The United States (U.S.) government has rose in defence of its agricultural partnership with Nigeria, saying that it is geared towards “building food security through collaboration.”
Stating that there has been “inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday all its “agricultural programs operate with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian law.”
The U.S. noted that through the programmes of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), it has supported over 5 million Nigerian farmers since 2019.
The full statement reads: “The United States Mission in Nigeria highlights the significant achievements of its longstanding agricultural partnership with Nigeria, which has helped increase food production and strengthen rural economies across the country. The U.S. government, through programs of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has supported over 5 million Nigerian farmers since 2019.
“Recent media coverage has presented an inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, such as assisting local agencies’ efforts in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology. The U.S. Embassy emphasizes that all U.S. government agricultural programs operate with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian law.
“These programs are developed and implemented in partnership with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials to ensure they meet local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty.
“USAID’s work in Nigeria focuses on practical support for farmers, including improved access to markets, agricultural training, and research collaboration. All research findings and program details are publicly available through official channels. Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions.
“The U.S. Mission maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian agricultural stakeholders at all levels. We are proud of our record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities.”