By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a strategic partnership with the Babanna Border Development Agency (BBDA) to enhance agricultural monitoring and management along Nigeria’s borders. This collaboration focuses on addressing key agricultural issues, including livestock movement and crop production, particularly in the Niger State and Benin Republic border area.
During a recent meeting in Abuja with BBDA’s Director-General, Mohammed Garba Danladi, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, underscored the partnership’s significance. He emphasized the need for detailed data on agricultural activities in this region, known for its robust agricultural operations and cross-border livestock movement.
“This partnership will enhance our ability to monitor and manage agricultural activities effectively, addressing both challenges and opportunities in this vital area,” Abdullahi stated. He highlighted the importance of working closely with the BBDA and the local community to achieve these goals.
To formalize the collaboration, Abdullahi has mandated the creation of a Joint Action Committee, led by Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination at the Ministry. This Committee will draft a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline the partnership’s framework.
Mohammed Garba Danladi, BBDA Director-General, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, referring to his visit to the Ministry as a “homecoming.” He outlined BBDA’s role in enhancing agricultural activities and border security, aiming for significant improvements in agricultural management and cross-border trade.
Additionally, the Federal Government is accelerating the integration of the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Program (NAGS-AP) to bolster Nigeria’s food systems and ensure national food security. This initiative was announced at a recent Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop in Orozo, Abuja.
This new collaboration is set to improve agricultural resource management and border security, with the Joint Action Committee playing a pivotal role in its success.
