The House of Representatives committee on China-Nigeria relations was formed with the primary aim of strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between these two nations.
In an exclusive interview conducted at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the Chairman of the committee, Hon Jaafar Yakubu, shed light on the motivations behind its creation. He clarified that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, leading the House, initiated the committee due to China’s significant interest in Nigeria and the desire to enhance parliamentary and trade ties between the two countries.
Hon Jaafar, representing the Bali, Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State, noted that unlike previous assemblies, the 10th assembly recognized the importance of Nigeria’s bilateral trade relationship with China and China’s vested interest in Nigeria. Consequently, this special committee was established to address these critical aspects.
The committee’s objectives encompass fostering camaraderie between Nigeria and China, promoting legitimate business endeavors, and enhancing parliamentary and bilateral relations between the two nations. Hon Jaafar highlighted the committee’s role in providing a legitimate avenue for China to advance its businesses in Nigeria and strengthen the mutual relationship.
Regarding the mining sector, he discussed the misconceptions around legal and illegal mining, stressing that mining operations invariably involve the cooperation of local communities. The legislator emphasized that numerous Chinese companies are engaged in legal and legitimate mining activities in Nigeria and that his committee plans to investigate and address any illegal mining operations.
Furthermore, he expressed the committee’s intent to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to educate Chinese investors about Nigeria’s mining and business regulations to ensure compliance with the law.
Hon Jaafar underscored the economic significance of the mining sector, revealing that Nigeria has the potential to earn approximately $3 billion annually from its solid minerals. He also pointed out that over 100,000 Nigerians are currently employed by various Chinese mining companies, which translates to a significant improvement in the livelihoods of countless families.
Looking ahead, the lawmaker revealed the committee’s aspirations to visit the Chinese parliament and invite counterparts from China to Nigeria for exchanges on governance and people-to-people cooperation.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Nigeria and China have enjoyed mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse areas such as trade, investment, foreign policy, education, and technology transfer.