President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Beijing affirmed his readiness to make tough decisions necessary for Nigeria’s progress, acknowledging that national consensus on critical issues is not always easy to achieve.
Speaking to Nigerians living in China at the China World Hotel, President Tinubu reflected on his successful engagements during his visit, including discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
The President described his visit as “very good and successful,” and emphasized the need for discipline and commitment to national service.
“What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens, and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China,” President Tinubu said, as quoted in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
He further added, “We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens.”
Reflecting on China’s disciplined society, Tinubu urged Nigerians to emulate this example.
“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society, and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world,” he stated.
The President assured the diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is ready to collaborate with them to seize opportunities back home.
Addressing concerns about recent reforms in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of fuel pricing and infrastructure, Tinubu said, “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices. But can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?”
He continued, “What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented?”
Applauding the talents of Nigerians in China, President Tinubu stated, “So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people. The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.”
The President highlighted one of the key lessons from his visit to China: the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure development back home.
“We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish,” he added.
Addressing the broader challenges of leadership, President Tinubu said, “It is not always easy for a leader to have a national consensus on issues, but I am ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward. We are focused, and I have a very good team.”
Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) China, commended Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations, especially in trade and investment.
He expressed the organization’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs earlier this year, and requested the President’s advocacy in recognizing Nigeria as a native English-speaking nation in China.
Barnabas noted, “Presently, over 70% of available international jobs in China are reserved for native English speakers. In 2016, the local authorities listed South Africa as a native English-speaking nation. We believe Nigeria has a chance to receive similar recognition due to the fact that English is our official language.”
The Chairman of NIDO China assured that the organization would continue to support President Tinubu’s administration and contribute to Nigeria’s global standing.