Nigeria has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Republic of Cuba on Agriculture advancement to ensure food security.
This signing which was witnessed by officials of both countries took place on Sunday at the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba on the sidelines of the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit attended by a delegation from Nigeria led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in what is seen as a historic journey to strengthen the ties between the country and Cuba in the field of Agriculture.
During the pre-signing meeting, Kyari lauded the willingness of Cuba’s government to partner with Nigeria, noting both countries share a common vision for their people.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the shared insights into Nigeria’s pressing food and agricultural opportunities and challenges, noting the Nigeria has demographic advantage with its vast land resources and immense agricultural potential.
He extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas such as bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings, agricultural mechanisation, cutting-edge technologies for increased yields, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, and the development of pastures and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle. Others are training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural economy.
Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Jesus Perez Brito who signed the agreement on behalf of his country told the Nigerian delegation about the island nation’s agricultural prowess, admitting that the country has “over 500,000 hectares under cultivation” and remains “a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities.”
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Brito expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria stating that his country would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MOU.
The host Minister said Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationship encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Cuba to further enhance collaboration in the field of Innovation, Science and Technology for the benefit of both countries.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led the Nigerian delegation to sign the agreement which is considered the high point of Nigeria’s participation at the G77+China summit in Cuba.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji signed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as he praised President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and assured Nigerians that government would maximise the opportunities provided by the bilateral agreement.
The Minister who said the implementation of the agreement will commence in earnest, expressed his determination to put in place the appropriate mechanism to work out the modalities for programme of action.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice President Shettima averred that Nigeria places high premium on South-South cooperation as a platform for promoting sustainable development of the global South.
He said the bilateral agreement would focus on Research and Development as well as human resource development to further deepen partnership between the two countries.
Areas of cooperation covered by the bilateral agreement include biotechnology; scientific investigation and innovation; technological development; human resources development; specialist exchange in the area of Science and Technology; technologies transfer for development areas.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
