China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd. (CNCEC) has pledged its support for Nigeria’s ambitious $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in Delta State, marking a significant milestone in economic collaboration between the two nations.
CNCEC President Li Zhenyi highlighted the company’s commitment by restructuring funding and forming strategic alliances with Nigerian stakeholders. Speaking during a high-level meeting in Beijing with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), led by Director-General Joseph Tegbe, Zhenyi reaffirmed CNCEC’s dedication to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
“Our organisation is committed to fostering Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic development,” Zhenyi stated, expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s national development agenda.
The visit aligns with the goals of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which aims to boost infrastructure, investments, and partnerships across Africa. The NCSP delegation has been working to secure innovative funding solutions and accelerate key development projects in Nigeria.
Discussions with major Chinese financial institutions, including the China Development Bank and China Exim Bank, focused on advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure priorities. The delegation also visited facilities such as a large-scale egg production plant run by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and TBEA, a leader in power transmission systems. Conversations with TBEA explored the potential of small and micro-grid energy systems to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.
Prominent economist and former World Bank director Prof. Justin Yifu provided guidance to the delegation, offering strategies to attract Chinese investments and implement impactful policy reforms. Yifu also expressed his support for the NCSP’s efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
The Ogidigben Gas Project, one of Nigeria’s largest energy initiatives, is expected to enhance the country’s position in the global energy market. It is also poised to drive economic diversification, create jobs, and solidify Nigeria’s role as a key player in the international energy sector.