Iran's Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh emphasized the need to expand cooperation with Nigeria, especially in cross-border agriculture. The meeting took place during breaks at the BRICS Agriculture Ministers Conference held in Indore, India.
In his meeting with Nigerian counterpart Abubakar Kyari, Ghezeljeh discussed broadening agricultural cooperation, transferring technology and technical knowledge, and implementing joint projects.
The Iranian minister also expressed appreciation for the condolence messages sent by the Nigerian government and people following attacks by the US and Israel against Iran. Ghezeljeh stated that solidarity and cooperation among developing countries can play a significant role against unilateral approaches worldwide.
The discussion identified priority areas for cooperation between the two countries, including livestock, production and supply of animal vaccines, transfer of technical knowledge, mechanization development, and agricultural machinery.
Abubakar Kyari noted that Nigeria's population is expected to reach approximately 400 million by 2050. He said that one of the Nigerian government's main priorities is food security, with extensive programs underway to increase agricultural production and productivity.
Kyari highlighted that only about half of the country's arable land is currently utilized, yet there is significant capacity for agricultural development, attracting investment, and working with international partners.
He added that around 42 million households are active in Nigeria's agricultural sector and called for expanding technical and technological cooperation with Iran.
