The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who signed the agreements on behalf of the Federal Government with the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi in his office, noted that the two important projects which were aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development were incubated ideas that were coming to fruition.
According to him, “This idea synchronizes with the Nigeria system as our main objective is to include everyone so that smallholder farmers, particularly family based, can do better rather than be displaced by large-scale farmers and mechanization.”
He noted that the Rice Seed Production Project is aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in rice production and input substitution, focusing on enhancing quality of breeder and foundation seeds, equipment procurement for rice cultivation, testing, inspection and post harvest processing.
The minister said that it will further bolster the capacity of National Cereals Research Institution (NCRI) Badeggi, Niger State and its outstations.
The proposed sites for the project are in Niger and Oyo State.
Speaking further, Senator Bagudu said the Project, strengthening Diagnostic Capacity of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control entails installing Biosafety level (BSL) 2 and 3 laboratories and equipment at the National Reference Laboratory of NCDC.
“This initiative, which is being done in collaboration with the Japanese Government through the Japanese International Cooperation (JICA) will cushion infections, disease surveillance and national health security,” he said, adding that the proposed sites for the laboratories are Gaduuwa, Abuja and Yaba in Lagos state.
The Japanese Ambassador, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi in his speech, said, “The projects are testament to our continued cooperation and shared commitment to improving the lives of the Nigerian citizens.” He revealed that the Japanese Government had supported Nigeria’s effort to tackle infectious diseases in the health sector.
He further highlighted that the Project for Strengthening Diagnostic Capacity of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to infectious diseases by establishing a state-of-the-art Biosafety level 3 Laboratory within the NCDC.
He disclosed that this partnership extended to the Agriculture Sector where Japan had contributed to enhancing productivity, food security and sustainable practices.
Amb. Kazuyoshi continued that the Project for Strengthening Rice Seed Production System is aimed at meeting Nigeria’s increasing Rice demand by enhancing certified seed quality and boosting production.
“This initiative supports Nigeria’s goal to diversify its economy which also has international potential of Agricultural export as 40 percent of the Sesame seeds consumed in Japan are sourced from Nigeria which demonstrates the high quality and global appeal of the Nigerian Agricultural products,” he asserted.
He therefore pledged Japanese commitment to working hand-in-hand with Nigeria to achieve those goals and create a more resilient and inclusive future for the country.