ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized the critical importance of food security in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
During a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, Vyacheslav Bril, to his office in Abuja, Idris expressed the federal government’s determination to halt food importation.
Idris highlighted that food security has been a top priority for President Tinubu’s administration since its inception, with the declaration of a food emergency.
The government believes that this is the most effective way to reduce reliance on food imports and strengthen the national economy.
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He also acknowledged that Belarus possesses valuable agricultural technology and expertise that Nigeria can leverage. Nigeria aims to decrease its dependence on food imports by enhancing domestic food production, given its abundant arable land, human resources, and large market.
The missing elements are advanced technology and the necessary investments in the agricultural value chain.
The Minister assured the Ambassador that Nigeria is eager to collaborate and welcomed Belarus’ existing partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to boost food production.
In response, Ambassador Vyacheslav Bril of the Republic of Belarus highlighted his country’s strong focus on agriculture, being responsible for nearly 30 per cent of global fertilizer production.
He expressed Belarus’ readiness to support Nigeria with farm inputs, food processing plants, storage facilities, and equipment, contributing to food security both nationally and globally.