Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has urged Nigeria to continue doing business with China to develop the country.

He said there were huge opportunities to exploit for the mutual benefit of China, Yobe and Nigeria, in general.

A statement signed by Mamman Muhammed, the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, quoted Buni as saying this when the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, paid him a courtesy call on Thursday.

He said there was also room for partnership between the Chinese Peoples Congress and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of the two countries to expand their businesses and attract infrastructural development into Nigeria.

Mr Buni explained that the agricultural revolution in Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, in consonance with the APC manifesto, saved Nigeria from food shortages during the COVID-19 global lockdown.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, in his wisdom, pushed for agricultural development in which farmers massively engaged in food production, which saved the country during the lockdown.

“We should collaborate and continue to do business with Chinese investors in Nigeria for infrastructural development. Nigerians are willing to explore and exploit available avenues to move forward,” the governor explained.

Responding, Mr Jainchun, noted that Nigeria and China had many things in common, saying, “This year is a very special year for the two countries to do things that will be of mutual benefit.”

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and look forward to a bright future, adding that Nigeria and China can also develop a political and economic prosperity strategy.

“We can also partner for improvements in electricity, ICT, industrial growth, investment and technology. We will encourage investors to invest and create jobs in Nigeria,” said Mr Jianchun.

The ambassador extended an invitation to Mr Buni to visit China.

(NAN)