Nigeria, Japan Partner to Boost Rice Production
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its strong commitment to achieving food sovereignty and improving the well-being of smallholder farmers across the country.
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, conveyed this dedication during a significant meeting with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria office. The JICA delegation visited the Minister’s office in Abuja today to provide an update on the Capacity Development for Enhancement of Rice Seed Production (CaDERSeeP) project in Nigeria.
Senator Bagudu observed the similarities between Nigeria’s land structure and rice-farming practices and those of Japan, which he noted makes the ongoing collaboration both strategically important and culturally relevant. “We are deeply grateful for Japan’s support. What we are discussing today is not just another agreement—it is a symbol of enduring friendship and shared values,” he stated.
He conveyed the significance of Japan’s assistance in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for rice seed production, noting its close alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for attaining national food security and building economic resilience.
During the discussions, Senator Bagudu recalled his previous success in increasing rice yields from less than one ton to four tons per hectare during his tenure as the Governor of Kebbi State. He assured the JICA delegation of the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) and other stakeholders to implement comprehensive training programs focused on Foundation and Certified Seeds. He affirmed that this partnership is crucial for poverty reduction and the advancement of agro-industrial growth in Nigeria.
Senator Bagudu also requested technical assistance from JICA in the area of soil testing. He explained that identifying the crops best suited to Nigeria’s diverse soil types is vital for significantly boosting overall agricultural productivity. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan and JICA for their sustained support, stating, “This renewed collaboration marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s path toward agricultural transformation, input substitution, and sustainable economic growth.”
Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, the Chief Representative of the JICA Nigeria Office, explained that the purpose of their visit was to provide the Minister with a detailed briefing on the objectives and progress of the CaDERSeeP project.
Mr. Susumu outlined the project’s key goals, which include strengthening the multiplication and quality control systems for both Foundation and Certified Seeds in the targeted states of Oyo and Niger. He also detailed the project’s implementation framework, the conduction of baseline surveys to assess current conditions, and the anticipated outcomes of the collaboration, among other important aspects.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, noted that the delegation’s visit represented a continuation of a long-standing agreement with Japan dating back to 2001. This enduring partnership has consistently focused on enhancing rice seed production capabilities within Nigeria. He concluded by stating, “Our ultimate objective remains clear—to achieve rice self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on imports.”
