FG launches project to boost agric value chains

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched the maiden Twinning Project aimed at improving food security and sustainable food systems by utilising climate-smart technologies for enhanced value chain development. The Twinning Project is anticipated to play a crucial part in bolstering Nigeria’s agribusiness sector by assisting with a thorough evaluation of the […]

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched the maiden Twinning Project aimed at improving food security and sustainable food systems by utilising climate-smart technologies for enhanced value chain development.

The Twinning Project is anticipated to play a crucial part in bolstering Nigeria’s agribusiness sector by assisting with a thorough evaluation of the National Agricultural Resilience Framework (NARF) and coordinating policies with international best practices.

Nigeria, the European Union and its member states—Czech Republic, Austria and Latvia—are working together strategically on this initiative to help Nigeria transition to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

It would help Nigerian institutions develop their ability through study trips, training programmes and technical exchanges.

The project is intended to promote climate-smart agriculture and bolster sustainable food systems in Nigeria, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who spoke at the ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, he described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, noting that it aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and food security.

“Ongoing government interventions include investments in irrigation, dry-season farming, mechanisation and improved access to inputs, such as fertilisers and climate-resilient seeds.

 The government is also scaling digital agriculture and strengthening pest control systems to safeguard productivity across value chains,’’ he said.

The European Union’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“Addressing food insecurity requires not only investment but strong institutions and effective policies. This project will identify key gaps and provide practical recommendations that translate into real improvements for farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities. 

“By strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative is expected to improve productivity while reducing post-harvest losses and environmental risks,’’ Mignot noted. 

The Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu, said the Twinning Project was especially significant because it brings together technical expertise from European institutions and Nigerian professionals to work on critical areas of agricultural policy and climate-smart development, which would translate into resilient agriculture for food security in the country.

He said this initiative came at a very crucial time as Nigeria is actively working to strengthen its agricultural systems in response to emerging challenges, particularly those posed by climate change, food security and evolving global food system transformation.