Building Future-Focused, Mutually-Beneficial Partnerships
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s agriculture sector against the challenges of climate change, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has arrived in Nigeria on the second leg of his three-country African visit.
The visit aims to prioritize future-focussed, mutually-beneficial partnerships with African nations. As part of this commitment, Cleverly will unveil a new package of support designed to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural resilience and productivity.
Boosting Agricultural Resilience in Nigeria
With over two-thirds of Nigeria’s population dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, the new UK funding will prove instrumental in transforming the country’s critical agriculture and food systems.
By focusing on the development of heat and flood-tolerant crops, improving soil fertility, and adopting sustainable farming practices, this funding seeks to benefit the people, climate, and nature of Nigeria.
Moreover, the UK support will help alleviate agricultural trade barriers for UK imports, fostering economic growth and mutually-beneficial trade relationships between the two nations.
Unlocking Sustainable Infrastructure Projects
In Lagos, the UK Foreign Secretary will announce a £10 million facility in collaboration with finance company InfraCredit. The facility aims to unlock funding for sustainable and climate-friendly infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including renewable energy services for urban homes and green housing initiatives.
Transforming Nigeria’s Rural Economy
During his stay in Abuja, Cleverly will announce a £55 million Propcom+ contract as part of the UK International Climate Finance program. This initiative seeks to support the transformation of Nigeria’s rural economy.
Alongside this, a £2.89 million grant will be provided to enable over four million people to adopt and scale up sustainable agricultural practices. These practices will enhance animal health, improve crop resilience, and promote cleaner cooking methods.
By doing so, the support will increase productivity, capacity, and resilience among small-scale farmers and rural communities across Nigeria, all while reducing harmful carbon emissions and safeguarding natural ecosystems.
Humanitarian Support for Vulnerable Communities
Beyond agriculture and infrastructure, the Foreign Secretary will visit a UN Humanitarian Air Service center in Abuja.
The center is a recipient of more than £38 million of UK funding, which has been instrumental in aiding vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s North-East.
In regions like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, over four million people face food insecurity, with two million children under five suffering from acute malnourishment.
The UK’s funding has played a crucial role in protecting these communities, building resilience against ongoing food shortages, and preventing famine.
Strengthening the UK-Nigeria Partnership
Apart from these significant announcements, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will engage in high-level discussions with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The discussions will focus on key common priorities, including increasing bilateral trade and investment, promoting economic development, addressing regional issues, and reinforcing security cooperation between the UK and Nigeria.
Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said:
Nigeria has a booming population and the largest economy in Africa – there is huge potential for an even closer partnership between UK and Nigerian businesses which will be of mutual benefit to both countries.
Together we are focussing on the future, putting in place green, clean measures, both in agriculture and infrastructure development, to create climate-resilient solutions for the global challenges we all face today and will increasingly face in the years to come.
In conclusion, the UK’s commitment to supporting the whole of Nigerian agriculture climate resilience and the agriculture sector and sustainable development projects demonstrates the significance of forging strong and forward-looking partnerships with African nations.
As the Foreign Secretary continues his African visit, it is clear that the UK is steadfast in its dedication to building mutually-beneficial relationships that will foster progress and resilience in the face of climate change.
Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP.
