The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of efforts to accelerate climate-smart agriculture and enhance national food security.
Speaking in Abuja after a strategic meeting with an FAO delegation led by Country Representative Hussein Gadain, Abdullahi stated that the collaboration would boost agricultural productivity through climate-resilient practices, improved access to quality seeds, adoption of modern technologies, and stronger value chains.
He noted that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has maintained a long-standing relationship with FAO, particularly in advancing technical support, financial interventions, and agricultural data management systems. He, however, called for increased support in expanding and modernising irrigation infrastructure, stressing that efficient irrigation remains critical to achieving year-round farming and increased food production.
The minister also identified plant health and pest management as urgent priorities, emphasising that effective control measures would significantly improve crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices across the country.
In a complementary position, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the importance of strategic market systems in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He explained that well-structured markets would shift farming from subsistence levels to profitable and competitive value chains, while directly increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening economic resilience.
Kyari added that improved market systems would attract private sector investment, reduce reliance on aid, and create self-sustaining agricultural ecosystems. He further noted that digital platforms and enhanced market information would empower farmers to secure better prices and reduce exploitation by intermediaries.
He pointed to agribusiness platforms such as Extension Africa, Pullus Africa, Nimsy Agro, Vet Konnect, and Thrive Agric as strong examples of how targeted support can scale innovation and improve farmers’ access to critical services.
He also commended the sustained contributions of Heifer International, describing it as a valued partner whose interventions have strengthened agricultural value chains and improved rural livelihoods across Nigeria.
Earlier, Gadain reaffirmed Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, noting that sustained collaboration and strategic interventions would be key to unlocking growth. He outlined priority areas for joint action, including strengthening market systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and enhancing national agricultural data management.
The renewed engagement underscores a coordinated push by the Federal Government and FAO to build a resilient, inclusive, and productivity-driven agricultural sector capable of meeting the country’s growing food demands.
