The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed readiness to partner with the Government of Pakistan to improve agricultural production and enhance food security in Nigeria.
This was announced in a statement issued by the Principal Information Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Umar Rashida on Sunday.
The collaboration was revealed during a courtesy visit by the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Major General (Rtd) Sohali Khan, to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, in Abuja.
Abdullahi emphasised the importance of fostering stronger agricultural ties between the two nations, citing shared interests and a longstanding cordial relationship.
“Nigeria is ready to partner with all our friends by creating something that would work for the two countries,” he said.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the pressing need to tackle issues such as climate change and food insecurity.
He also noted that President Bola Tinubu is actively working to address the challenges posed by insecurity, which impacts agricultural productivity.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was also working hard to see what he can create to tackle the issues of insecurity due to climate change,” Abdullahi remarked.
The High Commissioner, Major General Khan, shared Pakistan’s willingness to offer Nigeria expertise and training in various agricultural sectors.
“We are looking at offering you ways and means through which Nigeria can have their capacity building,” he said.
Pakistan’s experience in agricultural innovation and research was particularly highlighted as a key area of collaboration, with the High Commissioner adding that professionals from Nigeria would have the opportunity to visit Pakistan to learn first-hand.
Khan pointed to Pakistan’s impressive achievements in agriculture, emphasising that the country ranks as the 5th largest producer of cotton, the 4th largest producer of sugar, and the 8th largest producer of meat.
“Pakistan is the 10th largest producer of rice in the world, and this made the country stand out as the 10th largest producer of these agricultural products,” he stated.