By: Ayoade Esther Damola
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched the maiden Twinning Project aimed at improving food security and sustainable food systems
The project utilizes climate-smart technologies for enhanced value chain development.
The project, according to a statement by Mr Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head Department of Information is a strategic collaboration between Nigeria, European Union and its Member states namely Czech Republic, Austria, and Latvia.
Ikemefuna said it aimed to support transition to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari said that the initiative is designed to advance climate-smart agriculture and strengthen sustainable food systems in Nigeria.
Kyari, who was represented at the launch,by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen .Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.
He explained that “The Twinning Project is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem by supporting a comprehensive review of the National Agricultural Resilience Framework (NARF) and aligning policies with global best practices. It will also facilitate capacity building for Nigerian institutions through training programmes, study visits, and technical exchanges’’.
“ The ongoing government interventions include investments in irrigation, dry-season farming, mechanization, and improved access to inputs such as fertilizers and climate-resilient seeds. The government is also scaling digital agriculture and strengthening pest control systems to safeguard productivity across value chains,’’ he explained .
In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Mignot added that “addressing food insecurity requires not only investment but strong institutions and effective policies. This project will identify key gaps and provide practical recommendations that translate into real improvements for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities,”
He noted that ‘’by strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting climate-smart practices, the initiative is expected to improve productivity while reducing post-harvest losses and environmental risks’’.
He emphasized that the programme aligns with its broader priorities of supporting climate-resilient agriculture, job creation, and inclusive growth, especially for youth and women engaged in agribusiness.
During his welcome address, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu said that ‘’the Twinning Project is especially significant because it brings together technical expertise from European institutions and Nigerian professionals to work on critical areas of agricultural policy and climate-smart development which will translate into resilience agriculture for food security in the country’’.
He added that ‘’this initiative comes at a very crucial time. Nigeria is actively working to strengthen its agricultural systems in response to emerging challenges particularly those posed by climate change, food security and evolving global food systems transformation’’.
