The Federal Government has solicited the support of the Japanese Government to assist the country to achieve its economic diversification agenda.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, made the call when he received a delegation from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Abuja.
A statement issued by Mr Charles Dafe, Director of Information, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, quoted Udoma as saying that Nigeria appreciated Japan for its support so far.
“Our government is grateful that your country has supported us in some areas.
“Our present administration came at a difficult time when our revenue came down due to sharp fall in crude oil price.
“It is a crisis but an opportunity for us not to be dependent on oil. We are faced with the reality of diversifying our economy.
“We want your support in this direction. Nigeria wants investment in solid minerals and manufacturing, including self sufficiency in petroleum refining and rice production,’’ Udoma said.
He commended JICA for visiting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, noting that the challenges of resettling the affected population were enormous.
The minister, however, called for international assistance to take care of the needs of the IDPs.
According to the statement, the President of JICA, Mr Shinichi Kitaoka, said that the agency had assisted Nigeria in various sectors such as health, power, agriculture, water, emergency repair and overhaul work on Jebba Hydro Electricity Power Station.(NAN)