Senate seeks backing from China, India, and the EU to modernise agricultural institutions
The Senate has stepped up efforts to rejuvenate Nigeria’s agricultural colleges and research institutions by requesting support from key international partners for reforms, technology transfer, and investment.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, stated this in Abuja on Sunday.
Alli noted that the committee had engaged diplomatic missions from Malaysia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and the European Union as part of a broader plan to strengthen agricultural education and research in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the National Assembly is committed to leveraging global expertise to boost productivity, enhance institutional capacity, and create jobs, especially in rural areas.
The discussions were in preparation for the First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions, scheduled for May 11–13 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“This visit is aimed at informing the governments of China, the European Union, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Malaysia about the committee’s planned activities and to solicit their support, collaboration, and partnership for the First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions,” Alli said.
The initiative seeks to improve institutional capacity, visibility, and activities that can drive sustainable development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“All stakeholders play significant roles in developing sustainable and productive agricultural models that can address global agricultural challenges, improve rural livelihoods, and reduce hunger in our communities,” he added.
The summit aims to mobilize global support, strengthen institutional frameworks, and highlight innovations that can accelerate agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
Alli explained that the committee is building strategic partnerships with leading agricultural nations to foster research collaboration, mechanization, and adoption of modern farming techniques.
During talks with the Malaysian High Commission, the committee highlighted Malaysia’s expertise in palm oil production and suggested that Nigeria could benefit from its agro-industrial development experience.
The lawmakers also praised the European Union’s interventions in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in oil palm research, and called for stronger collaboration to tackle climate change, soil degradation, and food security challenges.
Alli added that discussions with China and Germany focused on agricultural engineering, precision farming, and research-driven innovations to enhance productivity and sustainability.
