One of the key achievements expected after the wrap of the 2023 African Development Bank (AfDB) World Food Prize-facilitated Norman Borlaug, International Dialogue in the United States is that the Nigerian government would be able to secure partnership from investors in the agricultural sector.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Communications, Office Of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, arrived the US where he will participate at the event scheduled for Tuesday, October 24.
The vice president is expected to deliver a keynote address at the event and he will meet with manufacturers and investors in the agriculture sector as well as US government officials.
Nkwocha said the vice president would use the platform to talk about the potential and opportunities of the agricultural sector in Nigeria.
His words: “In the itinerary of the Vice-President while in the U.S. are high stake meetings across some states of the U.S. with manufacturers, investors and top government officials.
“On the Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, Shettima will be joining the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s organisation, AGRA; World Food Prize laureates; Ghana President, John Kufuor and AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adeshina.
“Others at the event are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Presidents Felix Tshishiked and Joaquim Chissano; Joyce Banda; Ameenah Gurib – Fakim and IFAD President, Kanayo Nwanze as distinguished African leaders who in the past used the event to canvas support for agricultural development and food sufficiency in Africa.”
Despite the 40.48% arable land in Nigeria according to the World Bank in 2021, agriculture contributed 24.17% to nominal Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The stated GDP figure by the federal government was lower than the rate recorded for the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower than the third quarter of 2021 which recorded 24.23% and 26.57% respectively.
Although the government is making continuous efforts to attract international investors to the agricultural sector, security remains a major challenge in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.
Once security issues are resolved particularly in the northern region where most farming activities take place, agriculture can provide significant income for the country.
