(Ecofin Agency) - The Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh has revealed that the $4.5bn worth of machinery expected from the Chinese government will be used to effectively boost agricultural mechanization in the country.

The Minister disclosed this during a meeting with some governors and the representatives of China-Africa Machinery Corporation (CAMACO) in Abuja to balance some of the technical terms in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed by the Nigerian Government before the supply of the machinery from China.

“The loan by way of machinery for mechanized agriculture, may not be grabbed without some kinds of due diligence analysis. While Nigeria appreciates the kind gesture of the Chinese government, Nigeria government must apply due caution to the signing of all the documents and also consider the offer very critically before delving into it,” he said.

Let’s recall that as part of efforts to strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China, Chinese President, Xi Jinping in April 2016, promised to grant Nigeria a loan for infrastructural development.

Anita Fatunji