President Bola Tinubu’s economic shuttles around the globe seem to be yielding positive dividends, which, with time, will permeate and have an impact on the masses of Nigerians. He urged the Government of the People’s Republic of China to boost the $2 billion currency swap between Nigeria and China on Thursday in Abuja, with the aim of boosting trade between the two nations.

Today, Saturday, the President will proceed to Abu Dhabi to attend a sustainability conference. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the summit, which will take place in the emirate from January 12 to 18.

Early in the year, Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, criticized the president for his excessive travel abroad. He urged him to spend some time going around the country to acquaint himself with his people’s domestic problems.

However, the President is concentrating on revitalizing the economy. In his meeting with a Chinese envoy on Thursday, he called for an upward review of the $50 billion aid package for Africa that China’s President Xi Jinping announced last year.

Recently, China and Nigeria renewed their 15 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion) currency swap agreement to boost trade and investment.

Receiving the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi, at the State House, the President said increasing the level of currency swaps will speed up infrastructural development in Nigeria and deepen strategic bilateral relations.

“We continue to demand more in the area of currency swap.” The level you have approved as a government for Nigeria is inadequate considering our program. If you can increase that, it will be well appreciated. Our bond should grow stronger and become unbreakable,” the President said.

Regarding the 50 billion dollars pledged by the Chinese government to support Africa, President Tinubu noted that the continent’s infrastructural needs would require more commitment, urging a review of the amount to reflect the continent’s reality.

“I am happy you are part of China’s highest decision-making body. We would like you to utilize your position to advocate for enhanced project funding. First, I say yes to the 50 billion dollar support, and thank you for contributing to African growth. The infrastructural needs of Africa are greater than that, and we want to move as rapidly as our other counterparts. We all share your vision of rapid development. Africa values the relationship with China, and we seek deeper collaboration for infrastructural development,” he stated.

President Tinubu called on China to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat. “You are a member of the UN Security Council. We want you to use your influence to ensure Nigeria secures the seat,” the President said.

President Tinubu thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm reception during his visit to China last year. He said Africa, particularly Nigeria, was prepared to meet developmental goals and contribute counterpart project funding.

“We are ready to move and reach the various developmental goals. Due to our deliberation, we signed many MOUs and planned many action programs.

“My visit during FOCAC was a positive experience. We signed several comprehensive MOUs during the visit. We planned several programs of action. As a result of that deliberation, I immediately appointed Mr. Joseph Tegbe, one of the best brains available, to coordinate Nigeria-China relations upon my return. He will work to actualise various MOUs and promote a greater understanding of developmental programs.

“It is good that you came at such a critical time. My visit to China was a good experience. Once again, accept my sympathy for the earthquake in Tibet. It was a natural disaster that nobody expected. We commend your government for the rapid reaction to protect lives.

Yi thanked President Tinubu for appointing a Director General and Global Liaison, Nigeria—China Strategic Partnership, to oversee the implementation of the MOUs for the rapid development of the Nigerian economy.

“I would like to thank Nigeria for abiding by the one-China principle, and we will continue to support Nigeria in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda, countering terrorism, and ensuring regional security,” he said.

Yi said Chinese investments in the country would focus on employment generation and infrastructural development. He said the Chinese National Development Bank had started funding some development projects.

He stated that the Chinese government would back the inclusion of an African nation in the UN Security Council, stating that “the world should correct this historical injustice.”

“We stand with Africa, and we will not support a country that invades another country,” he stated.

The foreign minister said China would welcome Nigeria’s membership in the BRICS and participation in the global development mechanism.

He said China fully supported Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), for a second term in office.

The minister lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and consistency in projecting Africa’s needs, which require China’s support.

“You brought renewed hope to the people of Nigeria. Your economy has sustained sound momentum, and Nigeria’s global influence has steadily increased. Nigeria has played an important role in upholding regional peace and has become an important force for African stability.

“We congratulate Nigeria on its achievements and believe that, under your leadership, Nigeria will realise greater achievements,” the Chinese foreign minister stated.

President Tinubu to attend the Sustainability Summit in Abu Dhabi.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday, January 11, to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025). His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, invited President Tinubu to attend the summit, which will take place in the emirate from January 12 to 18.

The Summit will bring together global leaders to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.

The event, ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,’ will enable policymakers, businesses, and civil society leaders to explore pathways to fast-track the transformation to a sustainable economy and evolve a new era of prosperity for all.

Held annually for over 15 years, ADSW is a testament to the power of collaboration. It provides a global platform to foster multi-stakeholder cooperation in addressing global challenges and accelerating growth.

It has birthed high-value agreements and strategic partnerships between governments, industry leaders, and clean energy pioneers worldwide, driving impactful alliances and advancing the sustainability agenda.

At the event, President Tinubu will stress his administration’s reforms, including those related to energy sufficiency, transportation, public health, and economic development.

The Nigerian leader and his entourage will also meet with the emirate’s leadership to discuss issues of interest affecting the two nations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other senior government officials will accompany the President.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), announced his return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.