Nigeria, China deepen partnership to boost agriculture, exports

Nigeria is set to strengthen its scientific and technological ties with China to improve its agricultural sector, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses and increasing exports. The collaboration aims to leverage China's expertise in areas such as affordable solar-powered cold storage facilities and agro-processing technology.

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To meet the strict quality, packaging, and supply chain standards required by the Chinese market, we must deepen our scientific innovation. This is where the FMIST plays a pivotal role.

Dr. Mukhtar Muhammed, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, announced the plans in Abuja. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities and meet the stringent quality standards of the Chinese market through scientific innovation. The ministry intends to partner with Chinese research institutes to develop practical solutions for perishable goods.

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We intend to partner with Chinese research institutes to develop affordable, solar-powered cold storage facilities for perishable goods.

Nigeria seeks technology transfer to process key crops like cassava, shea butter, and cashew nuts into value-added products for both Chinese and global markets. This strategic shift from exporting raw materials to finished goods is seen as crucial for the transformation of Nigeria's agricultural sector.

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We want to move from exporting raw commodities to exporting value-added products.

Furthermore, the partnership includes expanding scholarships and STEM training for Nigerian scientists in Chinese universities, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management. A recent visit to China's Yangling High-tech Agricultural Demonstration Zone, known as China's 'Agricultural Silicon Valley,' provided valuable insights into integrating modern technology with traditional farming, including advanced water-saving irrigation and soil monitoring systems, which could address challenges in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

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In Yangling, often referred to as China’s ‘Agricultural Silicon Valley,’ we witnessed the seamless integration of modern technology with traditional farming.