Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers through modern inputs and improved access to funding.
Speaking during a meeting with Álvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Shettima emphasized the administration’s focus on empowering farmers particularly women and youth by facilitating access to finance and mechanization.
“Our priority is increasing productivity, resilience, and commercialisation, not just providing handouts,” the Vice President stated. He further explained that Nigeria intends to expand existing IFAD-supported projects to benefit more rural communities across the country.
In addition to his engagement with IFAD, Shettima held high-level bilateral discussions with leaders of other major global food and development organisations, including QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).
During his meeting with FAO’s DG, Shettima sought the organisation’s partnership in revitalizing the Lake Chad region, advancing year-round farming initiatives, and supporting the government’s Green Revolution Project.
He highlighted the complex challenges facing the Lake Chad area including environmental degradation, climate change, humanitarian crises, and conflict and stressed that addressing these requires coordinated development efforts, conflict resolution, regional cooperation, and significant infrastructure investment.
“The Lake Chad region holds immense agricultural potential,” Shettima noted, urging FAO to play a leading role in its recovery and sustainable development.
In response, Dongyu lauded the Tinubu administration’s strong political will, describing it as a vital force for transforming Nigeria’s food systems. He pledged increased FAO support and technical assistance.
Shettima also met with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, commending the organisation’s longstanding humanitarian efforts in Nigeria. However, he reiterated the government’s focus on sustainable, long-term solutions.
McCain reaffirmed WFP’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with Nigeria on programs such as school feeding, nutrition, and assistance for displaced populations.
