China is concerned that Nigerians, many of whom live below the poverty line, continue to face grinding poverty.
"In China, we have lifted over 700 million people out of poverty, and in Nigeria, there are 200 million, with 100 million living below the poverty line," said Cui Jianchun, China's ambassador to Nigeria. "It is my deep concern and efforts that drive me to do things for Nigeria, and agriculture is the most important thing right now."
"So, I'm confident that Nigeria-China can build a strong, prosperous country in the coming 20 years, and this is not just lip service, nor is it about slogans as long as two great nations work together from agriculture to industry," Mr Cui added.
The Chinese ambassador noted that China accomplished the first step of its centenary goal last year: eradicating extreme poverty and building a moderately prosperous society.
The diplomat stated this on Tuesday when he delivered a China-aid Nigeria Agricultural Demonstration Centre project worth ¥44,100,000 (N2.8 billion) to the federal government to contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Mr Cui, who handed over the project, said the centre would provide opportunities to farmers and government officials and deepen and broaden the two countries’ relationship.
According to Mustapha Shehuri, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, China and Nigeria share a long-standing friendship.
“In these hard times, it is rare to receive this huge donation, and I want to appreciate our friendship with China which has led to the witnessing of rapid and remarkable achievement among (sic) the two countries in the areas of bilateral cooperation,” Mr Shehuri explained.
The agric minister added, “Nigeria is noted to be a large and leading agricultural economy. Therefore, it has a pressing need for agricultural technology and development centre. This project has provided and transferred advanced technology to Nigeria.”