President Muhammadu Buhari pledged Friday in Johannesburg that his
administration will take necessary action to correct lapses which have
hindered the implementation of agreements signed with China under past
administrations for the development of rail transportation in Nigeria.
Speaking at bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the Forum of
China-Africa Cooperation, President Buhari said that the Federal
Government will strive to fulfil Nigeria’s obligations under the
agreements as their implementation will help to boost the country’s
economy and generate thousands of new jobs.
“I have looked into the previous agreements and we will now keep our part
of the bargain,” President Buhari assured President Xi Jinping.
The President applauded China’s ongoing support for the development of
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that Chinese advisers deployed to
some states of the federation were helping to train farmers on water
conservation and the use of more productive seeds.
President Jinping described Nigeria as a very important ally of China in
Africa, saying that the two countries need to boost their bilateral
relations, for the good of their citizens.
He said that China was keen to work with Nigeria for the mutual benefit of
both countries.
At the opening session of the summit attended by President Buhari and more
than 30 other African leaders, the Chinese President had pledged $60
Billion Dollars of new development aid to African countries.