The Nigerian government has restated its commitment to collaborate with Saint Kitts and Nevis to achieve food security and to drive economic diversification, among other things.
During a courtesy visit to the office of Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, led by Samal Duggins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Small Business, and Creative Economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, along with his delegation, the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, addressed the gathering.
Sen. Kyari stated that agriculture remains a critical sector that has the potential to enhance food and nutrition security and drive economic diversification in Nigeria and Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as the entire Caribbean by extension.
He pointed out that with over 80 million hectares of arable land, Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global agricultural ecosystem.
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In his words, “Our agricultural sector is already a significant contributor to GDP, accounting for over 25% of our national output. It is in this recognition that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, continues to commit unprecedented effort and resources to the sector since the inception of this administration over two years ago. Our progress is tremendously changing narratives across the spectrum of engagement.
“As you’re aware, the president made a state visit to St. Lucia in June. This visit sparked several initiatives to further strengthen transatlantic ties. Given the importance of African-Trans-Atlantic cooperation, agri-commerce and trade in agricultural commodities are becoming key focal points.
In time, this will lead to significant outcomes that promote expanded frontiers for economic prosperity and sustainable development in both Africa and the Caribbean,” the minister emphasised.
He revealed that the report given by the delegation that visited St Kitts and Nevis in June 2025, “Your nation is looking up to Nigeria in the areas of Capacity Exchange (Upscaling People & Transferring Knowledge), Investment in Production (Boosting Local Agro-industry) and Supply of Raw Materials (Trade and Export Opportunities), among others. Nigeria can most definitely provide mutual platforms to ensure that these objectives are achieved.”
Speaking further, the minister noted that St Kitts and Nevis would benefit from Nigeria’s nutritious and organically produced food commodities, get supplied with the eco-friendly organic and inorganic fertilisers, and participate in investment opportunities in the irrigation ecosystem, among other innovative and agricultural technological revolutions engulfing the Nigerian agricultural landscape.
He, therefore, commended the minister for his efforts in agricultural development, stressing that he is confident that with the ongoing collaboration and dedication, “we’ll chart a successful course through the Transatlantic Dream”.
“We will help bring about a unified front that fosters lasting connections and achieves our shared goals for a more prosperous African-Caribbean Partnership,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Small Business & Creative Economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Samal Duggins, stated that the collaboration would focus on agricultural development, knowledge exchange, and mutual growth, aimed at enhancing food security and sovereignty, as well as fostering a strong relationship.