President Bola Tinubu has pledged to remove all obstacles hindering Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in livestock production, to achieve food sovereignty and boost exports.
Presdient Tinubu said this during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva at the Copacabana Forte in Brazil.
According to a statement by his presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu noted that bureaucracy contributed to delays in realising the agricultural sector’s potential.
“President Tinubu stated that all technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.
“He said Brazil’s research and development services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country rated as one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products,” the statement said.
He emphasised that excessive bureaucracy has delayed progress in agriculture, and his administration is undertaking reforms to make the sector globally competitive.
The President highlighted efforts to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, as well as the potential of the blue economy for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil.
Tinubu emphasised the pivotal role of sub national governments in food and animal production, complementing federal government efforts to use agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilization.
Nigeria is seeking a strong partnership with Brazil to stimulate food production, leveraging Brazil’s exemplary research and development services in agriculture.
Also, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, identified three areas of partnership with Brazil, including health and disease management, enhancing livestock health through collaborative research and disease management strategies, improving sanitary conditions in livestock production and processing, developing new breeds through advanced genetic research.
On his part, President Lula assured that all agreements with Nigeria would be regularised, and MOUs would be updated and signed without delay during President Tinubu’s next visit.
The planned Nigeria-Brazil business forum is expected to inject fresh ideas and resources into the agricultural sector, enabling quick results in turning around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
