Prof. Chukwu Applauds Japan For Assisting Nigeria to Eradicate Polio

Prof. Chukwu Applauds Japan For Assisting Nigeria to Eradicate Polio Minister of Health Prof.C.O.Onyebuchi Chukwu has commended the Japanese Government for assisting Nigeria to interrupt polio. The Minister gave the commendation in Abuja today when the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr.Ryuichi Shoji paid him a courtesy visit. He described Japan as a reliable ally which has shown interest in economic development of Nigeria adding that it has over the years helped Nigeria financed polio campaign through the provision of loan facilities. He maintained that Nigeria has not relented in her efforts to eradicate polio this year. He said: “We will meet the target this year; we are not resting on our oars to eradicate polio this year”, said Prof.Chukwu. Earlier, Mr.Ryuichi Shoji the Japanese Ambassador said the purpose of his visit was to fix a date for the signing of grant that Japan will give Nigeria to the tune of 85 Million dollars for the eradication of polio. He explained that the loan facility was coming on the heels of a recently reached agreement between the Government of Nigeria and the Government of Japan for the purpose of implementing polio eradication in the country. He said that the loan would be extended in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of Japan, to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He added that the loan would be made available by a loan agreement to be concluded between the Government of Nigeria and JICA. He stressed that the terms and conditions of the loan as well as the procedures for its utilization would be governed by the said loan agreement, within the scope of the present understanding, the repayment period of the loan would be 14 years after the grace of 6 years, at low interest of 0.2% per annum. He disclosed that the disbursement period would be 4 years after the date of coming into force of the said loan agreement. The signing of the loan agreement has been fixed for Tuesday 27th May, 2014 in Abuja.