Nigeria is said to be spending more than $60 million on importation of fish annually.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, stated it when he played host to the Ambassador of Netherlands, Marion Kappeyne.
In a statement signed by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the Deputy Director of Information, Ogbeh sought Netherlands’ support in the areas of research, cattle breeding and aquaculture.
He further expressed government’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Netherlands, especially on improved seeds/seedlings to boost agricultural production in the country.
The minister announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has set up Agro Rangers to provide security for Nigerian farmers as part of government’s commitment to create an enabling environment for both public and private sectors.
His state counterpart, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the focus of the present administration is to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, which can only be achieved through extensive research.
Earlier, Kappeyne had said the delegation was in the ministry to explore areas of collaboration for the development of the agriculture sector.
He expressed his government’s willingness to support Nigeria on food exportation but solicited partnership in the supply of improved seeds, horticulture, aquaculture, poultry and nutrition.
