Nigeria and China are developing scientific and technical cooperation in the agricultural sector.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology of Nigeria, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammed, announced plans to strengthen the bilateral partnership in the agricultural sector. The cooperation is aimed at transitioning from the supply of raw materials to the export of value-added products, including the processing of cassava, shea butter, and cashews. To achieve this, the ministry plans to organize a technology transfer from China.

Key areas of joint work will include the development of affordable solar-powered refrigeration units for the storage of perishable products, as well as the implementation of advanced irrigation systems and soil monitoring technologies. These solutions are intended to help overcome challenges related to land degradation and water scarcity, especially in the northern regions of Nigeria and the Lake Chad area. The experience of the Yangling Demonstration Zone for Agricultural Science and Technology in China, where water-saving farming methods have been implemented, is viewed by the Nigerian side as a model for adapting local farming practices.

To achieve the objectives regarding the quality and packaging of goods that meet the requirements of the Chinese market, the department intends to expand scientific exchange between institutions of the two countries. There are also plans to increase the number of scholarships and training programs in STEM fields for Nigerian specialists at Chinese universities, with a particular focus on sustainable agriculture and water resource management.