Country Director Rufus Idris Pays Courtesy Visit to Honorable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security
In a significant display of collaboration between the government and a prominent agricultural organization, the Country Director of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Rufus Idris, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security. The meeting, which took place at the ministerial office, was attended by key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the Honorable Minister of State, Temitope Peter Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary Barr. Yejide Ogunde, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Sen. Mustapha Saidu, Chairman of the Senate Committee of Agriculture, Food Production & Services, and Sugra Mahmood, Director of Nutrition & Food Safety.
The primary objective of the meeting was to foster stronger ties between AGRA and the Nigerian government, particularly in the realm of food systems development. AGRA, a leading organization dedicated to transforming smallholder farming into a thriving and sustainable sector, has been actively engaged in various initiatives across the African continent. With Nigeria being one of the largest and most populous countries in Africa, collaboration with the Nigerian government holds immense significance for AGRA’s overarching mission.
During the meeting, Country Director Rufus Idris highlighted AGRA’s ongoing work in Nigeria and its alignment with the government’s objectives in the agriculture and food security sectors. AGRA’s initiatives in Nigeria have been aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting market access for smallholder farmers, and strengthening the resilience of food systems to external shocks. Through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, AGRA has implemented innovative solutions to address key challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including access to quality inputs, extension services, and market linkages.
Furthermore, the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss potential areas of collaboration and to explore avenues for scaling up AGRA’s interventions across Nigeria. The Honorable Minister of Agriculture & Food Security commended AGRA for its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and expressed the government’s readiness to work closely with the organization to achieve shared objectives. The Minister emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving value chain efficiencies, and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Honorable Minister of State reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing policies and programs that would enhance the productivity and resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and urged AGRA to leverage its expertise and resources to support the government’s efforts in transforming the agricultural landscape.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration between AGRA and the Nigerian government. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards achieving sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Nigeria. As the country continues to strive toward food security and economic prosperity, partnerships like these will play a crucial role in driving positive change and creating opportunities for smallholder farmers across the nation.
