The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security in Nigeria, announcing investments totalling $200 million over the past five years.
Additionally, $150 million in grants have been extended to 33 private sector companies in Nigeria, and a $22 million investment has been made in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain across seven states.
Speaking at the 2024-2029 Global Food Security Strategy Launch in Abuja, the U.S. Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, David Greene, emphasized the importance of these investments in addressing food insecurity and bolstering agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Greene highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria’s food security, including insecurity, inflation, currency devaluation, climate change, and post-harvest losses.
He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to confront the challenges and ensure food accessibility for the 84 million Nigerians below the poverty line.
”Implementing the Global Food Security Strategy aims to boost agriculture productivity and drive economic growth over the next five years,” he noted.
Greene underscored the significance of Nigeria’s role in driving technological advancements and leveraging digital technology to empower small businesses and youth.
Furthermore, Greene emphasized the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria in promoting agricultural development.
He cited exchange programs and fellowships to equip Nigerians with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance crop production, animal breeding, and trade capacity.
Highlighting the impact of such initiatives, Greene shared the success story of Agada Blessing, a Ph.D. student supported by USAID to study soil management at Michigan State University.
”Blessing’s research has contributed to developing state-level climate change policies and enhanced agricultural productivity in Nigeria,” he said.
Greene urged the Nigerian government to embrace genetically modified crops, remove trade restrictions, and ensure transparent tax and investment rules to drive economic development and food security.
Echoing Greene’s sentiments, Sara Werth, USAID Nigeria Deputy Mission Director, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across government, private enterprise, academia, and civil society to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential and ensure food security.