By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Investments of Chinese in Nigeria have reached over $13 billion as at the end of December 2016, Deputy Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Mr Lin Jing, has revealed.
Mr Jing, speaking when he led a delegation to the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that his country’s government stands solidly behind the Nigerian government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He described both nations as friends determined to back each other through thick and thin.
According to Mr Jing, it was part of China’s commitment that facility the ongoing $1.3billion Lagos-Ibadan Railway Project flagged off last week by Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, adding that the $326 million 30 rice mills projects slated for the various parts of the country is backed by his government.
Speaking further, the envoy said the $984 Zungeru Hydro-Electricity Project was funded by the China EXIM Bank as well as the $450 million loan for the construction of Keffi Road.
In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, who received the delegation, thanked China for supporting developmental projects in Nigeria especially in the area of investments, agriculture, roads, and power, among others.
However, Mr Ekweremadu decried reports of alleged mistreatment of Nigerians by their Chinese employers as well as alleged illegal mining by some Chinese nationals.
He therefore urged the Chinese government to ensure proper and fair treatment of Nigerians working in Chinese firms in the country.
He stressed that, “We will also like to see that Chinese who do business here do it in accordance with our laws.
“We have heard reports of some Chinese who allegedly engage in illegal mining. Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources and I am sure the government is ever willing to cooperate with lawful interests through licensing for the exploitation of these mineral in compliance with our laws.”
“We have received reports of discrimination and mistreatment of our citizens working in Chinese factories in Nigeria.
“We want to see more of Chinese factories and presence in Nigeria to help us reload the private sector.
“But, we also want to see Nigerians who work in Chinese factories treated like their Chinese colleagues.
“We welcome you with open hands and we expect you to also treat our people well, like your people,” the Deputy Senate President told his guests.
