The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized the paramount importance of food security within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda during a recent engagement with the Belarusian Ambassador in Abuja.
During the visit by Ambassador Vyacheslav Bril of Belarus, Minister Idris highlighted that ensuring food security was among the topmost priorities for President Tinubu. “From day one, he recognized the urgency of the matter, understanding that securing our food supply is pivotal to reducing reliance on imports and bolstering our nation’s economy,” Idris explained. He acknowledged Belarus’s strong agricultural technology and know-how as resources Nigeria could greatly benefit from.
Although Nigeria boasts vast arable lands, a robust workforce, and a significant consumer market, there is a pronounced need for technology and further investments throughout the agricultural value chain. The Minister expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to forge deeper ties with Belarus, particularly in these areas.
He mentioned, “It’s heartening to note that Belarus has already been collaborating with our Ministry of Agriculture. This alliance is critical in advancing our mutual goals of elevating food production levels.”
Ambassador Bril took a moment to detail the significant contributions of Belarus to the global agricultural sector. He proudly pointed out that Belarus stands as a major player, accounting for close to 30% of the world’s entire fertilizer production. This significant contribution is not just a testament to Belarus’s industrial strength but also underscores the vital role fertilizers play in ensuring food security on a global scale.
Reflecting on the deep-rooted diplomatic relations, Ambassador Bril mentioned that Nigeria and Belarus have shared a bond of mutual respect and cooperation since 1992. This relationship has laid a solid groundwork, fostering numerous collaborative initiatives between the two nations over the years.
The ambassador further offered insights into how Belarus could aid Nigeria’s agricultural ambitions, stating, “We’re in a position to assist Nigeria with essential farming inputs, state-of-the-art food processing plants, storage infrastructures, and a diverse array of farming equipment.” He particularly emphasized Belarus’s advanced mechanization in farming, with their tractors being renowned globally for their resilience and performance.
