Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will leave the country on Sunday, accompanied by a delegation, to attend the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, the Presidency announced.

“President Buhari will be accompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRaham Abdulrazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara and Lagos States respectively; ministers and other top government officials. The President is expected back in Nigeria on Saturday, August 31.” a statement from the presidency read.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to lobby for more support from Japan in science and technology, innovation, human resource development, education, health among other sectors.

President Buhari will deliver his nation’s statement during a plenary session assessing bilateral relations with Japan and the key points from the last conference held in Nairobi three years ago.

Buhari will also hold a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, attend other events on the sidelines and meet the chief executives of Japanese companies with significant investments in Nigeria.

Additionally, Buhari will attend a State Banquet and honour an invitation to a Tea Reception by Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Nigeria says it has greatly benefited since the 2016 conference noting that the Japanese government and companies have actively supported various sectors including agriculture, health care, electricity and youth empowerment.

“Nigeria has gained tremendously since her participation in TICAD6 at the highest level, during which Japan pledged $30 billion investment “for the future of Africa combined with the private sector, $10 billion infrastructure investment and $500 million for vocational training of 50,000 Africans.” the presidency said.

The theme for this year’s conference, which runs from August 28-30, is: “Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future”. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will lead the conference’s opening session.

The TICAD, a triennial conference now convened alternately in Japan and Africa, offers an open platform for generation of innovative debate among stakeholders on African development.

(Source: Nigerian presidency)