WAMCO visits Kyari, seeks long-term partnership in food security drive
Executives of Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, a stalwart in the Nigerian dairy industry with a legacy spanning over five decades, visited the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
In the meeting with Kyari, the representatives of Friesland Campina WAMCO discussed key aspects of their operations, highlighting the company’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, promoting economic growth, and contributing to the nation’s food security objectives.
FrieslandCampina WAMCO expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The company said it looks forward to continuing its partnership with the government, contributing to the realization of shared goals for sustainable agriculture, economic development, and the overall well-being of the Nigerian populace.
In his response, Kyari reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the critical imperatives of food security and sustainable business practices in Nigeria.
He emphasized the pivotal role of food security as a key agenda and expressed concerns regarding the challenges encountered within the Nigerian business sector.
“In line with our dedication to transparency and efficiency, I’m pleased to inform you all of our plans to conduct a comprehensive review of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Development Partnership Programs (DPPs) inked in 2021,” the minister said.
He also acknowledged potential challenges that might have arisen during the execution of these agreements, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to addressing these challenges effectively.
He extended warm commendations to FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc for its remarkable 15-year presence in Nigeria. Recognizing the company’s substantial contributions to providing nutritious milk for Nigerian citizens, the Ministry applauds such dedication in aligning with the nation’s pursuit of a robust and sustainable agricultural sector.
Highlighting the demographic shift in Nigeria from over 30 million in 1960 to a current population of 235 million, the minister shed more light on the challenges in agriculture, including conflicts, desertification, climate change, flooding, and the need for substantial support for the growth of the livestock industry.
Addressing the nutrition industry’s vulnerabilities in Nigeria, he stressed the importance of providing not only affordable and accessible food but also ensuring its nutritional value. Acknowledging severe malnutrition cases in children under the age of five, the minister underscored the government’s commitment to achieving food security by providing nutritious food.
In assuring collaborative efforts, he pledged the ministry’s commitment to working with FrieslandCampina WAMCO and the government to achieve the President’s agenda and enhance the livelihood of Nigerians. Proactive measures will be taken to address identified issues and support overarching objectives.
