Nigeria and Brazil Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Agriculture in 774 LGAs

Abuja, Nigeria – In a groundbreaking move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Nigerian government and Brazil’s Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) have entered into a strategic partnership. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is poised to revolutionize agriculture across all 774 local government areas in the country.

The agreement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, and the President of FGV, Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for agricultural self-sufficiency.

A Decade-Long Endeavor for Agricultural Transformation 

The MoU, conceived in 2018, is a testament to the shared vision of both nations to leverage Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture to modernize Nigeria’s farming practices. Over the next 10 years, the $1.2 billion partnership, backed by Deutsche Bank, will focus on several key areas:

• Fertilizer Production: The collaboration aims to stimulate domestic fertilizer production, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring affordable access for Nigerian farmers.
• Hybrid Seed Technology: By introducing advanced hybrid seed technologies, the partnership seeks to enhance crop yields and quality, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.
• Agricultural Finance: The MoU prioritizes the development of innovative financial solutions to empower farmers and agribusinesses, facilitating access to credit and investment.

Empowering Local Communities 

A core objective of the partnership is to empower local communities by identifying and supporting one agribusiness in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Through the provision of technical and financial resources, the project will foster sustainable development and economic growth at the grassroots level.

A Beacon of Hope for Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector 

Mr. Temitope Fashedemi expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the partnership, stating, “This partnership paves the way for Brazil to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing agricultural sector. Together with FGV, we are poised to unlock the potential of private sector investment in key areas critical to our food security.”

The MoU is expected to attract $4.3 billion in private sector investment, further catalyzing the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural industry. As both nations work together to implement the provisions of the agreement, it is anticipated that this strategic partnership will have a profound and lasting impact on Nigeria’s food security and economic prosperity.