News Agency of Nigeria
Egypt expands cooperation with UN in agriculture
Foreign

Egypt expands cooperation with UN in agriculture

Egypt says it will to increase its cooperation with the United Nations to enhance its agricultural sector.

Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, disclosed this during a meeting with Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt.

The Daily News Egypt, a partner of TV BRICS, reports that the meeting will discuss enhancing cooperation between the ministry and UN agencies working in the agricultural sector.

Farouk emphasised the importance of engaging both the Egyptian and African private sectors to boost trade, investment and food security on the continent.

For her part, Panova presented the UN cooperation framework with Egypt for 2023-2027, covering five key areas.

They include climate and resource sustainability, education, health, migration and others.

She expressed her commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote sustainable agricultural development and food security in Egypt.

Following the meeting, the two sides agreed to plan ministerial discussions with African countries under the leadership of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.

These meetings will bring together relevant UN agencies and private sector representatives from selected African countries.

The aim is to establish new cooperation mechanisms and stimulate private sector investment, in line with Egypt’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with African countries.

Egypt also confirmed its readiness to share its experience in agricultural research with African countries with the support of UN agencies working in these regions.(NAN/TV BRICS)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

AfDB, IITA sign additional €5m to boosts agricultural transformation programme in Africa
Economy/Business

AfDB, IITA sign additional €5m to boosts agricultural transformation programme in Africa

By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a five million Euros agreement to finance the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme Phase 2 programme.

Dr Abdul Kamara, the Director-General, Nigeria AfDB Group, who said this at the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to advancing agricultural transformation across Africa.

Kamara said the agreement aligns with its Feed Africa strategy, which seeks to boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and enhance food security.

He said the additional financing built on the 40 million dollars provided for Phase I of TAAT would focus on expanding access to agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.

According to him, the TAAT programme is not just an agricultural initiative but a transformational effort aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

”This Additional Financing of the TAAT Programme, is building on Phase I, which the Bank funded with 40 million dollars, and Phase II with 27 million dollars implemented by IITА (as lead implementer), working closely with other CGIAR Centers and National Agricultural Research Institutions in many countries.

“This Additional Financing of the TAAT Phase II Programme is financed with a five million Euro grant from the Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), thanks to the generous contribution of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“TAAT Phase II will focus on empowering low-income African countries by increasing productivity, strengthening food systems, improving farmers’ incomes, and positioning Africa to become a net food exporter.”

The director-general added that the programme would support activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.

He reiterated AfDB’s commitment to supporting agricultural research and innovation to drive Africa’s food security agenda, emphasising that TAAT remained a key instrument in achieving the continent’s long-term agricultural goals.

Also speaking, the IITA Director-General, Dr Simeon Ehui, commended AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation.

Ehui reaffirmed IITA’s commitment to working with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research Institutions, and the private sector to ensure the success of the programme.

According to Ehui, TAAT has already demonstrated the power of science-driven solutions in improving productivity, strengthening food systems, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change.

He highlighted the successes of TAAT Phase I, which included the facilitation of the scaling of improved seed varieties, climate-smart practices, and mechanisation solutions to millions of farmers.

For Phase II, he said efforts would focus on accelerating the deployment of agricultural technologies, strengthening partnerships, promoting youth and women engagement in agribusiness, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

“With this grant, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering impact-driven agricultural solutions. The journey ahead requires sustained investment, policy support, and strong collaboration,” IITA director-general said.

He said that IITA would continue working closely with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure the programme contributes to reduction of food imports and unlocks Africa’s agricultural potential. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Nigeria risks 0bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group
Agriculture

Nigeria risks $110bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group

By Felicia Imohimi

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has warned that Nigeria could spend 110 billion dollars on food imports in 2025, if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.

Dr Godwin Atser, SAA’s Country Director, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services”.

Atser identified extension and advisory services as key to agricultural transformation, stressing that continuous spending on food imports is unsustainable.

“If we continue to do that, it means we are exporting jobs, and that will further affect our economy.

“However, if we are importing food and our productivity continues to remain low, one of the things that is going to happen is that climate change, which is one of the controls, will further worsen the situation”.

Atser called for immediate stakeholder intervention to address the existing gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, urging a shift in approach.

He noted that while there are innovations capable of transforming agriculture, the country’s extension system remains weak.

“In some states at the moment, there is no extension service at all, We have seen consistently that economies that make progress in agricultural transformation are those that place strong emphasis on technology transfer”.

Speaking on the workshop theme, Atser noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population use mobile phones, with internet penetration growing rapidly across Africa.

He stressed the need to harness these opportunities to deliver timely and high-quality information to farmers, improving their livelihoods.

“Harnessing the power of digital solutions will be a very good instrument that will help us succeed in our agricultural transformation.

“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionising how we deliver our extension and advisory services.

“It entails bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most, be it in agriculture, health, education, or business.

“Digital tools enable us to provide real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, ultimately enhancing decision-making and productivity”.

Atser also noted the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global agriculture, stating that AI-driven tools can predict various factors affecting the sector through computer-based analysis.

He emphasised that stakeholders must leverage digital tools to transform agriculture, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving agricultural productivity.

“The key to addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture and making digital solutions effective is collaboration,” Atser added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister
Agriculture

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

 Food

By Ibrahim Bello

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring that every Nigerian citizen has unfettered access to abundant and nutritious food.

Kyari made this known at the launch of 2025 dry season farming and distribution of Ramadan Palliatives to people of Kebbi by Gov. Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi.

“President Tinubu has consistently provided conducive environment and empowerment to farmers to increase yields towards the attainment of food security which is already on the horizon.

“The Federal Government will continue to work together with states and local government councils to bring prosperity through agricultural production.

“I commend the initiative of our amiable and esteemed Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, for placing premium on developing the agricultural sector which witnessed bumper harvests and reduction of food prices.

“The emphasis attached to dry season farming is a portent vehicle for food security,” the minister said.

Kyari expressed delight over the distribution of thousands of water pumping machines, sprayers and power tillers as well as thousands of litres of herbicides, pesticides and organic fertilisers by the present administration.

Launching the distribution exercise, Gov. Idris, said the government was aware of the challenges of dry season farming by farmers that necessitated his administration to provide them with the required agricultural inputs to reduce hardship in cultivation.

“Last year, I launched the KADAGE programme in tandem with the policy of Tinubu administration to revolutionise the agricultural sector towards food sufficiency and improve the wellbeing of farmers and youths.

“The agricultural landscape has witnessed positive changes in Kebbi with the distribution of free fertilisers to farmers, provision of inputs including improved rice seeds as well as pests control that destroy crops, especially millet and rice.

“My administration is fully aware that agriculture is the major platform for economic development of our nation.

“I am thankful to President Tinubu, the Minister of Agriculture and the National Council on Agriculture, for approving the use of residual moisture for Agricultural production in Kebbi for 15,000 farmers affected by flooding last year to mitigate losses incurred,” he said.

On Ramadan Palliatives, Idris, announced that all segments of the society had been considered for allocation.

“Civil Servants, teachers, local government staff, House of Assembly, NLC/TUC, members of the executive council, security services, traditional institutions, army widows, police widows, boards and agencies as well as residents of all the polling units in the state are beneficiaries.

“Commissioners and other top government officials involved in the distribution have been taken care of.

“No commissioner, Adviser or any political appointee should touch anything out of these palliative items.

“Some commissioners or otherwise are reported to be saying that, they are not benefitting from office, but that’s untrue; all rights and privileges of government functionaries are well protected by my administration.

“Whoever feels that he’s not getting enough, should resign from his/her position and vacate the office,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, warned that security agencies had been empowered to arrest any person selling off the agricultural items provided to them.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Ma’azu, recalled that the state started its dry season farming’s drive, sustained and intensified during the tenure of former Governors Adamu Aleiro, Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Atiku Bagudu respectively.

“Kebbi is indeed a hub for agriculture, and agricultural bright  landscape of the country by sustaining and intensifying the initiative by Gov. Idris-led administration,” he said.

Muazu urged the beneficiaries to utilise the gesture to cushion the effects of challenges faced during Ramadan as well as dry season farming in the state. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Food insecurity: IITA set to transform Sierra Leone, Africa’s agriculture
Agriculture

Food insecurity: IITA set to transform Sierra Leone, Africa’s agriculture

Transformation

By Suleiman Shehu

Dr Simeon Ehui, Director-General (DG), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has reiterated the institute’s readiness to transform agriculture and address food insecurity in Sierra Leone and other African countries.

Ehui stated this during the official visit of the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Bio, to the institute in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the theme of the presidential visit is “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy”.

The DG noted that the institution’s existing technology and innovation in cassava, maize, soybeans, and other crops had improved productivity, increased income, and strengthened security for millions of Africans.

“Sierra Leone stands a chance of agricultural revolution through collaboration with IITA.

“We can accelerate the deployment of high-yielding pest resistance and climate-resilient crops tailored to the country’s agricultural condition,” Ehui said.

According to him, science alone will not transform agriculture, but with partnerships, research and investment, farmers empowered with tools and finance needed to thrive will drive Africa’s required agricultural transformation.

He said that Sierra Leone had an opportunity to harness Public-Private Partnership to drive large-scale agricultural transformation.

“With the right partnership, we can turn ambition into action and action into impact in IITA.

“The future of Sierra Leone food security is not a distant goal; it begins here, and the conversation here must transfer into commitment,” he said.

Ehui said IITA was ready to work with the government of Sierra Leone to scale up technology, build human capital, support agribusiness and transform the country’s agriculture.

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, commended IITA for consistently driving agricultural transformation in Africa and being a dependable partner.

Bio said food insecurity challenges in Africa required coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and strong political will at the highest level.

“I am here because I think the political will exist in Sierra Leone to support the country’s food system transformation.

“I firmly believe that research, innovation, and technology are the forces we must harness in order to drive Africa forward, transform the future of agriculture in Africa, and create opportunities for African farmers,” he said.

He said his trip to Nigeria was part of his dedication to innovative ideas to create a world-class food system in Sierra Leone and foster progress for farmers and agribusiness.

Earlier, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said Nigeria’s agricultural transformation efforts had provided a strong foundation for collaboration with Sierra Leone.

Ogunbiyi said both countries could accelerate agricultural development, enhance food security and promote regional growth through partnership, shared experience and innovation. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities
Agriculture

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities

By Justina Auta

The Ministry of Youth Development and Heifer International, an NGO, has urged youths to leverage innovative agricultural technology to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They made the call at the inauguration of the 2025 AYuTE Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, now in its fourth season, is an initiative of Heifer International.

NAN reports that the initiative aims to empower agri-tech innovators to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, noted that the initiative would empower youths to drive sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Olawande, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant on Gender Affairs, said the initiative was a project aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture.

“It is also fostering innovation and addressing the critical challenges facing our agricultural landscape in Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods.

“Initiatives like these are crucial, and the focus on agri-tech solutions is particularly timely.

“We need to leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This challenge provides a platform for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the transformation of our dear country,” he said.

Olawande therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s youths and tech innovators to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, said a $40,000 grant would be awarded to the top three finalists of the challenge to provide them with the necessary support to scale their agri-tech innovations.

He said this would help transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Describing the challenge as an enterprise development programme, he stated that it aims to identify, nurture, and support innovative, technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.

“It is to ensure that the youth of today take hold of the agriculture they want tomorrow, and it also provides them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and generate employment for others,” he said.

He added that the organisation also provides participants with technical assistance, business development support, and introductions to potential investors.

He said this support would continue until participants successfully commercialise their technologies.

“Some of them become our programme partners and implement initiatives that offer solutions to farmers’ challenges.

“By virtue of their participation, others have found them interesting and invested in them, enabling them to continue growing,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has impacted over 46 million smallholder farmers across America, Asia, and Africa since its inception 80 years ago.

Also, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, representing the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), said: “Technology is a very important catalyst in achieving food security.

“If it’s not anchored by the youth and tech-savvy individuals, we don’t see how we can catch up”.

Some past beneficiaries of the grant testified to its impact in equipping them with technology-driven solutions to address challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They said it has contributed to food security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth
Agriculture

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

UK

By Abbas Bamalli

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expressed readiness to leverage 204 million pounds in private sector finance and investment into agriculture in Nigeria.

Mrs Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+, a programme funded by the UK FCDO, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to her, Propcom+ is UK Aid’s eight-year climate-resilient agricultural market development programme.

It aims to support economic growth for smallholders and SMEs in conflict- and climate-affected regions.

“We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems.

“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature.

“It also aims to transform Nigeria’s rural economy by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system,” Ode said.

Ode explained that the programme will achieve this by increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature.

“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets.

“We work as a ‘market facilitator’, identifying constraints in market systems and enabling changes that help rural markets benefit poor and climate-vulnerable smallholders and entrepreneurs.

“Propcom+ aims to increase the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

“The programme aims to support over four million people in adopting sustainable agricultural practices while about £95 million was earmarked for the programme,” she added.

She revealed that the programme is already active in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa. Katsina has just been approved as a beneficiary.

Ode said this development followed a meeting between Gov. Dikko Radda and the FCDO, where they discussed the programme’s implementation in Katsina.

“Today, we had a very good meeting with farmers, businessmen, processors, academics, women’s groups and cooperatives.

“They support the decision to implement the programme in Katsina.

“In the coming days, we’ll meet government officials to better understand the challenges and how we can address them,” Ode stated.

According to her, Propcom+ aims to tackle three major challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflict over natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

She noted that the programme seeks to transform the rural economy and increase smallholder farmers’ and SMEs’ incomes, ensuring people can earn a decent living and reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG backs agricultural research reform
Agriculture

FG backs agricultural research reform

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research system through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The fund plays an important role in addressing challenges within the sector and driving innovation for sustainable development.

This was stated in a release signed by the Communications Lead of the fund, Nike Babalola, during the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, commended NADF for conducting a comprehensive Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment Study of 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture across the country.

He emphasised that any country that fails to reform its research system is wasting its time.

The minister stressed the need to prioritise continuous improvement in the nation’s agricultural research capabilities.

He noted that the last comprehensive review of Nigeria’s agricultural research system was conducted during the tenure of President Shehu Shagari.

The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the assessment, describing it as a step towards achieving world-class standards in agricultural research.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the fund’s mandate to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

“No nation has ever achieved greatness without investing in knowledge, discovery, and innovation.

“The baseline survey provided critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s agricultural research and training institutions.

“NADF was established to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance the potential of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and food security,” he stated.

Ibrahim described the validation exercise as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“This is not just another meeting; it is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a stronger, more innovative agricultural sector.

“We believe in the power of research and education to transform our agricultural landscape.

“This is a call to action to ignite change and create a future where Nigerian agriculture stands tall on the pillars of knowledge, technology, and innovation,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Sharubutu, reaffirmed NADF’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural research system.

“Today, we have a father and a mother who have come to deliver us from the shackles of inadequate facilities, infrastructure, and resources,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including government officials, researchers, and representatives from agricultural institutions.

The validation exercise marked a step in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural research system and aligning it with national and global priorities.

The survey, conducted by NADF in collaboration with the ARCN aimed to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and constraints within the country’s agricultural research and training ecosystem.

The key findings reveal urgent areas for improvement, including infrastructure, funding, curriculum enhancement, research support, technological integration, and industry linkages. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders validate northern project studies on poverty reduction
Agriculture

Stakeholders validate northern project studies on poverty reduction

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders have validated the Federal Government, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and French Development Agency (AFD) Value Chain in Northern Nigeria (VCN) programme’s complementary studies.

The programme aims to contribute sustainably to poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and greater resilience among rural and vulnerable populations in northern Nigeria.

Speaking at the validation workshop on Monday in Abuja, stakeholders stated that the VCN complementary studies were conducted to provide a deeper understanding of the context in which the project would be implemented.

The studies also identified key leverage points and challenges faced in the region.

Bukar Musa, Director of the Project Coordinating Unit at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the VCN programme is a Federal Government initiative designed to improve the livelihoods of half a million smallholder farmers and uplift vulnerable populations.

Musa explained that the programme’s objectives would be achieved by strengthening value chains, enhancing agricultural productivity, and increasing market access.

He added that the project aligns with the Presidential Emergency Declaration on Food Security, the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), and other related policies.

According to Musa, implementing the VCN programme will help reduce poverty, enhance nutrition, and improve the resilience of rural populations in nine northern states—Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Mrs Dede Ekoue, Country Director of IFAD Nigeria, stated that the complementary studies conducted by the Food and Agriculture Innovation Centre (FAO) would strengthen the implementation of the already developed project implementation manual.

Ekoue noted that the studies were funded by IFAD and AFD.

“This collaborative and systematic approach with development partners and UN agencies fosters the scaling up and efficiency of investment in support of national priorities for agro-food systems transformation and sustainable development.

“This development focuses on the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNDSDCF) and AFD Nigeria’s Country Intervention Strategy,” she said.

Ekoue added that the VCN programme, expected to be signed in August 2025, would directly benefit an estimated 456,000 smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Ms Sally Ibrahim, Project Manager representing AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, Xavier Muron, said the workshop marked the successful completion of studies intended to facilitate the operational implementation of the VCN programme.

Ibrahim stated that the programme aims to promote inclusive economic opportunities for vulnerable populations and address food and nutritional insecurity in northern Nigeria.

“AFD’s current support to the sector in Nigeria focuses mainly on improving rural access and agri-markets.

“This future support for the VCN programme, alongside IFAD, represents a significant step in creating synergies with other agro-food development programmes implemented by the government.

“It seeks to address the challenges and multiple fragilities facing the agricultural sector,” she said.

Mr Braimah Tofiq, Operations Officer at FAO, explained that the complementary studies conducted by the organisation were aimed at refining and strengthening the project’s implementation strategies.

Tofiq revealed the rising rate of malnutrition in northern Nigeria and outlined key interventions to address the challenge.

They include promotion of nutrient-rich crops, improved maternal and child nutrition, and the encouragement of backyard and small-scale animal husbandry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a highlight of the workshop was the presentation of the VCN complementary studies by Line Kasperson, Investment Support Officer at the FAO Investment Centre in Rome. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Strengthen agriculture value chains, Chambas tells ECOWAS
General News

Strengthen agriculture value chains, Chambas tells ECOWAS

 

By Mufutau Ojo

Renowned diplomat, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, says the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) must recommit to strengthening regional agriculture value chains.

 

Chambas made the call at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS summit of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on Sunday.

 

He said strengthening agriculture value chains would help create the much-needed economic opportunity for farmers and economic operators.

 

Chambas, who is the Chairman of the Taskforce on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), said this would also reduce regional food security challenges.

 

He expressed optimism that the region would be able achieve a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.

 

Chambas further said the delays in addressing the challenges hindering the free movement of persons and goods were not unique to any particular region of Africa.

 

He described ECOWAS as a regional leader in terms of freedom of movement of its people.

 

Chambas said dysfunctions resulting from misapplication of ETLS protocols were partly due to weak institutional capacity of National Committees for the Recognition of Community Origin.

 

He identified the lack of knowledge of the protocols by economic actors as another challenge.

 

” Trade and development move along with people who trade, and West Africa is not an exception for what unites us is not just economic ties, but also social and cultural ones.

 

” As such, we need to continue to focus on improving the economic conditions of our people and to promote our regional integration in order to help increase our intra-Africa exchanges in all relevant areas.

 

” West Africa is a region where, for centuries, our people have moved about freely, engaging in commerce and building traditional bonds and historic relationships.

 

” This is a moment to work to build a borderless Africa, not the moment to step backward,” he said.

 

Chambas also said free movement of people, goods and services across the continent must be made a priority in order to boost development and shared prosperity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

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