Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the critical role of research institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in driving the Federal Government’s vision for agricultural transformation and food security.
During an assessment tour of the IITA headquarters in Ibadan on Tuesday, Shettima highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging the institution’s research and innovations to bolster food production across the country.
“The IITA is an institution that has been at the forefront of agricultural research, food security, and economic development across Africa for the past five decades,” Shettima stated.
Accompanied by senior government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Shettima acknowledged that past administrations had underutilized IITA’s potential but affirmed that the current government is ready to strengthen collaboration with the institute.
“It’s better late than never. We are willing to work closely with IITA to harness its expertise for the benefit of Nigerian farmers and the agricultural sector,” he added.
IITA’s Impact and Innovations
The Director-General of IITA, Dr. Simeon Ehui, detailed the institute’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through science and technology.
“Our innovative systems between IITA-CGIAR and partners have increased farmers’ access to high-yield, climate-resilient seeds,” Ehui said.
He also highlighted community-based enterprises established in Northeast Nigeria, which aim to involve youth and women in agriculture, fostering job creation and local food production.
Strengthening Agricultural Resilience
Shettima praised the IITA’s focus on practical research and technological innovation, underscoring the government’s readiness to support policies that enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate change and global food supply challenges.
The Vice President’s visit signals a renewed partnership between the Federal Government and IITA, with a shared vision to transform Nigeria into a regional agricultural powerhouse through innovation, research, and sustainable practices.
