The Federal Government has announced plans to adopt agricultural development strategies from Egypt, describing the country as a model in modern farming techniques and food production.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to improving food security and boosting rural development through advanced agricultural practices.
The Minister of Agriculture, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad.
A statement by Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, on Sunday revealed that the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agricultural expansion, with particular emphasis on irrigation farming, mechanization, and food processing.
Adelabu praised Egypt’s progress in modern agriculture, noting that Nigeria could benefit from Egypt’s expertise in sustainable farming practices and food production efficiency.
“Egypt has made remarkable progress in agricultural transformation, and we are eager to collaborate and learn from your expertise. Our goal is to enhance food production, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers,” he said.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in rural areas, by adopting modern irrigation systems and mechanized farming techniques to mitigate the impact of climate change and enhance food supply.
“Many farming communities face challenges due to unpredictable weather conditions and lack of modern equipment, but we are committed to addressing these issues. Through our agricultural development programme, we are implementing modern techniques to improve productivity. We have secured significant investments, including $750 million from the World Bank’s AGREE project and an additional $190 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to support these initiatives,” Adelabu stated.
He emphasized Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, including fertile land and diverse climatic conditions, expressing the government’s determination to maximize these resources for sustainable food production.
In response, Fouad expressed Egypt’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria, particularly in knowledge transfer, irrigation technology, and modern farming techniques.
“Nigeria and Egypt share common agricultural challenges and opportunities. There is great potential for collaboration, and we are committed to working together to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability for both nations,” Fouad said.
