Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli has called for stronger collaboration with the European Union to boost agricultural development, stressing the need to leverage bilateral strength and goodwill to achieve sustainable agricultural objectives.
Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, made the call on Wednesday during his courtesy visit to the EU Embassy in Abuja.
The lawmaker said that the visit was to brief the EU on the committee’s programmes and seek strategic partnership.
He said that the collaboration would focus on the First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions scheduled for May 11 to May 13 in Ibadan.
The senator said the summit would hold at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture(IITA), aimed at strengthening institutions and promoting innovation in agricultural education and research.
He noted that the partnership would enhance capacity building, increase visibility and showcase initiatives capable of accelerating sustainable development across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Alli stressed the need to reinvigorate synergy between the committee and the EU, leveraging its bilateral strength and goodwill to achieve set objectives in agriculture.
He described agriculture as critical to job creation, food security and improved rural livelihoods, noting the EU’s significant role in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural development.
The lawmaker commended the EU for its intervention at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, describing it as vital to advancing oil palm research and productivity.
He said the committee remained open to opportunities in capacity building, research innovation and modern farming techniques to address climate change, soil degradation and food security challenges.
Alli appreciated EU officials for sustained support and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legislation that promotes bilateral cooperation and good governance in Nigeria.
