The Nigerian Government and the People’s Republic of China have expressed interest in strengthening collaboration on humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction.
This was disclosed in a statement by Iliya Isyaku, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the commitment was made when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, in Abuja.
Sununu, while acknowledging China’s interest in partnering with Nigeria, said the government was eager to learn from China’s successful experiences in poverty reduction. He highlighted pressing humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, including child malnutrition, internally displaced persons, refugees, and the impact of climate change.
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The minister outlined possible areas of collaboration such as durable solutions for displacement, skills-to-wealth training programmes, capacity building for ministry staff especially frontline workers and rapid humanitarian responses to vulnerable populations.
In his response, Ambassador Dunhai noted that both countries shared similarities in population challenges, recalling China’s past struggles with hunger. He emphasised China’s achievements in lifting millions out of poverty in the last decade and expressed willingness to share its expertise with Nigeria.
He stressed that tackling poverty required comprehensive investment in food security, agriculture, industrialisation, education, security, and overall development stability.
“The Chinese Embassy is ready to partner with the ministry to achieve these common goals,” Dunhai assured.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, commended the ambassador for the visit and China’s interest in supporting Nigeria in humanitarian affairs, poverty reduction, and staff capacity building.
