Engr Joseph Tegbe, the newly-appointed Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, has promised to ensure a robust and mutually-beneficial partnership between Nigeria and China.
This was as he identified as a priority, the need for cohesion in the delivery of mutually-beneficial initiatives between and for the two countries.
Tegbe expressed confidence that a cohesive partnership will not only ensure Nigeria meets her immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity in the country.
He who spoke while hosting a delegation from the Chinese Business Community. Tegbe assured that he will work in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to China moving from being a lender and trade partner to becoming a major partner in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
He promised to work diligently to foster bilateral collaborations with China that can drive sustainable development and economic growth for Nigeria.
The new Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership emphasised the role of education and skills development in the partnership. He stated that education is crucial for Nigeria’s national curriculum to promote vocational training and exchange programmes.
“Beyond degrees and diplomas, Nigeria must create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop the skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market,” Tegbe said.
While on a visit to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Tegbe expressed his readiness to submit a strategic action plan as mandated by the president, having engaged key stakeholders across both countries in drawing up the strategic plan.
He said he had taken notes from previous and ongoing agreements between Chinese government and businesses with the government of Nigeria, both at the federal and state level.
Tegbe restated that transparency, accountability and strategic execution will be crucial as Nigeria navigates this new chapter in its international economic relations with China.
Tegbe recalled that agriculture is a major thematic area in the partnership. He expressed the quest for the partnership with China to also focus on transforming Nigeria’s agricultural practices.
This, he said, can be done by deploying new, cost-effective technology and sustainable farming techniques to enhance the productivity and livelihood of farmers and ensure food availability and affordability within the country.
