Nigeria and Cuba have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing food security and advancing agriculture. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during a significant ceremony at the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture, coinciding with the G77+ China Leaders’ Summit. Distinguished officials from both nations bore witness to this momentous occasion.
Representing Nigeria, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, penned his signature on the agreement, while Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, did the same. The MoU is a historic milestone in the agricultural relations between the two countries, reflecting a shared vision for the welfare of their citizens.
In his remarks, Senator Kyari expressed gratitude for Cuba’s insights into Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, emphasizing Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, demographic advantage, and commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.
The Nigerian Minister extended a hand of partnership to Cuba, focusing on essential areas of collaboration. These include biofortification of crops, the improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings, mechanization, advanced agricultural technologies to boost yields, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
Additionally, Nigeria seeks to collaborate with Cuba in the domains of poultry, livestock, and fisheries, with a particular interest in veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, and modernizing cattle ranching to address challenges associated with open grazing.
Senator Kyari also stressed the importance of training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as vital components of a thriving agricultural economy.
Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito, shared insights into his nation’s agricultural strengths, highlighting over 500,000 hectares under cultivation and its global prominence in exporting tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities. He expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Nigeria and assured impactful cooperation in the specified areas of the MoU.
Brito emphasized Cuba’s agricultural expertise and innovative practices, which have significantly boosted productivity. He committed to leveraging Cuba’s experience to assist Nigeria in achieving its agricultural and food security goals.
This partnership will enable Nigeria to tap into Cuba’s agricultural knowledge, fostering bilateral relations that cover agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer.
The Nigerian delegation to the G77+ China Leaders’ Summit in Cuba was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Accompanying Senator Kyari to the ceremony were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, H.E. Ben Okoyen, and other esteemed members of the Nigerian delegation.
This MoU marks a pivotal step in both nations’ agricultural endeavors, promising to make tangible contributions to food security and agricultural development.
Photo Source: Google
By Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
18th September, 2023
