Confessions of a Chinese in love with Nigeria….

By Fred Iwenjora

Chief CAO Baogang is the Executive President, Overseas operations for China Railway Construction Corporation with subsidiaries across the world dealing and providing intricate construction solutions for Chinese infrastructure growth as well as in many other countries of the world. CRCC has been involved in construction of railways, sea ports, roads and bridges and buildings for years.

In Nigeria, they are highly visible in Lagos, where they are deeply involved in the development of the Lekki free trade zone to which they have invested over $162m out of the $267m amongst other constructions including the light rail project that is ongoing, they are also soon going to commence the real work on the Lagos Ibadan rail project just like the Abuja- Kaduna which the company built and delivered is already in use.

This makes Chief Baogang a very busy man who must be and indeed has been in all places at the same time to oversee and coordinate the numerous activities.

In this exclusive chat in his office at the CRCC headquarters in Beijing, China, he makes a solemn confession of how Nigeria still takes a full place in his heart as compared with his other places of work.

He also delves briefly into the state of affairs between his country and Nigeria in area of construction and the issue of transfer of technology which happens to be a source of worry to many Nigerians.

“I love Nigeria” he begins enthusiastically. “I take Nigeria as my second home country. I love the people of Nigeria who are very hard working and friendly with everyone.    I love Nigerian food also like potatoes, yam and all those local Nigerian foods. I love the fish pepper soup. I mean that black fish with the big head. I enjoyed it regularly as part of our family meal since I tasted it in Abuja. Even the one they roast and garnish with spicy source is also a delight.

You did not worry about the pepper? I probe

“Not at all. China is big and several people enjoy different kinds of flavours in their meals depending on which part of China you are from. Some Chinese live where there is no pepper while some of us eat pepper. I come from the Southern part of China and we enjoy spicy foods.

“Let me tell you, I lived in Nigeria with my wife and daughter for some time and we all enjoyed the period. We had a nice stay with our neighbours and friends. I even just returned from Nigeria a few weeks ago and will soon go back to Abuja.”

Eating and relishing Nigerian dishes is not all that make this smooth talking Chinese show his love for a country in whom he is well pleased. He is also a recipient of two traditional titles from the Efik(cross River state) and the other from Ibibio (Akwa Ibom state) of Nigeria.

“One of the titles from Cross River state is translated    as” Chief of construction”      while the one from Uyo means the” Sun of Uyo” . I cherish these titles so much and my organisation also does. As you can see the pictures of these events as well as the costume and regalia are well preserved and displayed in the CRCC museum and gallery”.

We did not only chat about food as I also asked him many times about Chinese interests in Nigeria. What is the business relationship between Nigeria and China especially in the area of construction?    His answers;

China relationship with Nigeria in the area of construction has been very strong for many years. And we continue to service these relationships. CRCC and its subsidiaries including CCECC, EEC, have been involved with the major construction works across Nigeria since 1981. President Buhari has also visited China to discuss first hand and strengthen these ties. There is more mutual trust between the two countries. I believe that this has its benefits and will continue to benefit all parties.

And what is the progress of work in general terms?

“With our various subsidiaries we have over 100 on- going projects scattered across 28 states in Nigeria. Others are still being prospected.    Funding however is the main challenge.    If there is no funding, there is delay in delivery.

Many believe that you are not transferring technology to Nigerians…

I see Nigeria as one of the fastest growing countries in Africa and I am very sure that with the way things are going, in the next 15-20 years Nigeria would have reached its potential. I want to see this happen in my life time. It is also our biggest market in Africa followed by Angola. To answer your question specifically, we have a proposal on transfer of technology that is already being implemented.

We are currently training Nigerian sub contractors who can grow in a few years time and be able to take charge of the construction needs of the country. Our training school at Idu will soon be completed.  China has plan to build five technology universities in Africa and we are considering either Port Harcourt or Lagos so Nigerian young people who wish to make a career in construction of roads, railway lines and buildings should watch out for information regarding this.

Already, 20 Nigerian students are in class with Chinese students taking training and this knowledge will be offloaded for and in Nigeria. So you can see it is not only about our business. It is also about Nigeria.

“ Again we have a strong bond of relationship with our workers and friends and Nigerians at large. Our workers earn agreed wages as at when due without delays.”

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