A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food security and agricultural development was signed between the United States Government and the Republic of Cuba.
In a statement released on Sunday, Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information in the Vice President’s Office, said that Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, signed the MoU on behalf of the Nigerian Government in Havana, Cuba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU was signed at the Ministry of Agriculture in Cuba in the presence of officials from both nations on the margins of the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit.
Kyari characterized the EOI as a historic step toward increasing agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and Cuba.
He praised Cuba for being open to working with Nigeria and said that the two countries have similar goals for their citizens.
The minister was very appreciative of the information provided about the food and agricultural prospects and difficulties in Nigeria.
The advantages of Nigeria’s population, land, and agricultural potential, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s goals in this area, were also highlighted.
He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had developed from the previous Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with this goal in mind.
Kyari also extended an olive branch of cooperation to his Cuban counterparts, emphasizing such crucial areas as the bio-fortification of agricultural produce and the enhancement of agricultural seeds and seedlings.
He elaborated, saying, “Others were agricultural mechanization, cutting-edge technologies for greater yields, and the decrease of post-harvest losses.
“Nigeria is eager to work with Cuba in the areas of livestock, fishing, and poultry.
“Key areas of cooperation include veterinary medicine, vaccine development, artificial insemination, development of pastures, and ranching as essential components in curbing the challenges posed by inefficient open grazing of cattle.”
An effective agricultural economy, according to the minister, requires training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer.
Earlier, Ydael Brito, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, boasted about his country’s agricultural success to a visiting Nigerian team.
According to him, “Cuba has over 500,000 hectares under cultivation and remains a global player in the export of tobacco, coffee, honey, and other commodities.”
Brito, who was excited to work with Nigeria, promised substantive cooperation in the areas outlined in the memorandum of understanding.
Cuba’s human capital in agriculture and the various models of practice that have increased agricultural output were also recognized by the host minister.
He promised that Cuba’s extensive experience in agricultural and food security will be put to use to help Nigeria accomplish its goals.
As Brito put it, “Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationship encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer.”
Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba Ben Okoyen and other members of the Nigerian mission joined Kyari at the ceremony.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, reportedly attended the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit in Cuba in Tinubu’s stead.
