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Nigeria seeks China’s partnership on agriculture, ICT
Nigeria has sought deeper cooperation with China in water-saving agriculture, soil management and scientific research to address agricultural challenges in the northern part of the country and the Lake Chad basin.
Mukhtar Muhammed, permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, made this known on Saturday at the “Seasonal Life and Harmonious China” cultural exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Mr Muhammed said Nigeria could draw lessons from China’s experience in using science and technology to improve agricultural productivity in areas affected by water scarcity and land degradation.
He said his recent technical visit to China, particularly the Yangling High-Tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi Province, had demonstrated the potential of applying scientific innovation to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges.
“In Yangling, often referred to as China’s ‘Agricultural Silicon Valley’, we witnessed the seamless integration of modern technology with traditional farming.
“For example, we observed advanced water-saving irrigation systems and soil monitoring technologies that allow farmers to cultivate crops in arid conditions with minimal water wastage,” he said.
According to him, the experience was particularly relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to address land degradation and improve agricultural productivity in the northern part of the country.
“Seeing how China has successfully combated land degradation and improved agricultural productivity in the Loess Plateau is a powerful inspiration for our efforts in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region,” Mr Muhammed said.
He said the ministry would seek stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese ministries of science and technology, research institutions, universities and industries.
Mr Muhammed said the proposed cooperation would focus on practical areas including sustainable agriculture, water management, agro-processing and scientific research.
He also said Nigeria planned to expand scholarships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management.
The permanent secretary linked the proposed scientific cooperation to the growing economic relationship between both countries, particularly China’s expanded market access for African agricultural products.
He said Nigeria needed to strengthen its scientific and technological capacity to ensure that increased access to the Chinese market translated into tangible benefits for farmers and the wider economy.
“We must see this as a starting point. The policy does not just facilitate exports; it forces us to level up,” Mr Muhammed said.
He said Nigeria would also seek Chinese technology transfer to strengthen agro-processing and move the country from exporting raw commodities to value-added products.
Mr Muhammed also identified cassava, shea butter and cashew nuts as among the commodities that could benefit from improved processing technology for the Chinese and global markets.
Yang Jianxing, director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said China remained committed to strengthening people-to-people exchanges with Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen the bilateral partnership.
Mr Yang said cultural cooperation provided an important platform for mutual learning between both countries, noting that the facility would continue to promote exchanges in culture, education, youth affairs, tourism and other areas.
“Cultural exchange is a vital component of China-Africa friendly cooperation.
“It serves as an important bridge for fostering mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples, as well as for promoting dialogue and mutual learning among civilisations,” he said.
He said the centre would continue to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and agreements reached by the leaders of Nigeria and China.
The director added that it would expand programmes that bring the peoples of both countries closer.
The exhibition marked the China-Africa Year of people-to-people exchanges and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
(NAN)
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Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the president, has taken a swipe at critics of her husband's administration, offering them the 'Tinubu glasses' to see his achievements.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Friday, the First Lady said the Tinubu administration will leave Aso Rock in 2031 after completing two terms.
According to her, those criticising the President cannot see what the administration is doing and need special glasses.
She offered the critics 'Tinubu glasses' to enable them see clearly, claiming her husband is working hard to fix Nigeria and should be supported.
Mrs Tinubu insisted that the President will complete his tenure and exit in 2031, dismissing talks about 2027.
"We will leave Aso Rock in 2031," she said.
Oluremi's comments come amid the rising debate over economic hardship and calls for change ahead of 2027.
The presidents's wife urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration and believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
You need glasses to see our achievements – Oluremi Tinubu blasts critics, gives 2031 exit date
Residents of Makurdi, the Benue capital, have condemned the electricity blackout attributed to Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc, saying it has subjected innocent consumers to undue hardship.
The residents, who spoke with journalists on Saturday in Makurdi, urged the company to restore power supply and resolve its dispute with the Benue Government without disrupting electricity supply to other consumers.
JED staff withdrew their services on Wednesday following allegations that some youths invaded the company’s Makurdi office, assaulted and abducted personnel and took away four vehicles, which were later returned.
A resident, James Oguche, urged JED to adopt a targeted approach by limiting any lawful disconnection to the facility directly involved in the dispute rather than imposing a blackout on other consumers.
Mr Oguche said electricity consumers should not bear the consequences of disagreements between a distribution company and the government, particularly when their businesses and daily activities depend on regular power supply.
“JED must restore power supply, uphold the law and protect innocent consumers. Innocent consumers must not suffer for the sins committed by a few,” he said.
Judith Audu, another resident, said the blackout had affected small businesses, hospitals, educational institutions and other essential services, worsening the economic difficulties faced by residents.
Ms Audu also expressed concern about electricity metering and billing, particularly for consumers without prepaid meters.
She said prolonged power outages could create uncertainty over the bills of postpaid customers, especially those subjected to estimated billing.
According to her, consumers deserved clear information on how their bills would be calculated during the period of interrupted supply.
Emmanuel Bem, another resident, called on JED to explain the scope of its actions and outline measures to protect affected consumers from unfair billing.
Mr Bem acknowledged the company’s responsibility to protect its infrastructure, enforce payment obligations and ensure the safety of its personnel.
He, however, stressed that such responsibilities should be exercised fairly and proportionately, without unnecessarily disrupting electricity supply to customers unconnected with the dispute.
Mr Bem urged relevant electricity regulatory authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute and ensure that consumers’ rights were protected.
He said allegations of electricity theft, meter bypass or other violations should be addressed through appropriate regulatory and legal procedures.
He also urged JED to explore available dispute-resolution mechanisms with the Benue Government to facilitate the restoration of power supply.
Similarly, Jude Terwase appealed to the company to prioritise dialogue and restore electricity to affected areas pending the resolution of the dispute.
Mr Terwase said residents deserved reliable electricity, transparent billing and fair treatment, insisting that innocent consumers should not bear the consequences of the disagreement between JED and the state government.
He questioned the justification for a widespread blackout and called on the company to clarify whether its actions complied with applicable electricity regulations.
Mr Terwase also sought clarification on the protections available to postpaid customers who might receive bills during prolonged interruptions to electricity supply.
JED reportedly serves more than 500,000 customers in Makurdi.
(NAN)
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