The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has announced the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and other key stakeholders to rejuvenate Nigeria’s cotton sub-sector.
The initiative aims to enhance production, create job opportunities, and expand export potential.
The announcement came during a recent meeting with ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg and other relevant stakeholders at the Ministry’s conference room in Abuja.
Sen. Kyari highlighted the anticipated impact of the cotton sector revival, projecting the creation of over 1.4 million jobs annually, stressing that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s industrialization policy.
“The revival of the cotton ecosystem will focus on developing essential components of the value chain, including farming, weaving, ginning, and the linkage of cotton production,” Sen. Kyari stated.
e expressed confidence that ICAC’s technical expertise would significantly contribute to sustainable economic growth and national development.
Addressing the challenges that have previously led farmers to shift from cotton to other crops, the Minister assured that these issues would be examined and resolved to ensure optimal productivity within the cotton sector.
On his part, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, echoed the commitment to revitalizing the cotton and textile sub-sector, noting its potential as a major employer in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
In his remarks, ICAC Executive Director Eric Trachtenberg affirmed the organization’s support for Nigeria’s cotton value chain.
He outlined potential areas of collaboration, including the training of farmers and extension service workers, deployment of technologies, and implementation of innovative solutions aimed at boosting productivity and investment.
Minister Kyari recently expressed concerns about food shortages in the country and discussed the possibility of closing borders to address the issue.
During an interaction with the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, Kyari highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria, including rising inflation, food prices, and a foreign exchange crisis.
”This situation has made Nigerian food products more affordable in neighbouring countries, leading to widespread smuggling across porous borders,” he said.
