Nigeria’s flood relief campaign received a major boost on Wednesday as the Chinese government donated $1m to support victims in the northern part of the country.
The financial support was formalised at a signing ceremony in Abuja between the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
Bagudu praised the gesture, describing it as “a timely boost” to national efforts to provide relief materials and rebuild communities.
“We firmly believe that today’s signing ceremony will open new avenues for collaboration, strengthening our strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” Bagudu said.
He assured that the grant would be channelled through “a transparent framework, leveraging past experiences and unified templates,” with joint monitoring and evaluation agreed upon with the Embassy of China.
Dunhai, who conveyed China’s solidarity with Nigeria, recalled that both countries suffered severe flooding around the same time.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and also convey our support.
“In times of difficulty, China and Nigeria always stand together,” Dunhai said.
The envoy also highlighted broader ties between the two nations, noting that President Xi Jinping recently announced zero-tariff treatment on 400 per cent of tariff lines for African countries with diplomatic ties to China, including Nigeria.
“This will boost Nigeria’s exports to China, create more jobs, and support economic development,” he said.
The Chinese aid will target communities worst hit by recent flooding, particularly in Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, and Adamawa States, complementing Federal Government interventions to restore livelihoods and rebuild infrastructure.
