Nigeria and China have pledged stronger collaboration in tackling humanitarian challenges and poverty reduction, with a focus on sustainable solutions and shared expertise.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Nigeria and China have pledged stronger collaboration in tackling humanitarian challenges and poverty reduction, with a focus on sustainable solutions and shared expertise.
This commitment was made on Thursday when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, in Abuja.
Dr. Sununu, while outlining potential areas of cooperation, underscored Nigeria’s determination to learn from China’s success stories.
“We acknowledge the good intentions of the Chinese government in partnering with our Ministry. Nigeria is eager to learn from China’s vast experience, especially in lifting millions out of poverty,” the Minister said.
“Our major humanitarian challenges include acute malnutrition in children, internally displaced persons, refugees, and the impact of climate change. Collaboration can focus on durable solutions, skill-to-wealth programmes, and capacity building for frontline workers to respond promptly to the needs of vulnerable populations,” he added.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai highlighted China’s population-driven development experience, noting that the two nations share similarities.
“China has about 1.4 billion people as of last year. We have suffered hunger in the past, but we made progress in lifting millions of people out of poverty. We are willing to share our expertise with Nigeria,” the envoy stated.
“Addressing poverty requires comprehensive investment in food security, agriculture, industrialisation, education, security, and developmental stability. The Chinese Embassy stands ready to partner with the Ministry to achieve these common goals,” he assured.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, also commended the initiative, describing the partnership as timely and necessary.
“We deeply appreciate the Ambassador’s visit and his interest in capacity building for our staff and broader humanitarian collaboration,” Kofarmata said.
The meeting marks another step in Nigeria’s efforts to deepen bilateral ties with China, while tackling pressing issues of poverty and humanitarian crises.
Nigeria, China Forge Strategic Partnership on Humanitarian Affairs, Poverty Reduction
