The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has assured the Nigerian Government of its readiness to work with it to ensure food security in the country.
The new FAO representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Fred Kafeero, confirmed this on Friday when he presented his letter of accreditation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja.
Kafeero said the FAO will deploy its potential across areas to ensure Nigeria’s food security quest and also ensure agriculture makes sense to everyone.
Kafeero adds that FAO Director General, Mr. Qu Dongyu, will visit Nigeria soon- a country with a long partnership of over 60 years with the FAO.
“Nigeria being a very important partner of FAO, certainly will be one of the first countries of visit for the DG” he says
“Personally, I am very happy to be in Nigeria, it is a very important country and we are glad that this is a country that manifests political commitment and sustainable management of its resources for the benefit of its people. So, I look forward to working with you and the people of Nigeria to improve food security and to ensure that agriculture makes meaningful sense to ordinary people and also contribute to the economy of the country.”
On his part, Onyeama says his ministry will work closely with the FAO representative to fulfill his mandate.
“As a ministry, we are here to cooperate with you to make it easier for you to help us to work together. Your presence in this country for us is very important and FAO is a very important organisation of the United Nations. As you may know, agriculture is extremely high on the list of priority for Mr. President and this government. Food security is absolutely key for us to diversify our economy and to create employment, especially in rural areas.
The FAO is a vital partner for Nigeria in its bid to fight security challenges that have accentuated the food deficit in the country. The north -eastern parts of the country have not been able to plant and harvest in a long time.
A few years ago, Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen and South Sudan were considered by FAO and others as countries facing possible famine.