TBy IKHUORIA DANIEL
Tinubu Vows to Clear Roadblocks in Farming Sector
President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is ready to remove all obstacles slowing down agricultural development, especially in livestock production, as part of a wider push to boost food security and international trade.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday at Copacabana Forte in Brazil, where both leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation between their countries.
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Nigeria has been held back by bureaucracy, but reforms are now in motion to make the agricultural sector more efficient and competitive globally. He noted that Nigeria has natural advantages in farming that can be maximized through better partnerships and targeted investments.
Tinubu assured the Brazilian government that agreements between both nations would be streamlined, especially in trade, agriculture, energy, and mining. He also praised Brazil for its expertise in agricultural research, calling it a valuable model for Nigeria to learn from.
Speaking on Nigeria’s plans, Tinubu said the country is stepping up efforts in poultry, fishery, and cattle farming to increase food production and create more jobs. He also pointed to the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy and called for stronger ties with Brazil in areas like marine and aquatic resources.
The president stressed that both federal and state governments must act fast to scale up food production. He said state governors have a vital role to play in turning agriculture into a source of jobs and revenue.
President da Silva, in response, said Brazil would work with Nigeria to remove unnecessary delays in their agreements and support improvements in Nigeria’s livestock industry. He promised that ongoing partnerships would be strengthened when Tinubu visits again.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, confirmed that the government remains focused on securing Nigeria’s food future through local and global partnerships. He highlighted Nigeria’s strong position in fertilizer production as a key strength.
Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha listed animal health, sanitation, and genetic research as top priorities for collaboration between both nations. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State added that the upcoming Nigeria-Brazil business forum would help attract fresh investment and ideas into the sector.
Governors from Benue, Niger, Lagos, Delta, and Ogun states attended the meeting, showing strong sub-national support for the federal government’s agricultural vision. Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Mohammed Mohammed, head of the National Intelligence Agency.
