Nigeria is advocating for a stronger partnership with the United Nations to advance sustainable agricultural development and address food security challenges.
The call was made during a visit by UN Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed to Abuja, where she engaged with key stakeholders in the agriculture and food security sectors.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, welcomed Dr. Mohammed and highlighted the vital role the UN has played in Nigeria’s development.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Dr. Amina Mohammed to Nigeria to discuss our mutual partnership with the United Nations in agriculture and food security, as well as our strategies for the next four years,” Kyari said.
He stressed the importance of this partnership, given Nigeria’s large population and growing demand for food security.
“Nigeria’s partnership with the United Nations is critical to meet the significant consumption demands in both our immediate and long-term plans,” Kyari noted.
The minister also emphasized how the ministry’s priorities align with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, which includes food security, economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication.
He acknowledged the longstanding cooperation with various UN organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the United Nations Development Programme.
“Nigeria has a history of successful cooperation with UN organizations, and we continue to provide financial contributions to support food production and strengthen our food system resilience,” Kyari explained.
The ministry is seeking additional support for programs aimed at increasing food production and improving rural livelihoods, including the Value Chain Development Programme and the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project – Niger Delta.
Dr. Amina Mohammed underscored the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s food security crisis, exacerbated by domestic challenges and global disruptions.
“Food security is a major issue, particularly for displaced smallholder farmers. We are actively involved in planning to address these needs while also tackling security issues,” Mohammed stated.
She acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that resolving it would require time and resources.
“It is not easy; it will not happen overnight. The crisis is influenced by external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine,” Mohammed said.
Despite the challenges, she expressed optimism about Nigeria’s strategy and the potential for managing the crisis effectively with adequate support.
“If we can get behind the government’s strategy and support it with the necessary resources, we should be able to manage the food security issue in time,” she remarked.
Addressing the role of technology and biotechnology in enhancing food security, Mohammed stressed the need for balanced policies that protect agricultural systems while fostering innovation.
“We must ensure that our policies protect our systems while embracing necessary innovations,” she added.
