China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) held a farewell ceremony on April 7 for a 15-member medical team to be sent to Abuja, Nigeria on April 8 to aid its battle against COVID-19. Photo: CRCC

Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama has called for a "rational and balanced attitude" to China's donations in support of the African country's anti-epidemic battle amid domestic controversy over the issue. 

During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Zhou Pingjian on Tuesday, Onyeama spoke highly of China's experience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and called on the international community to learn from it.  

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corp in Nigeria has donated large amounts of materials and equipment, including Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation machines, which Nigeria does not possess, to the Nigerian government, according to Onyeama.

Nigerian health officials praised quality of the machines and said that technicians were also sent to teach the Nigerian side how to use them. Nigerian people should express gratitude for these actions, Onyeama said.    

Chinese entrepreneur Jack Ya Yun also donated test kits to Nigeria to help it expand its test scope and identify close contacts. Nigerian people should view this support with a rational and balanced view, Onyeama said.  

According to media reports, Chinese companies have donated medical equipment and consumables, personal protective equipment, more than 1 million medical masks for health workers, and ventilators, amongst other items valued at $1.3 million so far to Nigeria.  

Zhou said that China and Nigeria are partners in the global battle against the pandemic, and that China will continue to provide support to Nigeria. 

Onyeama's remarks came amid domestic controversy over the arrival of a team of 15 Chinese medical experts on April 4, as the Nigerian Medical Association argued that Nigeria did not need external intervention to manage the ongoing pandemic. 

China is recovering from the epidemic and providing material and technical support to the world, including Europe, America and Africa. More importantly, they are sharing a lot of data with the world, Onyeama said, noting that Nigeria cherishes and appreciates China's support for other countries.

He urged other countries to learn from China's experience in the pandemic as it has been undoubtedly successful.   

Global Times