In a major step towards modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering private sector development in fertilizer production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance.
The MoU was signed at FGV Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Representing Nigeria was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, while FGV’s President, Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, signed on behalf of Brazil.
The ceremony was witnessed by senior members of Nigeria’s presidency and officials from both FMAFS and FGV, underscoring the importance of the agreement.
The partnership builds upon the Green Imperative Project (GIP), a collaborative initiative launched in 2018 between Brazil and Nigeria. The $1.2 billion project is one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer programs ever undertaken. It seeks to leverage Brazil’s extensive expertise in tropical agriculture to transform Nigeria’s farming sector.
According to Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information & Public Relations in the Nigerian Presidency, the agreement marks a pivotal moment in the strategic collaboration between the two nations.
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Discussions over the years have laid the groundwork for this ambitious initiative, which is supported by Deutsche Bank and designed to deliver transformative technologies and knowledge transfer over a 10-year period.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nigeria and FGV will work closely to:
- Boost Fertilizer Production: Enhancing local fertilizer manufacturing capabilities to ensure affordable and sustainable access for Nigerian farmers.
- Advance Hybrid Seed Technology: Introducing high-yield, climate-resilient seed varieties to improve agricultural productivity and address food security challenges.
- Facilitate Agricultural Financing: Creating innovative financial mechanisms to support agribusinesses and attract private-sector investment.
The partnership is expected to mobilize $4.3 billion in private-sector investments, positioning Nigeria as a hub for agricultural innovation in Africa.
Over the next five years, the project will focus on identifying and supporting agribusinesses in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. These enterprises will receive technical and financial resources to scale operations, enhance productivity, and contribute to sustainable development.
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“This partnership paves the way for Brazil to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing agricultural sector,” said Fashedemi at the signing ceremony. “Together with FGV, we are poised to unlock the potential of private sector investment in key areas critical to our food security.”
The Green Imperative Project is not merely a bilateral initiative; it represents a shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, poverty alleviation, and climate change. By drawing on Brazil’s proven track record in tropical agriculture, the project seeks to equip Nigerian farmers with the tools, technologies, and expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
The partnership between Nigeria and Brazil offers a glimpse into a future where collaboration and innovation drive economic growth and food security. As the Green Imperative Project enters its implementation phase, it has the potential to redefine agricultural practices in Nigeria, creating opportunities for millions and fostering a legacy of sustainable development.
With this MoU, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward transforming its agricultural sector into a global powerhouse, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens and contributing to the broader goals of economic diversification and resilience.