Nigeria, Gambia Forge Agricultural Alliance as Minister Kyari Hails Bilateral Efforts to Boost Food Security
By Pan Afric Reporters| June 22, 2025A buja, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has applauded The Gambia’s bid to collaborate on improving food production, as both nations explore agricultural synergies aimed at achieving food security and economic growth.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, according to a press release e-signed by the Chief Information Officer, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)For: Director of Information gave the commendation during a recent courtesy visit by a Gambian delegation led by Dr. Demba Sabally, Gambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, to his office in Abuja.
The meeting marks a significant step in regional cooperation, as The Gambia looks to replicate Nigeria’s growing success in rice production and mechanised farming. Minister Kyari lauded the partnership, emphasizing Nigeria’s ongoing strides in achieving food sovereignty under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in 2023 and directed that we must attain both food security and sovereignty,” Kyari noted, recalling the Ministry’s rebranding to reflect this critical mission.
He revealed that over ₦200 billion has been invested in agricultural interventions, including the distribution of over ₦2.15 billion worth of free fertilisers to farmers. The Ministry, he said, is also embracing mechanisation to modernize agriculture and make it more appealing to Nigerian youth.
Kyari further highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in wheat production, stating that since 2023, the country has transitioned from importing wheat seeds to producing them locally, cultivating nearly 500 metric tons through national research efforts.
Addressing rice production challenges, he cited affordability and availability as key hurdles, noting that the administration is actively working to close these gaps. He praised the impact of the out-grower scheme, which supports small-scale farmers with short-term financing and resources between planting and harvesting.
In response, Dr. Sabally expressed gratitude to Nigeria for the warm reception and President Tinubu’s support. He acknowledged Gambia’s heavy reliance on rice imports—over 80%—and expressed interest in adopting Nigeria’s successful models in irrigation, seed development, and mechanised processing.
“Our team visited Kebbi State and was impressed with the rice mill and irrigation systems. The out-grower scheme is a standout success we are eager to replicate,” Sabally said, requesting a “Rice Ambassador” from Nigeria to guide the Gambia’s adaptation of the practices.
The event concluded with a symbolic exchange of documents and plaques, including Nigeria’s National Agricultural Transformation Agenda and NAPTIP 2022–2027.
Also present at the meeting were Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, Permanent Secretaries from both countries, senior directors, and development partners.
