The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Babanna Border Development Agency (BBDA) to enhance the monitoring and management of agricultural activities at the nation’s borders.
The initiative aims to address various agricultural challenges, including livestock movement and crop production, in the border region between Niger State and the Benin Republic.
During a recent meeting in Abuja with the BBDA’s Director-General, Mohammed Garba Danladi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of the partnership.
Abdullahi highlighted the need for comprehensive data on agricultural activities within and around the border community.
He noted that the area is notable for its significant agricultural operations, including the movement of livestock across borders.
“This partnership will enable us to better monitor and manage agricultural activities in the border area, ensuring that we effectively address the challenges and opportunities in this crucial region,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of liaising with the BBDA and the host community to achieve these goals.
To formalize the collaboration between the Ministry and the BBDA, Abdullahi directed the formation of a Joint Action Committee.
The Committee will be responsible for developing a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline the partnership’s modalities.
The Committee will be composed of Directors from the Ministry and senior officials from the BBDA. Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Ministry, will chair the Committee.
The Committee is also tasked with preparing a draft MoU for review at their next meeting.
In his address, the Director-General of BBDA, Mohammed Garba Danladi expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing his visit to the Ministry as a “homecoming.”
He outlined the BBDA’s mandate, which includes overseeing agricultural activities such as crop production and marketing, as well as monitoring border movements.
“The BBDA was established to enhance agricultural activities and border security in this region. Our goal is to work closely with the Ministry to achieve significant improvements in agricultural management and cross-border trade,” Danladi said.
The collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the BBDA is expected to foster better management of agricultural resources and improve border security.
The Joint Action Committee will play a crucial role in shaping the partnership and ensuring its effectiveness in addressing the needs of the border community.
Meanwhile, in a strategic move to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, the Federal Government has expedited the integration of the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Program (NAGS-AP).
The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of Nigeria’s food systems and ensure food security across the country.
The minister announced this development during the Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop held recently in Orozo, Abuja.
