By Michael Onjewu, Abuja
In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious global infrastructure development strategy aimed at investing in more than 150 countries and international organizations. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road trade routes, the BRI has become the centerpiece of China’s foreign policy, positioning it as a key player in global development and connectivity.
The main objectives of the BRI are to promote economic prosperity, regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and world peace. Through this initiative, China has made significant investments in infrastructure projects worldwide, including in Nigeria, contributing to the country’s economic and infrastructural transformation.
Since joining the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018, Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the initiative. As of 2021, the Chinese government has provided over $4.084 billion for the construction of critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria as part of the BRI.
One of the flagship BRI projects in Nigeria is the modernization of the country’s transport sector. China, through the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, has funded the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna railway, the Lagos-Ibadan railway, and the Abuja Light Rail. These rail lines, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), have not only enhanced safety and comfort for travelers but also improved business and trading activities, contributing to revenue generation and economic development.
In the aviation sector, the Chinese government has provided funding for the construction of new terminal buildings at Nigeria’s major international airports, including Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Lagos. Constructed by CCECC, these new terminals have significantly enhanced the efficiency of the aviation sector, attracting more travelers and economic opportunities.
The Chinese government, through the China Development Bank co-funded the construction of the $1.5bn Lekki Deep Sea Port, located at the Free Trade Zone in Lagos state. The seaport, projected to be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s transport and maritime economy was constructed by China Harbour Engineering LFTZ Enterprise (CHELE), a subsidiary of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited.
Commissioned in 2022, The multi-Purpose facility, is expected to create about 170,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate over $201 billion in revenue for both Lagos State and the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is projected that the port will have an aggregate impact of approximately $361bn on the Nigerian economy over the time of concession. Other economic impacts expected from the port include direct and induced business revenue impact of $158 billion, qualitative impact on manufacturing, trade and commercial services Sector.
Another significant BRI project in Nigeria is the expansion and dualization of the Abuja-Keffi expressway and the Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road project, undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited. This $542 million project, co-funded by the EXIM Bank of China, has substantially reduced travel time, lowered transportation costs, and improved the flow of goods and people, stimulating commercial activities and fostering economic growth along the route.
Recognizing the crucial role of electricity in industrialization, the Chinese government, through its EXIM Bank, has also provided funding for the construction of the $1.3 billion Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station in Niger State. Constructed by the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) and Sinohydro Ltd, the 700-megawatt power station is expected to generate 2.64 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, meeting close to 10% of Nigeria’s total domestic energy needs.
Furthermore, the EXIM Bank of China has provided funding for the construction of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, undertaken by China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Ltd. Upon completion, the project will boost the water supply capacity of Nigeria’s capital city by 480,000 cubic meters per day, benefiting an estimated 2.5 million residents.
The impact of China’s BRI investments in Nigeria cannot be overstated. These strategic partnerships have demonstrated the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, where China’s expertise and resources are harnessed to support Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic modernization.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards sustainable development, the BRI’s contribution to the country’s infrastructure and economic growth has been truly transformative.
