation.
“Investing in human capital is essential. China also invested a lot in educating its people from having 1 million students yearly to having over 13 million university students every year. We also provided vocational training for many people because we believe the vital role education plays in equipping young people with the skills is crucial for building a prosperous future,”. He noted.
Ambassador Yu, while commending Nigeria’s efforts in recent years, however said there are still some challenges, particularly in rural areas where poverty rates are significantly higher.
He pointed out China’s agricultural reforms in the late 20th century as a model, which involved introducing modern farming techniques, improving irrigation systems, and providing farmers with better access to markets.
“Nigeria’s agricultural sector has the potential to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.
According to him, there is need for the Nigerian government prioritize investments in roads, electricity, and transportation networks, which he believes are vital for economic growth and poverty reduction.
“Without adequate infrastructure, it is difficult for businesses to thrive and for communities to access basic services. China’s success in the electric vehicle market is an example of international competition driving innovation. There is significant improvement in transportation in China, from 15-hour train journeys to two-and-a-half hours,” . He added.
According to Yu, during the last plenary session, China had over 300 reform measures set to be achieved in the next five years, noting that a successful poverty eradication is attributed to continuous reform, which takes away outdated practices and obstacles.
The Chinese Ambassador further warned that, despite the importance of opening up and learning from other nations experiences, it is necessary countries stop copying other countries’ exact policies, because no two countries are the same.
“We learned from our history that you should never close your door to the whole world, otherwise you will be left behind. However, believe that every country has their core, culture, history, so you don’t have to be like others, like China won’t become others. Likewise Nigeria won’t become another country. Nigeria has its unique history and culture, so as China, we will learn and exchange but we won’t copy,”. Yu said.
Also speaking, the Head of Department Political Science and International Relations , University of Abuja, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, recommended that Nigeria must be deliberate on its cause for development.
“We have to brain storm into areas of cooperation and mutual learning, in terms of reforms.
We have been able to review the previous Nigeria and Chinese reforms, critically looking at the areas of gaps, what are the areas that Nigeria can harness in its reforms policy. We discovered that all reforms in Nigeria are good reforms but without implementation. We hope that the Renewed Hope Agenda will actually serve the general interest of Nigerians, and will be able to bring changes. The partnership with Nigeria and China is for Nigeria to watch closely what it could actually learn, Because China is a reformed entity.
In our cooperation we should replicate what China has done, that is mutual learning”. He said
According to the President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, Nigeria should make reforms according to needs of Nigerians
“Nigeria must develop its deepening reforms alongside China’s to help it create a complex and dynamic cultural landscape, marked by both continuity and change.
Participants at the Seminar maintained the need for strategic reforms aimed at alleviating poverty in Nigeria.
