The Nigerian Government has renewed its commitment to food sovereignty through a strategic partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed at transforming rice seed production and strengthening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, during a high-level meeting with a delegation from JICA’s Nigeria Office in Abuja on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on the Project on Capacity Development for Enhancement of Rice Seed Production (CaDERSeeP) in Nigeria, an initiative designed to strengthen seed multiplication and quality control systems, particularly in Oyo and Niger States.
Senator Bagudu emphasized that the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for national food security and economic resilience.
He described Japan’s support as both timely and culturally strategic, given the shared similarities between rice production systems in both countries.
“What we are discussing today is not just another agreement it is a symbol of enduring friendship and shared values,” the Minister said.
He also recalled the success of similar interventions during his tenure as Governor of Kebbi State and Vice-Chairman of the National Food Security Council, where average rice yields rose from less than one ton to four tons per hectare within two seasons.
He pledged close collaboration with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Bagudu further requested technical support in soil testing to better understand the capacity of Nigerian soils and enhance productivity.
“This cooperation holds the key to reducing poverty and boosting agro-industrial development,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, mni, noted that the project builds on a longstanding agreement dating back to 2001, with a clear objective: to achieve rice self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports.
Before now, JICA Nigeria’s Chief Representative, Yuzurio Susumu, explained that the project would strengthen the foundation and certified seed systems, supported by a baseline survey and structured implementation in the target states
