Developing opportunities: Nigerian official envisions closer infrastructure cooperation inspired by China's poverty alleviation success

China's success and experience in poverty alleviation offer opportunities for infrastructure cooperation for Nigeria, said Demian Igbokwe Uturu, Special Adviser to the Senate Minority Whip, 10th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in an interview with Guangming Online during a visit to southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

The official particularly highlighted his visit to Huopu Village of Jiefang Township in Zhaojue County of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, a once remote and mountainous area that has undergone significant transformation fueled by relocation policies and infrastructure improvements.

He noted that the road network in the village has boosted local industries. “Without the roads, farm products couldn’t be transported efficiently, regardless of the land’s fertility,” he explained. “It enables energy and water to reach, making it a highly productive and thriving area.”

Drawing parallels between China’s experience and Nigeria’s needs for poverty alleviation, he emphasized key areas of China-Nigeria cooperation in infrastructure construction and underlined the importance of strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange in driving local development and reducing poverty.