Nigeria, FAO explore deeper collaboration to enhance food security, farmer support
The federal government has renewed its call for deeper collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to accelerate agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems, and create more jobs for Nigerian farmers.
Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made the appeal during a bilateral meeting with QU Dongyu, director-general, FAO, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Food Forum (WFF) held recently in Rome, Italy.
Kyari said enhanced partnership with FAO would enable Nigeria to achieve its strategic goals of food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural growth, and increased employment opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the nation’s food system.
He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including expanding irrigation systems to improve water management and ensure all-year-round farming, especially in drought-prone areas.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen agricultural mechanisation to boost efficiency, productivity, and value addition across rural communities.
The minister further sought FAO’s assistance in establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database to support evidence-based policymaking, resource allocation, and performance tracking within the agricultural sector.
According to him, a reliable data system would help the government better target interventions and improve transparency in farmer support programs.
Kyari also reiterated Nigeria’s request for FAO’s technical and financial backing in the ongoing efforts to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, a project he said is critical to restoring livelihoods, reviving agribusiness activities, and enhancing food security in the region.
In addition, the minister called for increased employment opportunities for qualified Nigerians within FAO’s headquarters and global offices, citing the country’s long-standing contributions and commitment to agricultural development and food security initiatives.
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In his response, QU Dongyu, FAO director-general, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda, pledging to advance shared goals of food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.
Analysts say the renewed FAO–Nigeria partnership could unlock billions of naira in agricultural value chain opportunities, improve smallholder resilience against climate shocks, and strengthen the country’s march toward self-sufficiency in food production.
