Nigerian Govt To Halt Food Importation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris says food security is crucial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

In a statement, Suleiman Haruna, the Deputy Director of Press at the Ministry, said Idris disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, Vyacheslav Bril, to his office in Abuja on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

According to him, the Tinubu-led federal government declared an emergency on food from its inception because it was the only way to curb food importation.

"One of the key priority areas for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is food security, which he declared an emergency from day one because it is the only way to curb food importation and strengthen our economy,” he said.

He noted that the Republic of Belarus has technology and expertise in agriculture that Nigeria can tap from.

He said Nigeria wants to avoid food imports by enhancing its ability to produce adequate food for its citizens.

With the availability of arable land, human resources, and a large market, what is lacking is technology and the necessary investment in the value chain.

The Minister assured the Ambassador that Nigeria is ready to partner.

“I am happy that you are already partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture so that our two countries can work together to boost food production,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Vyacheslav Bril, said that the Republic of Belarus is export-oriented and strong in agriculture.

According to him, Belarus is responsible for almost 30 per cent of fertilizer production, which is important for food security worldwide.

“We can support Nigeria with farm inputs, food processing plants, storage facilities, and equipment,” he added.