President Muhammadu Buhari pledged Friday in Johannesburg, South Africa, that his administration will take necessary action to correct lapses which have hindered the implementation of agreements signed with China under past administrations for the development of rail transportation in Nigeria.

Speaking at bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation, President Buhari said that the Federal Government will strive to fulfill Nigeria’s obligations under the agreements as their implementation will help to boost the country’s economy and generate thousands of new jobs.

“I have looked into the previous agreements and we will now keep our part of the bargain,” President Buhari assured President Xi Jinping.

The President applauded China’s ongoing support for the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that Chinese advisers deployed to some states of the federation were helping to train farmers on water conservation and the use of more productive seeds.

President Jinping described Nigeria as a very important ally of China in Africa, saying that the two countries need to boost their bilateral relations, for the good of their citizens.

He said that China was keen to work with Nigeria for the mutual benefit of both countries.

•Photo shows President Buhari and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanging pleasantries during bilateral talks . . . yesterday in Johannesburg, South Africa.