The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed an Exchange of Notes (E/N) agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China for a $1 million grant to support ongoing flood relief operations in Northern Nigeria.
The signing ceremony in Abuja was presided over by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, who described the support as a timely and generous intervention to address urgent humanitarian needs in flood-affected communities.
The grant will target communities in states most affected by recent flooding, including Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, and Adamawa.
Bagudu assured that the Ministry, working with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), will oversee the transparent and effective use of the funds.
A joint monitoring and evaluation mechanism with the Chinese Embassy will also be established to ensure accountability and measurable impact.
The Minister emphasized that the grant reflects the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
It will complement Nigeria’s existing relief initiatives and help restore livelihoods in the hardest-hit areas while deepening China’s partnership with Nigeria across sectors such as infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and technology.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, expressed empathy and solidarity with Nigeria, recalling that both countries recently faced the destructive impact of flooding.
He noted that China suffered flooding around the same time as Nigeria, resulting in several lives lost in Beijing’s suburbs in July.
Dunhai emphasized that the grant demonstrates China’s confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to recover and rebuild.
The ambassador highlighted the strengthening relationship between the two nations, citing President Xi Jinping’s recent announcement granting zero-tariff treatment on 400% of tariff lines for African countries with diplomatic ties to China, including Nigeria.
This move is expected to boost Nigeria’s exports to China, create jobs, and support economic development.
