News in Brief:
– Nigeria and Japan have joined forces to improve rice production in the African nation through better seed quality and support for small-scale farmers.
– The collaboration also includes a project to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to diagnose infectious diseases.
Nigeria and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving rice seed production and strengthening disease diagnostic capacity in Nigeria.
Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, disclosed this to newsmen during the signing of the agreement in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. He stressed the project’s significance not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
The deal focuses on bolstering Nigeria’s rice production system through improved seed quality. Nigerian Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the importance of this initiative during his statement. He explained that many farmers utilise seeds that are inadequately preserved, hindering productivity.
The partnership with Japan, a leader in agricultural technology and seed production, is expected to address this challenge and lead to increased rice yields.
Also, one aspect of the MoU is its emphasis on supporting small-scale, family-based farmers, who are the said to be the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Senator Bagudu expressed his belief that Japan’s expertise will empower these farmers to maximise their output and contribute significantly to the nation’s food security.
The agreement extends beyond agriculture, encompassing a project to enhance Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity for infectious diseases. This initiative involves establishing a cutting-edge biosafety laboratory within the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Furthermore, both signatories expressed confidence in the MoU’s potential to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens. Ambassador Kazuyoshi highlighted the long history of cooperation between Nigeria and Japan. He underlined both nation’s unwavering commitment to working together to tackle shared challenges.
