'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The United States Mission in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security and strengthening rural economies in Nigeria through its longstanding agricultural partnership.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy highlighted the significant progress made under various U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes. Since 2019, these initiatives have supported over 5 million Nigerian farmers, boosting food production and economic stability in rural areas.
Responding to recent media reports that painted a distorted picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, the embassy clarified that all programmes are conducted transparently and in full compliance with Nigerian laws.
It specifically addressed efforts to assist Nigerian agencies in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology, emphasizing that these activities align with local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty.
The U.S. government’s agricultural programmes in Nigeria are designed and implemented in collaboration with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials. The focus is on practical solutions such as:
Improving farmers’ access to markets.
Providing agricultural training and resources. Facilitating research partnerships to enhance productivity and sustainability.
The embassy also noted that all research findings and programme details are publicly accessible, underscoring the transparency of its operations.
The U.S. Mission expressed pride in its record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural practices. It reiterated its dedication to working with Nigerian agricultural stakeholders through regular consultations to ensure the programmes address the country’s unique food security challenges.
“The U.S. Mission maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian agricultural stakeholders at all levels. We are proud of our record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities,” the statement said.
The U.S. Mission described the agricultural partnership as a testament to the shared commitment between the two nations to tackle food security challenges through locally driven solutions. By focusing on sustainable growth and development, the partnership aims to build a resilient agricultural sector that meets Nigeria’s current and future needs.
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