Juliet Jacob Ochenje
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, has called for the strengthening of bilateral relations with the Ireland Government in the area of Agriculture to boost food and nutrition security in the country.
He made the call when he received a delegation from Ireland Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Marine led by its Secretary General, Mr. Brendan Gleeson, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja recently.
Umakhihe stated that agriculture plays a major role in the Nigerian economy and stressed that harnessing areas of good working relationship was very germane to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu had recently declared emergency on agriculture and food security and is committed to implementing programmes and policies intended to bring about enhanced food security, job creation and poverty eradication.
While highlighting that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa which is also blessed with arable land suitable for development of any agricultural value from production of grains, horticultural products, livestock, amongst others, he recognised the huge successes of Ireland government in the production of milk, wheat, beef, potatoes, poultry amongst others.
Umakhihe said the federal government is willing to key into these successes to achieve food and nutrition security and sustainability in Nigeria.
