The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a collaboration with Pakistan aimed at enhancing agricultural production and ensuring food security in the country.

The partnership was disclosed in a statement by Umar Rashida, Principal Information Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, on Sunday.

The initiative was unveiled during a courtesy visit by Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Major General (Rtd) Sohail Khan, to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, in Abuja.

Senator Abdullahi stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural ties between the two nations, citing their shared interests and longstanding friendly relations.

“Nigeria is ready to partner with all our friends by creating something that would work for the two countries,” he said.

He also emphasized the urgency of addressing challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively working to combat insecurity affecting agricultural productivity.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working hard to tackle issues of insecurity caused by climate change,” Abdullahi noted.

High Commissioner Khan expressed Pakistan’s readiness to support Nigeria with expertise and training in various agricultural sectors. “We are looking at offering you ways and means to build capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He highlighted Pakistan’s expertise in agricultural innovation and research, noting opportunities for Nigerian professionals to gain hands-on experience in Pakistan.

Khan also underscored Pakistan’s accomplishments in agriculture, including its global rankings as the 5th largest producer of cotton, 4th largest producer of sugar, 8th largest producer of meat, and 10th largest producer of rice.

“These achievements position Pakistan as a global leader in agriculture and a valuable partner for Nigeria in boosting its food security,” Khan added.