FG Woos FAO to Drive Food Security, Sustainable Development
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has said that continuous robust collaboration and partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations would boost agricultural productivity, promote sustainable development, and increase employment opportunities for Nigerian farmers, as well as achieve food and nutrition security.
The Minister made the disclosure during a bilateral meeting with the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. QU Dongyu, on the sideline of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF), held in Rome, Italy, recently.
Sen. Kyari stated that the Ministry would strengthen collaboration with FAO in expanding irrigation systems to improve water management and resilience for smallholder farmers, thus enhancing year-round agricultural production.
He highlighted the need for strengthening agricultural mechanization initiatives in Nigeria to improve efficiency, productivity, and value addition among rural farming communities.
The Minister noted the importance of FAO’s support in establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database to aid policy planning, resource allocation, and program monitoring.
He restated the request for FAO’s technical and financial support towards the recharge of the Lake Chad Basin, aimed at restoring agribusiness activities, livelihoods, and food security in the region.
According to a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Ministry’s Head of Information, the Minister appealed for increased employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians within FAO Headquarters and its global offices in recognition of the country’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security.
In his remarks, the Director General, FAO, Dr. QU Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment towards supporting Nigeria’s agricultural priorities and advancing mutual goals of food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.
