Nigeria has urged for a strengthened collaboration with the United Nations to promote sustainable agricultural development and enhance food security. This call was made during the visit of UN Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed to Abuja, where she engaged with key stakeholders in the agriculture and food security sectors.
Welcoming Dr. Mohammed, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari emphasized the vital role the UN has played in Nigeria’s development efforts. “It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Amina Mohammed to Nigeria as we discuss the important partnership we share with the UN in agriculture and food security,” he stated. Kyari highlighted the alignment of this partnership with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ministry’s strategic plans for the next four years.
Given Nigeria’s large population and increasing food demand, Kyari noted the critical nature of this partnership. “Our collaboration with the UN is essential to address the significant consumption needs in both immediate and long-term initiatives,” he said.
The minister acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding cooperation with various UN agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Nigeria has a rich history of successful partnerships with these organizations across multiple sectors, particularly in agriculture,” he added.
Nigeria’s commitment to this collaboration is further underscored by its financial contributions to these organizations. “We continue to work with international partners and fulfill our financial obligations to FAO, IFAD, UNDP, and others, aiming to boost food production and enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s food systems,” Kyari explained.
The ministry is seeking additional support for critical initiatives aimed at increasing food production and improving rural livelihoods. “We are particularly looking for support for the Value Chain Development Programme, which focuses on enhancing food production in northern Nigeria,” he noted. He also highlighted initiatives like the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta, which aims to bolster income, food security, and job creation for rural youth and women through agribusiness.
Kyari expressed optimism that Dr. Mohammed’s visit would herald a new era in Nigeria-UN relations. “Your visit is timely and pivotal in creating a paradigm shift that will enhance the agriculture sector, aligning with the UN’s transformation pathway and establishing a more robust partnership for sustainable development,” he concluded.
