Nigeria Woos FAO To Enhance Food Security

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says continuous and robust collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable development across the country.

The Minister noted that such partnership would also create more employment opportunities for Nigerian farmers while ensuring food and nutrition security for the nation.

The Minister made this known during a bilateral meeting with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. QU Dongyu, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) held recently in Rome, Italy.

Sen. Kyari stated that “the Ministry would strengthen collaboration with FAO in expanding irrigation systems to improve water management and resilience for smallholder farmers and enhance year-round agricultural production.”

He pointed out the need to strengthen agricultural mechanisation initiatives in Nigeria to improve efficiency, productivity, and value addition among rural farming communities.

Sen. Kyari noted the importance of FAO’s support in establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database to aid policy planning, resource allocation, and programme monitoring.

The Minister 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.

He 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.