By Victoria Onyisi
In an effort to tackle the challenges of food insecurity in the country, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, has expressed the Ministry’s readiness to host D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation Summit on Agriculture in the coming year.
The Minister gave the assurance during a courtesy visit led by the Secretary General of D8 Countries in Africa, Amb. Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam to his office, in Abuja recently.
He stated that, the essence of the partnership was to deliberate and proffer solutions to the challenges threatening food insecurity in Nigeria, pointing out that the issue of climate smart agriculture was something everyone must adapt to and embrace.
The Minister noted that in the 60’s Nigeria was less than 30 million in population, and pointed out that by year 2050 the population would have risen to about 400 million.
This he said is worrisome stressing that it would be a huge challenge for the country and generation yet unborn.
In his words: “The land is no longer there or might be reduced due to the effect of climate change, insecurity among other issues.”
He revealed that with the proposed summit, Nigeria would be able to acquire experiences from other countries to tackle the issues of food insecurity in the country.
Earlier, the Secretary-General, said the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation was an organisation for economic cooperation among member countries which include; Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye.
He revealed that the objective of his visit was to ensure Nigeria prioritise climate smart agriculture, pointing out that Agriculture Research Centre was established in Pakistan, in March 2023 and it’s operational under a University in Pakistan.
The Secretary-General informed that the University was open to all member states to utilize and support.
He therefore enjoined the Ministry and Nigerians to key in for collaboration and cooperation.
D-8 organisation was established in June 15, 1997 with its Secretariat based in Istanbul and was announced officially through Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/Government.
The Organisation’s objectives include; to improve member states position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations amongst others.