They are part of the dividends of President Goodluck Jonathan’s four-day State visit to China.

Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan and Chinese leader, Xi Jinping yesterday, July 10, 2013 in Beijing, China, presided over the signing of accords between their governments to facilitate 1.1 billion U.S. Dollars (about FCFA 563 billion) in low-interest loans for infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The Associated Press, AP news agency quoted President Xi as saying both countries were brought together by a common task of pursuing national development. Citing a Nigerian proverb, Xi said a man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity. President Goodluck, on a four-day trip to China, has brought along about a dozen Cabinet ministers, including those for petroleum resources, trade and transport, as well as several state governors, senior government officials and businesspeople.

Following a meeting between Xi and Jonathan, representatives from both countries signed five deals, including a lending agreement between China's Import-Export Bank and the Nigerian Finance Ministry for the expansion of airport terminals and an economic and technical cooperation pact. Other agreements are on defence cooperation, funding for the Zungeru Power Plant and mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, Nigerian Tribune newspaper said. 

The Voice of Nigeria, VON reported that President Goodluck Jonathan was earlier yesterday formally welcomed to China by President Xi Jinping at a grand ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. President Jonathan and First Lady, Patience Jonathan, later attended a State banquet given in their honour by President Jinping and his spouse. President Jonathan and wife were received on Tuesday, July 9 at the Capital Airport, Beijing by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Li Yucheng and Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali.