By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago , has said the growing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the growing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Brazil is crucial for achieving food sovereignty in line with the agricultural agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim.
Governor Bago made the remarks while appearing as a guest on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) flagship programme, Tuesday Live, during a discussion on the topic: "Nigeria's Economic Diplomacy with Brazil."
Speaking on the key outcomes of the recent visit to Brazil by a Federal Government delegation led by President Tinubu, the governor noted that Nigeria and Brazil share significant similarities, particularly in agricultural potential.
He explained that Brazil has successfully harnessed its agricultural resources to become a net exporter of commodities such as sugar, rice, and corn, positioning it as a global agricultural powerhouse.
According to Governor Bago, the Tinubu administration recognises Nigeria’s vast potential in agriculture and is prioritising it not only as a means to achieve food security but also full food sovereignty.
"The decision to engage Brazil in a strategic agricultural partnership is aimed at replicating Brazil’s success stories in Nigeria through peer reviews and collaborative efforts," he stated.
The governor added that the partnership will lead to significant investments in areas such as all-year-round irrigation farming, high-quality seeds, improved planting methods, mechanisation, and livestock development. These, he said, will ultimately enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
Addressing possible challenges to the initiative, Governor Bago stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments, scientific and technological research institutions, and sectors such as aviation and maritime. He also called for stronger support for the private sector, policy consistency, and the enactment of laws and international treaties that support long-term sustainability.
He commended President Tinubu for his vision and unwavering support for sub-national governments, noting that Niger State has fully embraced the administration’s agricultural reform agenda.
The governor revealed that Niger State is set to benefit from a $1.2 billion share of the $2.5 billion Nigeria-Brazil livestock development partnership facilitated by the Federal Government.
He emphasised that Niger State remains ambitious and deliberate in its agricultural policies, leveraging its size and comparative advantage to explore the full agricultural value chain as a pathway to economic transformation and long-term sustainability.
No comments