Asian Tigers, China and Japan have assured Nigeria of their support and commitment to help in the infrastructural development, economic growth and human resources development of the country.
This position was made known during separate official visits of the two Ambassadors of China and Japan to Nigeria to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, in his office in Abuja.
While the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, GU Xiaogie, assured that China was ready to assist Nigeria in her infrastructural development and also promote its agriculture, his Japanese counterpart, Ambassador Sadanobu Kusaoke, said that, his country has been supporting Nigeria in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture and human resources and is also ready to do more in those areas.
In his remarks during the separate visits of the two Ambassadors, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma described Nigeria’s relationship with both countries (China and Japan) as a long standing one, mutual and beneficial and also expressed delight at the continued expression of support to Nigeria by both countries.
Udoma also expressed delight over the rapid manner at which China had developed over time, describing the level of its infrastructural development as very impressive, amazing as well as inspirational to developing countries.
On the other hand, the minister also appreciated the Japanese government for their various supports to Nigeria; especially their involvement in the Nigeria’s refinery project and stated that further collaboration is needed in the areas of power, agriculture and transportation to help in reducing poverty and create employment opportunities.
He used the opportunity to brief the Ambassadors that, his Ministry has the responsibility to develop coherent plans for the country and as such, will need collaboration with them and also learn more from their developmental strides.
The Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, also commended the Japanese government for their various interventions and support in the area of capacity building.
Both Ambassadors congratulated the Minister on his appointment to head a strategic Ministry and expressed strong belief on his capability to deliver on the job.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Fatima Nana Mede, was also among the Ministry’s delegation that received the Ambassadors with the Minister.