The Federal Government has shed light on its recent interactions with China.
Recall that days back President Bola Tinubu paid an official visit to China and met with the country’s leader.
The President however shunned United Nations General Assembly session but was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima who in his official capacity pleaded for debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing countries.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, denied suggestion that Nigeria is seeking debt forgiveness from China, despite ongoing discussions about debt relief at international forums.
Instead, the Minister said Beijing is open to extending further loans and make more investments in Nigeria’s economy.
Tuggar’s own words: “No, that is not what we are discussing with China. And when it comes to the issue of debt, look at the debt-to-GDP ratio of Nigeria, we are not even among the critically indebted nations.
“When you talk about the debt of a developing country, Nigeria is not in that sort of precarious situation. As a matter of fact, China is prepared to lend more, China is prepared to invest more in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure development and other things.”
