In a landmark move, the Federal Government joins hands with Sustain Africa Initiative to revolutionize the nation’s agriculture sector, ensuring sustainable food security for Nigeria.
The Federal Government and Sustain Africa Initiative have come together in a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This collaboration aims to revitalize Nigeria’s agriculture sector and address the pressing issue of food security in the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking passionately about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to agricultural reformation, emphasized the dire need for change. He stated, “We really need to see what the farmers are going through. President Tinubu is irrevocably committed to repositioning Nigerian agriculture.”
Sustain Africa Initiative is a crisis response and resilience initiative focused on improving the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Africa. By coordinating efforts between public and private sector entities, they strive to assist smallholder farmers in accessing affordable fertilizers, especially in regions and countries most impacted by the agricultural crisis.
The Vice President, who himself has an agricultural economist background, stressed the importance of investing in quality inputs and cutting-edge technology to elevate agricultural output. He expressed gratitude to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their support of African farmers and their determination to enhance productivity, thereby addressing food security concerns.
To enhance the partnership’s success, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with its partners, aims to engage farmers at the grassroots level by identifying their challenges and pain points related to accessing and utilizing farm inputs, specifically fertilizers. This valuable feedback will inform upcoming reforms, interventions, partnerships, and innovations, all designed to increase resilience within Nigeria’s food systems.
Executive Director of Sustain Africa Initiative, Mr. Ben Valk, commended the Tinubu administration for its unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s food system and achieving long-lasting food security. He expressed confidence that smallholder farmers would directly benefit from the administration’s knowledge and experience, which they have acquired from successful initiatives implemented across Africa.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, and Mr. Michael Sudarkasa represented Sustain Africa Initiative.
Attending the signing ceremony were Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of Africa Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), along with other esteemed government officials.
This collaboration between the Federal Government and Sustain Africa Initiative marks a crucial step towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, setting the stage for sustainable food security in the country.
