Tinubu to Da Silva: Nigeria improving food production, sovereignty and agric export

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu informs Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, and his delegation in a meeting, that Nigeria is already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture for its competitive advantage

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the Brazilian Government that all bottlenecks hindering the realisation of the country’s agricultural sector’s potential, including livestock production, will be removed to enable food sovereignty and export.

President Tinubu stated this in a bilateral meeting held with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, and some members of both countries’ cabinets, held at the Copacabana Forte.

The Nigerian President also noted that bureaucracy contributes to delays in realising the agricultural sector’s potential of the country.

Tinubu informed the Brazilian President and delegation, that Nigeria is already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.

According to him, all technicalities in agreements between the two countries would be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.

Tinubu further said Brazil’s Research and Development (R&D) services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country being one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products.

On livestock farming, President Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration at boosting investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries.

The blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil, stated Tinubu.

Nigeria poised for action to stimulate food production -President

Underscoring the importance of the country’s renewed efforts at improving agricultural production with mechanised farming, President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria is ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.

The subnationals, Tinubu noted, have a pivotal role in food and animal production in Nigeria by complementing the Federal Government’s efforts at using agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilisation.

Da Silva: We’ll our development MoUs immediately

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, at the weekend , stated Brazilian President Lula also assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularised.

He disclosed the MOUs with the West African country would be updated and signed without delay during President Tinubu’s next visit.

Da Silva stated that the lingering bureaucracy between the two countries must be removed to achieve quick results.

The Brazilian President further noted that the country’s research and development institutions would collaborate with Nigeria to enhance livestock farming.

In his remarks at the bilateral meeting with Brazil, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, stated President Tinubu had consistently insisted on food security for Nigeria.

The Minister stated rhe the mandate would be actualised through local and global partnerships.

Kyari also noted Nigeria already has a competitive advantage in fertiliser production that could easily be enhanced.

Likewise, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Honourable Minister for Livestock Development, highlighted three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, sanitary services, and research into genetic materials and new breeds.

In his remarks, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, noted that the sub-nationals would support the Federal Government’s framework to revamp the agricultural sector in the country.

Abiodun said both leaders’ decision to include a business forum during President Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil would inject fresh ideas and resources, enabling quick results in turning around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The Presidential aide further disclosed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, participated in the bilateral meeting.

Onanuga added Governors of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia; Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; and Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the bilateral meeting at the Copacabana Forte, in Brazil.

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