The Federal Government, in partnership with the German Government and the European Union, has rallied state governments to strengthen collaboration on food security and agricultural transformation.
The call was made at the launch of the €18.3 million EU-VACE TARED Project, a four-year initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through climate-smart practices and inclusive value chain development.
Representing the German Government, Dr Karin Jansen, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Abuja, described the launch as a major milestone in the joint effort to support Nigeria’s agricultural transition, stressing that Germany remains committed to promoting resilient food systems and strengthening value chains.
The programme will focus on four priority value chains – dairy, tomatoes, cocoa, and ginger – and aims to directly support 25,000 farmers, especially women and young people, while creating 10,000 green jobs and unlocking over €2 million in investments for agribusinesses.
The project will be implemented in seven states – Plateau, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, Cross River, Ondo, and Oyo – selected for their strategic role within the targeted value chains.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu on food security, poverty eradication and job creation, describing it as a transformative pathway to address post-harvest losses, climate shocks and limited financing.
