Jonathan in China

Sino-Nigerian economic ties have evolved, hitting over 7.76 billion dollars in 2011, from just over 100 million dollars in 1993.

China is a huge country, with more people than the entire continent of Africa. It has also grown to be the world’s second largest economy, overtaking Japan, and hotly on the heels of the United States.

There are many lessons Nigeria can learn from China, one of which is the robust and novel means of fighting corruption – execution of high profile thieves plus forfeiture of assets. Secondly, because every nation has its ‘national interests’, that of the Chinese today is in creating opportunities for Chinese citizens at home and abroad. Thirdly, the incentives policies for attracting investment into China are legendary, which Nigeria should study closely.

During this visit, President Jonathan would do well to bring up for discussion several matters of concern to Nigeria. These include the fact that, while Chinese goods sold in the U.S. and Europe are of high quality materials, those sold in Nigeria, and perhaps other developing countries as well, are in contrast of poor quality. The usual explanation that Nigerian businessmen and government officials ask for cheaper products is inexcusable, because it smacks of corruption. Again, the Chinese who have set up shop in Nigeria often face accusations of running their enterprises with slave labour, and maltreating their Nigerian workers.

 Nigeria has many projects that are being financed with Chinese funds, with China’s EXIM Bank playing key roles for major infrastructure works. To avoid the debt-traps of the past, the terms for should be clearly spelt out for Nigerians to be able to participate in the debate.

Indeed, Chinese construction sites in Nigeria, which should be brimming with local labour, seem only another opportunity for China to export its workers and create employment for its people. At many of these sites, Chinese nationals can be seen engaging in labour that should go to Nigerians. It should be made clear to Chinese leaders that this practice is not unacceptable, because major construction projects are the exact opportunities this country needs to absorb its teeming unemployed able-bodied youths.

Relationships, whether economic or political, should satisfy the minimum of mutual bilateral interests. Relationship with China should offer Nigeria great opportunities for profitable trade and jobs. Nigeria should not be a dumping ground for Chinese goods, which it apparently is at the moment. The Chinese are reported to be making efforts to establish manufacturing enterprises in Nigeria; the numbers are few, given the hug market-and manpower-in Nigeria.  They should be able to establish major companies to manufacture the input they would need in the rail and power projects they are undertaking. Nigeria should not be a source for only raw materials.

When the Chinese built the TAZARA Railway between Tanzania and Zambia about half a century ago, work took place during the day while training of African workers took place at night, such that when the Chinese departed, Africans were able to adequately take charge the rail-line successfully. That model will be suitable at the Kaduna-Abuja rail project; the Abuja metro rail; the Zungeru power plant; the airport projects. Nigerians should be given the opportunity to learn directly on the job.

Chinese technology is widely berated for not being environment-friendly. Chinese rapid economic boom did not seem to take into consideration the significant impact it has on the environment. However, Nigerian officials must insist that all Chinese construction sites in Nigeria pass the minimum impact assessment test.

The Nigerian delegation in the current visit must make the point of carefully studying the fine prints of every agreement before signing off, and not rushing off to shop in China’s vast and famed malls.