Economy: FG Seeks Japanese Government Assistance On Diversification

The federal government has asked the Japanese government to assist Nigeria toward its present economic diversification efforts.

Minister of Budget and National Planning,  Udoma Udo Udoma made this request when members of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) paid him a courtesy visit in his office over the weekend

Udoma said “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 crises 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,  manufacturing including self sufficiency in petroleum refining and rice production”

While commending the Agency for visiting the Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDPs) in Nigeria,  the Minister also noted the challenges of resettling the affected population and opined that international assistance in this plight will be appreciated.

Earlier,  the President of JICA, Mr. Shinichi Kitaoka said their Agency has assisted Nigeria in various sectors namely; health, power, agriculture and water supply projects.  He listed some of these projects to include;  emergency repair and overhaul work on Jebba Hydro Electricity Power Station,  Pilot project in Rice post harvest processing and marketing in Nassarawa and Niger State and rural water supply in Oyo, Kano, Yobe, Kaduna and FCT Abuja among others

Charles Dafe

Director Information