Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to aiding agricultural revolution.
He identified the crucial role of research institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other partner organizations in achieving food security.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, during an assessment tour of the IITA, Shettima expressed confidence in the institution’s expertise, capacity, and technological innovations to harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
He noted that self-reliance in agriculture is now a necessity, especially given the withdrawal of specialized grants previously allocated to the health and agricultural sectors.
In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “The IITA has been at the forefront of agricultural research, food security, and economic development across Africa for the past five decades.
“We have some of the best crop scientists working here. The institution has been in existence for over 57 years, but the Nigerian government has not fully utilized its potential—better late than never.”
The Vice President added that President Tinubu had directed him, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the IITA.
He emphasized that the government’s collaboration with IITA aligns with its mission to promote practical research, technological advancements, and local impact in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Earlier, Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, outlined several initiatives spearheaded by the institute to improve climate-resilient seeds and agricultural technologies.
“Our innovative systems in partnership with IITA-CGIAR have enhanced the productivity of cassava, maize, and cowpea. The same applies to rice, increasing farmers’ access to high-yield, climate-resilient seeds,” Dr. Ehui said.
He further highlighted IITA’s impact in both small-scale and commercial farming, citing the USAID-funded Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) in the Northeast, which has established community-based enterprises focusing on youth and women in agriculture.
“Our project in the Northeast is creating jobs, increasing crop yields, and ensuring access to nutritionally dense staple food for Nigerians,” he stated.
Dr. Ehui also pointed to the establishment of a Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health at IITA headquarters, which will drive sustainable fertilizer use, soil health improvement, and increased agricultural productivity.
“This initiative will serve as a catalyst for improving soil health and directly supporting Nigeria’s food security agenda.”
Additionally, IITA has partnered with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to combat the ginger blight epidemic, demonstrating its rapid response capabilities in agricultural crises.
Vice President Shettima, accompanied by: Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusinesses and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma,
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southwest), Moremi Ojudu and other senior government officials were taken on a tour of IITA’s facilities, including the Seed Multiplication Centre for yam and cassava and the Business Incubation Platform (BIP).
