Nigeria has called for a strengthened partnership with the United Nations to advance sustainable agricultural development and ensure food security.
According to The PUNCH, this appeal was made during a visit by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Amina Mohammed, to Abuja, where she engaged with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, welcomed Dr. Mohammed and emphasized the significant role the United Nations has played in Nigeria’s progress.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome our sister, Dr Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General to Nigeria to discuss the mutual partnership Nigeria has with the United Nations in the agriculture and food security sector and our efforts towards delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, as well as our strategies of operations over the next four years,” Kyari stated.
He underscored the importance of this collaboration, particularly in light of Nigeria’s large population and the increasing demand for food security.
“As you know, with our large population and growing demand for food security, Nigeria’s partnership with the United Nations is critical to meet the attendant huge consumption demand in the immediate and long-term plan of action,” Kyari said.
Kyari also highlighted how the ministry’s mandate aligns with the key priorities of President Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, which includes food security, economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
The minister further acknowledged the enduring cooperation between Nigeria and various UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation, International Fund for Agricultural Development and the United Nations Development Programme.
“Nigeria has been working with these International partners and paying statutory contributions and counterpart funds to FAO, IFAD, UNDP, UNIDO, ILO, WFP, IOM, among others to increase food production, and encourage multilateral institutions to support the Nigerian food system resilience with sustainable interventions in the agriculture sector,” Kyari explained.
The ministry is currently seeking additional support for key initiatives aimed at boosting food production and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
“Currently, the ministry would appreciate further support on the Value Chain Development Programme, Value Chain North targeted at increasing food production in the northern part of Nigeria,” Kyari added.
He also emphasized the significance of initiatives like the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project – Niger Delta, which aims to enhance income, food security, and job opportunities for rural youth and women through agribusiness.
Kyari expressed optimism that Dr. Mohammed’s visit would signal the start of a new chapter in the Nigeria-UN partnership.
In her remarks, Mohammed noted the serious challenges facing the country, exacerbated by both domestic issues and global disruptions.
“We are looking at those that are affected most, and food security is it, smallholder farmers that have been displaced,” Mohammed stated.
She highlighted the UN’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of displaced populations while also tackling security concerns in Nigeria.
“What we are doing from the UN is to help with that planning so that we can continue to support the displacement while we are trying to solve the security issues in the country in the same manner,” she added.
The food security crisis in Nigeria has been worsened by escalating commodity prices, making it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic necessities.
Mohammed acknowledged the complexity of the situation and noted that addressing it would require time and resources.
“It is not easy; it will not happen overnight. There are many interests that have to be resolved, as you see all over the continent,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, Mohammed expressed optimism about Nigeria’s approach, indicating that the government’s strategy has the potential to effectively manage the crisis with adequate support.
