Nigeria and China Collaborate to Boost Agriculture Exports

The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to deepen its partnership with China to enhance agricultural productivity and exports. Dr Mukhtar Muhammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, announced this initiative on Saturday in Abuja during the Seasonal Life & Harmonious China Cultural Exhibition.

The collaboration will target practical areas such as developing affordable solar-powered cold storage facilities, facilitating technology transfer for agro-processing, and fostering scientific exchanges between Nigeria and Chinese institutions. Dr Muhammed emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities to value-added products to meet the stringent quality standards of the Chinese market.

He also mentioned plans to expand scholarships and STEM training for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management. His recent visit to the Yangling High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone provided insights into advanced agricultural technologies that could address challenges in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.