Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Support: Federal Government Seeksfor Nigeria's Agriculture Sector
The Federal government is actively seeking support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to invest in Nigeria's agricultural sector, aiming to address the country's food crisis. Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships during a meeting with a Gates Foundation delegation, led by Rodger Voorhies, President of its Global Growth & Opportunity Division, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Nigeria currently faces a staggering 31.52% food inflation rate, the highest among inflationary rates in the country, according to recent data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Additionally, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) projects that 26.5 million Nigerians will face hunger in the next year.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the government's significant investment in agricultural innovation and best practices to enhance productivity. However, he stressed the need for the expertise and resources of the Gates Foundation to accelerate progress. Shettima emphasized that achieving food independence is crucial for national independence and urged the foundation to join in the efforts to combat poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa, mirroring its success in Southeast Asia.
In response, Rodger Voorhies expressed his team's objective to enhance existing collaborations with Nigeria and explore opportunities for new partnerships, especially in priority sectors, under the new administration. He commended the government's agenda on food security and healthcare delivery and assured the foundation's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving set goals and objectives.
More on the Story
The Gates Foundation, represented by Rodger Voorhies, aims to strengthen collaborations with Nigeria, supporting the government's initiatives on food security and healthcare delivery. Vice President Shettima's call for strategic partnerships underscores the nation's commitment to combatting poverty and hunger through enhanced agricultural productivity.
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