Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, (FOCAC), meeting, a former Coordinator of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDO), Guangdong Province, China, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, has urged him to ensure his engagements prioritise trade, investment and welfare of Nigerians living in China, to ensure both countries benefit from their bilateral relationship.
He also identified other areas that require the President’s attention including education, employment , and plight of Nigerians detained for suspected offences.
Mbisiogu, who briefed newsmen in Lagos ahead of the visit, said it is important the President discusses these key issues considering how strategic China is to Nigeria’s efforts at developing its infrastructure and growing its economy.
He further commended the Chinese authorities for providing a conducive atmosphere for Nigerians citizens residing in China to do their business.
The Board of Trustees, BoT, member of NIDO in China, however, urged Tinubu to plead with Chinese authorities to allow Nigerians who attended school in China to secure employment and remain after their studies.
He specified that Chinese authorities have ensured that there are no immigration issues with Nigerians living or visiting the country.
He explained that Nigeria isn’t recognized as an English-speaking nation in China unlike Kenya and South Africa, noting such a situation should be addressed.
His words:”Our President’s visit to China is coming at a very auspicious time given the efforts of the Tinubu administration in fixing the economy. However, as stakeholder, may I bring some key areas the President should also consider in his engagements during the visit. A lot of Nigerians are schooling in China and some wish to remain and work in the country after their studies. So, they want the President to help out in this area so they can realise their dreams in the country. Another issue of note is that countries like South Africa and Kenya are categorized as English-speaking countries while Nigeria didn’t make that category. This hasn’t helped Nigerians in any way, so our people are pleading that Nigeria is included in its rightful place. We are an English-speaking nation.
“Another issue that Nigerians in China need the President’s intervention is the aspect of Nigerians who are detained for several offences in China. We learnt that about 1000 Nigerians are languishing in Guangdong Province alone. They are pleading with Nigerian authorities to help look into their cases. They should reach out to them through the Consulate Office. Most of them do not have anyone to speak for them. Their hope is on the Nigerian government.
“The Nigerian Union in China also wants the President to help out in trade disputes with Chinese businessmen. Many Nigerian businessmen have lost millions of dollars to trade disputes. So, they are pleading that an abeteration panel be set up to settle such issues arising from business transactions between Nigerian importers and Chinese business. I must also commend the Chinese authorities for ensuring there are no immigration challenges with Nigerians. They have done well and deserve to be commended. The President should use this opportunity to discuss all issues that relate to Nigerians in the country among other issues that are beneficial to both nations.”
