FG rules out importation, insists on adequate production 

The Federal Government on Wednesday assured Nigerians that food security remained a crucial component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and would not embark on food importation.

The government also said that it would avoid food imports by enhancing its ability to produce adequate food for its citizens.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, according to a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Deputy Director of Press, Suleiman Haruna, stated these during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Vyacheslav Bril.

“With the availability of arable land, human resources, and a large market, what is lacking is technology and the necessary investment in the value chain. One of the key priority areas for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is food security, which he declared an emergency from day one because it is the only way to curb food importation and strengthen our economy. Nigeria wants to avoid food imports by enhancing its ability to produce adequate food for its citizens”, Idris told his guest, adding that the Republic of Belarus has technology and expertise in Agriculture from which Nigeria could tap.

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The Minister assured the Ambassador that Nigeria was ready to partner in that regard.

“I am happy that you are already partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture so that our two countries can work together to boost food production”, he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Envoy said that the Republic of Belarus is export-oriented and strong in Agriculture.

“For example, the Republic of Belarus is responsible for almost 30 per cent of fertilizer production, which is very important for food security in the world”,

Bril emphasized.

Belarus, he said, has had long and fruitful relations with Nigeria since 1992.

“We can support Nigeria with farm inputs, food processing plants, storage facilities, and different kinds of equipment”, Bril added.

Belarus is strong in terms of mechanization of Agriculture, and Belarusian tractors are well-known for their durability around the world