Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis partner to strengthen food security, agriculture

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to work with St. Kitts and Nevis to boost food security, drive economic diversification, and deepen transatlantic cooperation.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Small Business and Creative Economy, Hon. Samal Duggins, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said agriculture remains a strategic sector capable of transforming economies in Africa and the Caribbean.

Kyari noted that with over 80 million hectares of arable land, Nigeria is positioned to become a major player in the global agricultural landscape. “Agriculture already contributes more than 25 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has committed unprecedented effort and resources to the sector since the beginning of his administration,” he said.

Highlighting the outcomes of earlier engagements following President Tinubu’s state visit to St. Lucia in June, Kyari said Africa–Caribbean partnerships are opening new opportunities in agri-commerce and trade.

He revealed that St. Kitts and Nevis has identified Nigeria as a partner in knowledge exchange, boosting local agro-industries, and securing raw materials for production.

The minister added that the collaboration would also give St. Kitts and Nevis access to Nigeria’s organically produced food commodities, eco-friendly fertilizers, and investment opportunities in irrigation and other agricultural technologies.

“With this partnership, we can foster lasting connections and achieve shared goals for a more prosperous African–Caribbean alliance,” Kyari said.

Hon. Samal Duggins of St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed the partnership, describing it as an opportunity for both nations to strengthen food sovereignty and accelerate agricultural development.