Nigeria, EU Strengthen Ties to Develop Agriculture, Research

The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said Nigeria and the European Union (EU) would strengthen bilateral ties in the areas of Agriculture and research findings.

Onu stated this when he received the Ambassador to the European Union, Samuela Isopi, in his office in Abuja.

The minister pointed out that Nigeria seeks to become an industrialized and self-reliant nation to feed its large population, create jobs, and reduce poverty to the barest minimum.

Furthermore, the minister said there are other areas in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) that would be of mutual benefit to both parties, adding that the nation is prepared to work with the European Union to make sure the desired objective is realized.

According to him, Nigeria needs to solve some problems using STI in the areas of agriculture, education and security.

Remarking, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Barr Mohammed Abdullahi, urged the EU envoy to widen the scope of their assistance to Africa on the development of STI, adding that areas such as nano-tech, fintech, engineering and agriculture, among others, could be invested into by the European Union.

On his part, Ambassador Isopi reiterated the EU’s interest in working with Nigeria in the area of STI, saying it was a pillar for sustainable development.

He noted that one of their objectives was to have a focal point for each team to be trained, to boost their capacity.

Agro Nigeria