Juliet Ezeh
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has officially launched the maiden Twinning Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening food security, enhancing agricultural value chains, and promoting climate-smart farming across Nigeria.
The project is a strategic partnership between Nigeria, the European Union, and EU Member States including the Czech Republic, Austria, and Latvia. It is designed to accelerate the transition to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized that the Twinning Project is pivotal to advancing climate-smart agriculture and improving the sustainability of the country’s food systems.
Representing the minister, the Minister of State, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, hailed the initiative as a key milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. He noted that it complements ongoing federal interventions, including investments in irrigation, mechanized farming, digital agriculture, improved access to inputs, climate-resilient seeds, and pest control systems.
“The Twinning Project will strengthen Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem, support a comprehensive review of the National Agricultural Resilience Framework (NARF), and align national policies with global best practices,” Abdullahi stated. “It will also facilitate capacity-building through training programmes, study visits, and technical exchanges with European institutions.”
The European Union, represented by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the project aims to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, providing practical recommendations to improve outcomes for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.
“By strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting climate-smart practices, this initiative will boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and mitigate environmental risks,” Mignot said. He further highlighted the project’s focus on inclusive growth, particularly empowering youth and women in agribusiness.
The Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, emphasized that the Twinning Project combines European technical expertise with Nigerian knowledge to tackle pressing agricultural challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, and global food system transformation.
“The initiative comes at a critical time as Nigeria works to enhance the resilience of its agricultural systems,” Tanimu said. “It is expected to translate into sustainable, climate-smart agriculture that ensures food security for the nation.”
The Twinning Project marks a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, strengthening capacity, and promoting innovative farming practices that safeguard both productivity and environmental sustainability.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.