. Sign MoU for science, technology development
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Cuba on food security and agriculture advancement.
The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, in a statement on Sunday, said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, signed the MoU for the Nigerian Government, in Havana.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of the MoU that was done on the sidelines of the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit, took place at the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba in the presence of officials from both countries.
Kyari said the Expression of Interest (EOI) was a historic journey to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Cuba in the field of agriculture.
He commended the willingness of the Cuban government to partner with Nigeria, noting that both countries share a common vision for their people.
The minister expressed heartfelt gratitude for the shared insights into Nigeria’s pressing food and agricultural opportunities and challenges.
He also underlined Nigeria’s demographic advantage, vast land resources, immense agricultural potential and President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food and nutrition security.
“It is in this spirit that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development evolved into the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.
Kyari also extended a hand of partnership to his Cuban counterparts with a focus on vital areas such as bio-fortification of agricultural produce, improvement of agricultural seeds and seedlings.
He added: “Others were agricultural mechanisation, cutting-edge technologies for increased yields, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.
“Nigeria is keenly interested in collaborating with Cuba in the domains of poultry, livestock, and fisheries.
“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.”
The minister listed other areas to include training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer as the cornerstone of any thriving agricultural economy.
Earlier, Cuba’s Minister of Agriculture, Ydael Brito, told the Nigerian delegation about the island nation’s agricultural prowess.
He said: “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 expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with Nigeria, stated that Cuba would provide impactful cooperation in identified areas contained in the MOU.
The host minister also highlighted Cuba’s agricultural human capital and different models of practices which have raised its productivity.
He assured that Cuba would deploy its wealth of experience to help Nigeria achieve its agriculture and food security policies.
Brito said: “Nigeria will benefit from Cuba’s agriculture capacity in areas such as bilateral relationships encompassing agricultural productivity, sustainability, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.”
Kyari was accompanied to the ceremony by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
NAN reports that the Nigerian delegation to the G77 + China Leaders’ Summit in Cuba was led by Shettima, who represented Tinubu.
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.
MoU for science, technology
In a related development, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, also signed another MoU for the Government of Nigeria.
Nnaji was quoted as saying that the MoU would further enhance collaboration in the field of innovation, science and technology between the two countries.
The minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership which had resulted in the signing of the agreement.
Nnaji, who assured that Nigeria would maximise the opportunities provided by the bilateral agreement, emphasised that the implementation of the agreement would commence in earnest.
He expressed determination to put in place the appropriate mechanism to work out the modalities for the programme of action.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led the delegation to the G77+China, averred that Nigeria places high premium on South-South cooperation as a platform for promoting sustainable development of the global South.
The bilateral agreement would focus on research and development.
Other areas include human resource development which will further deepen partnership between the two countries.
The areas of cooperation covered by the bilateral agreement include biotechnology, scientific investigation and innovation, technological development and human resources development.
Others are specialist exchanges in the area of science and technology, and technologies transfer for development areas.
The historic event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen and other senior government officials. (NAN)
