A significant boost in Nigeria’s food security is on the horizon as the UK pledges a generous aid package of $73 million. During his inaugural official visit to Africa’s most populous country, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced the funding, demonstrating the commitment to strengthen the partnership between the two nations.
The aid package includes £55 million designated for projects aimed at enhancing Nigerian food production and bolstering resilience to climate change. Additionally, £2.89 million will be allocated to rural communities, focusing on improving animal health and promoting cleaner cooking practices to reduce carbon emissions. These initiatives are part of a larger £95 million program unveiled at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt last year.
Considering Nigeria’s booming population and status as Africa’s largest economy, Cleverly emphasised the potential for even closer collaboration between UK and Nigerian businesses, creating mutual benefits for both nations. In Abuja, the nation’s capital, the Foreign Secretary addressed reporters and highlighted the vital role agriculture plays in Nigeria, with two-thirds of the workforce engaged in this sector. Most farmers in the country are smallholders, cultivating modest plots of land.
With this financial support from the UK, Nigeria can work towards securing its food supply and enhancing the livelihoods of its farmers, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
