The agreement was signed
on behalf of the FG by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr.
Akinwumi Adesina and his Israeli counterpart, Yair Shamir at a short ceremony
in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Speaking, Adesina said Nigeria will work closely with the state of
Israel to boost fish production, so as to cut down on the amount spent yearly
importing fish, noting that Nigeria spends 125 billion naira, about $760
million annually, on fish imports alone.
“… This ought not to be, considering the abundant water resources in
this country. The cooperation will also include areas of beef production, horticulture
and training," he said.
Pointing out that Israel will also help Nigeria to structure her rural
communities in a way that youths in these communities will be able to create
wealth through agricultural activities instead of migrating from their local
areas.
The minister said, the government is trying to woo private investors in
hopes of bolstering the local agricultural sector and up to $4 billion has
already been invested in local agriculture projects by private companies.
Adesina said the Nigeria-Israel cooperation deal would foster
development in the sector and "impact private-sector businesses
tremendously, bringing wealth to youths by creating gainful jobs."
Equally, Shamir said Israel would cooperate with the Nigerian
government to develop agriculture in Africa`s top oil producer. Stressing that the
Israeli government would begin by training employees of Nigeria`s Ministry for
Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasising that the partnership would boost
food security for both countries.
Isaac Oyimah with agency report/GEE
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