By : Joseph Chibueze, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food sovereignty and improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers across the country.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reiterated this during a high-level meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria Office Delegation in Abuja yesterday.

JICA, during the visit, briefed the minister on its project on Capacity Development for enhancement of Rice Seed Production (CaDERSeeP) in Nigeria.

Bagudu noted the significance of Japan’s support for capacity building in rice seed production, which he said aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for national food security and economic resilience. He stated that Nigeria’s landholding and rice-farming systems shared similarities with Japan’s, making the collaboration both strategic and culturally relevant.

“We are deeply grateful for Japan’s support. What we are discussing today is not just another agreement — it is a symbol of enduring friendship and shared values,” he said.
He referenced past successes in improving rice yields during his tenure as a governor and vice-chairman of the National Food Security Council, when average yields rose from less than one ton to four tons per hectare in just two cropping seasons.

The minister assured the delegation that the Federal Government would work closely with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) and other stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the proposed training programmes on the Foundation Seed (FS) and Certified Seed (CS).

“This cooperation holds the key to reducing poverty and boosting agro-industrial development,” the Minister said.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Information and PR of the ministry, Osagie Jacobs, Bagudu also solicited technical assistance from experts in soil testing to determine what Nigerian soil could best support.

This, he said, was also of significant importance in enhancing agriculture production in Nigeria. He expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their continued partnership in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in rice production.

“This renewed partnership is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s journey towards agricultural transformation, input substitution and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Representative of JICA, Nigeria Office, Yuzurio Susumu, said the purpose of the visit was to intimate the minister on the aim of the project, which he said, was to strengthen the multiplication and quality control system in the targeted states (Oyo and Niger), the implementation structure, baseline survey, output amongst others.

Published Date: April 17, 2025