Abuja: 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. Dr. Mukhtar Muhammed, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, made this known at the ‘Seasonal Life and Harmonious China’ Cultural Exhibition at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Muhammed highlighted that 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 shared insights from his recent technical visit to China, particularly the Yangling High-Tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone in Shaanxi Province, which showcased the potential of scientific innovation in addressing 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,” Muhammed stated.
The experience, he noted, was particularly relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to tackle land degradation and enhance 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,” Muhammed added.
The ministry aims to seek stronger collaboration between Nigerian and Chinese ministries of science and technology, research institutions, universities, and industries. Muhammed emphasized that the proposed cooperation would focus on practical areas such as sustainable agriculture, water management, agro-processing, and scientific research.
He also disclosed plans to expand scholarships and STEM training for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management. The proposed scientific cooperation is linked to the growing economic relationship between both countries, especially China’s expanded market access for African agricultural products.
Muhammed stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen its scientific and technological capacity to ensure that increased access to the Chinese market translates 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,” he asserted.
Additionally, Nigeria would seek Chinese technology transfer to bolster agro-processing and transition from exporting raw commodities to value-added products. Muhammed identified cassava, shea butter, and cashew nuts as commodities that could benefit from improved processing technology for the Chinese and global markets.
Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people exchanges with Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen the bilateral partnership. Yang highlighted that cultural cooperation serves as an important platform for mutual learning between both countries, promoting 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,” Yang stated.
He added that 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, expanding programmes that bring the peoples of both countries closer.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exhibition marked the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 55th anniversary of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations. The event featured displays on the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, traditional Chinese cuisine, intangible cultural heritage crafts, and interactive cultural activities.