Philippines Seeks Synergy with Nigeria in Agricultural Devt

Philippines Seeks Synergy with Nigeria in Agricultural Devt

Filipino Ambassador to Nigeria, Shirley Ho Vicario, has said with the growing population of her country, estimated at about 110 million people at the moment, Philippine may need Nigeria’s land in the future to feed its people.

She said Nigeria has so much fertile land, noting however that land utilisation for agricultural purposes is very minimal.

Ambassador Vicario made the observation during a visit to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Tuesday, saying: “As I was coming to this state by road, I saw vast land capable of being ploughed and used for growing crops. It is all open, the land is neglected yet it is so fertile.”

She said her country has expertise especially in rice production, explaining that through its International Rice Research Institute, Philippine can help Nigeria, especially states like Kano, to fully exploit their rice potential; irrigated, rainfall and upland environments.

The envoy also pointed out that her country has proficiency in the production of fruits and vegetables and fertilizer while the country needs to import beverages like cocoa, coffee and tea from Nigeria.

The ambassador also asked the state government to take advantage of Philippine’s pool of skilled human resources in various sectors to grow its economy, pointing out that her country also has opportunities for students from Kano willing to study in any of the over 1,100 tertiary institutions in Philippine that accept international students.

“We can improve relations if we open communication among ourselves,” the envoy, said, highlighting that several opportunities exists for mutual benefit between Nigeria and her country.

Responding, the state Governor Ganduje, told the visiting envoy that the state has vast land and water resources for all year agriculture activities.

“We have the resources but our major problem is technology. Commercial agriculture needs mechanisation, improved seeds and marketing strategies,” the governor maintained, saying the support of Philipino experts is expedient in this regard.

Ganduje added that the state would want to synergise with Filipino investors to boost several sectors of the economy and improve the living standard of the people.