Business
Nigeria – China trade volume hits $22.6bn
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing that trade between the two nations reached $22.6 billion in 2023, making it one of the highest in Africa.
Shettima made this declaration while receiving a Chinese delegation led by Zhang Qingwei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Vice President expressed satisfaction with the steady increase in trade between Nigeria and China, citing a bilateral relationship that dates back to 1971.
According to Shettima, the trade relationship between Nigeria and China is growing by 33 percent every year, with the Nigerian economy picking up despite challenges.
He reassured the Chinese delegation of Nigeria’s support, stating, “We believe in you, we respect you, and we cherish our relationship.”
“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,” he said.
“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China.
“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.”
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of Nigeria and China supporting each other politically, emphasizing the need for greater South-South cooperation.
He called for greater engagement between the two nations, saying, “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 assured the Chinese delegation of Nigeria’s support for the ‘One China’ policy and expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges with China’s support.
He emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “There can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace.”
The Chinese delegation, led by Qingwei, reciprocated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Qingwei announced that China is ready to move its relationship with Nigeria to a new level, describing it as a new chapter in their partnership.
He highlighted the importance of political support between the two nations, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification.
He said, “In September this year, President Tinubu attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and also had a State visit,” he said.
“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.”
Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has confirmed the production of petroleum products at the newly fixed Port Harcourt refinery, stating that it is currently churning out petroleum products at 70 per cent of its capacity in readiness to ramp up to 90 per cent soon.
The Association urged anyone or group that is in doubt of the refinery’s operations to contact the NNPC Ltd for a facility tour rather than spread misinformation, noting that the company had taken some stakeholders and Journalists to the plant for a first hand assessment.
In a statement signed by its national Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, titled:’Halt the Rumours:Port Harcourt Old Refinery is up and Running, Producing By-products of Crude Oil’ the Association praised Mele Kyari and his team for reviving a refinery that was moribund for about 21 years.
The statement read: “The National Headquarters of PETROAN is compelled to set the records straight. WE state emphatically that the Old Port Harcourt refinery is functional and producing refined Petroleum products at the moment. On Tuesday 26th November 2024, The top Management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) led by Engr Mele Kyari took stakeholders and journalist to the plant in view of having a first hand information and to see things themselves.
“The old Port Harcourt refinery is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 per cent. This is contrary to the speculations that the revamped and celebrated Refinery is a mere blending plant and unproductive as circulated by most naysayer.
“As part of PETROAN’s oversight function as key stakeholders, we have direct access to the plant on the authorization of management and we will encourage whoever is doubting the functional status of the plant to contact NNPC management for facility tour rather than spreading misleading information. It is more important to state here that the functional plant at operation is the old refinery with the capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, while the new port Harcourt refinery with the capacity of 200,000 barrels per day is still under rehabilitation which is due to commence production soon as announced by the management of NNPCL.
“Both Refineries are within the same complex at Alesa Eleme in Rivers State The old Port Harcourt refinery which was built in the year 1965 stopped production over 21 years ago, while the new Port Harcourt refinery stopped production in the year 2019. Further confirmation for the authenticity of production at the Port Harcourt refinery was verified by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources under the able leadership of Distinguished Sen. S A Kawu Sumaila, OFR Ph.D in conjunction with stakeholders and members of the host community.
“The senate Committee was on fact-finding/investigation on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the Port Harcourt refinery and depot at Alesa Eleme to see things themselves. The senate committee saw the plant functional and Petroleum trucks loading at the Port Harcourt refinery depot.
“It is worth noting that PETROAN National leadership led by the national President Dr Billy Hary were in attendance at the senate committee visitation at the Port Harcourt refinery to welcome the committee and express PETROAN’S willingness to commence loading at the Port Harcourt refinery.
“PETROAN opined that the appropriate thing at the moment is to commend the team of NNPCL management led by Engr Mele Kyari that was able to revive a plant that has been moribund, deplorable and dormant for over 21 years .
“PETROAN hereby appraise the scorecard of Engr Mele Kyari as Excellent performance for the reviving a refinery plant which was abandoned for 21 years when he wasn’t the NNPC boss PETROAN is optimistic that the Nigeria vision is achievable and hereby call on Nigerians to be patriotic by believing in the renewed hope agenda of Mr President. Nigeria will work again. Regarding the price, NNPC Retail Ltd has officially announced the PMS price at the Port Harcourt refinery as #1,030 per litre.”
The Association said it was studying the pricing to ensure their members got a fair deal particularly as the yuletide was round the corner. It worried about the state of the roads that lead to the refinery urging the federal government to fix them, adding that the privatisation of the nation’s refineries was a welcome development.
“It was also communicated to PETROAN that the product request portal was open for for booking /request. Meanwhile PETROAN strategic pricing team are currently analysing the most favourable price for her members as we are open to patronising all the refineries in Nigeria. PETROAN also emplores that NNPC Retail Ltd should further reduce the price in view of giving Nigerians a blissful Yuletide celebration.
“Finally, PETROAN supports the proposed planned Privatisation of the nation owned refineries in a no distance time in such a manner that is credible and transparent after which the plant should be handled over to a reputable private firm with the financial capability and technical knowledge.
“Most worrisome as a threat to lives and properties is the ugly condition of the Eleme East west road. The road poses serious threat to Petroleum trucks that will be conveying flammable products from the refinery depots. PETROAN encourages the Federal Ministry of Works under which the project was awarded to RCC to facilitate the ongoing repairs of the road.”
By Myke Uzendu
After several truncated efforts, The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s population and housing census in 2025.
This is nearly two decades after the last exercise which was conducted in 2006.
NPC Chairman, Kwarra made this known during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development held in Abuja on Thursday.
“A major setback that we face is the delay in conducting a Population and Housing Census. A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for a good decision-making.
“But the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year,” he said.
The announcement came 18 years after Nigeria’s last census in 2006, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to conduct population counts every 10 years.
Previous attempts to hold the census in 2023 were postponed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The delay was attributed to the desire to let the incoming administration take ownership of the process.
Speaking at the event, Kwarra emphasised the significant impact of the delay, particularly in hampering informed decision-making and effective resource allocation.
He highlighted the need for accurate data to address pressing issues in rural and underserved areas.
He noted that Nigeria’s inability to conduct timely censuses had hindered progress in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting inclusivity.
The NPC boss stated, “We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people.
“Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation.
“We must continue our march to address these challenges head-on. For many in our communities—particularly women, girls, and young people—sexual and reproductive health rights remain out of reach.
“This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice. When individuals are denied the ability to make choices about their health and lives, it limits their potential, reduces opportunities, and impacts society as a whole.”
In her remarks, the founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Toyin Saraki, pledged continued advocacy and policy support to advance the ICPD agenda.
Saraki called on private, philanthropic, and multi-sector stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating progress toward achieving the initiative’s goals.
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