Tinubu vows to remove agricultural blockages, targets food sovereignty

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has assured that his administration is committed to dismantling all impediments hindering the full realization of Nigeria’s agricultural potential, including livestock production, with the ultimate goal of achieving food sovereignty and boosting exports.

This assurance came during a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and high-ranking officials from both nations at the Copacabana Forte.

Tinubu in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles have significantly contributed to delays in harnessing the agricultural sector’s vast opportunities.

He informed the Brazilian delegation that Nigeria is actively undertaking comprehensive reforms to reposition its economy for enhanced global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture where the nation already possesses a strong comparative advantage.

The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has assured that all bottlenecks hindering the realisation of the agricultural sector’s potential, including livestock production, will be removed to enable food sovereignty and export.

“In a bilateral meeting held at the Copacabana Forte with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and some members of both countries’ cabinets, President Tinubu noted that bureaucracy contributes to delays in realising the agricultural sector’s potential.

“The President informed the Brazilian leader and delegation that Nigeria was already undergoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness, particularly in agriculture, where it already has a competitive advantage.

“President Tinubu stated that all technicalities in agreements between the two countries will be streamlined and fast-tracked in trade, aviation, energy transition, food and agricultural development, mining, and natural resources exploration.

“The President stated that Brazil’s research and development services had been exemplary for most countries, with the country being one of the highest producers of food and agricultural products.

“On livestock farming, President Tinubu highlighted the efforts of his administration to boost investments in poultry, cattle rearing, and fisheries, adding that the blue economy also holds potential for long-term partnerships between Nigeria and Brazil.

“He said Nigeria was ready for a strong partnership and immediate action to stimulate food production.

“The President said the subnationals have a pivotal role in food and animal production in Nigeria by complementing the federal government’s efforts to use agriculture as a significant source of employment and resource mobilisation.”