President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen gives a press conference
The European Union has intensified its support for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation with the launch of a new climate-smart agriculture initiative aimed at strengthening food systems, improving resilience, and boosting value chain development.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the governments of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Latvia, forms part of the EU–Nigeria Twinning Project on Improving Food Security and Food Systems Using Climate-Smart Technologies. It is designed to bring technical expertise from Europe to work directly with Nigerian institutions in addressing the country’s growing agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the launch, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized that climate change is increasingly threatening the country’s agricultural productivity. He noted that erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, land degradation, and emerging pests are placing significant pressure on farmers and food systems.
According to Abdullahi, climate-smart agriculture is no longer optional but essential. He explained that the approach goes beyond adapting to climate risks—it focuses on transforming the entire agricultural system to increase productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. This includes equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining long-term output.
The initiative will also support a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s National Agricultural Resilience Framework, helping to align policies with global best practices. By strengthening policy frameworks and institutional capacity, the project aims to ensure that climate-smart strategies are not only designed but effectively implemented across the agricultural value chain.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted that while agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, it continues to face structural constraints and environmental pressures. She stressed that addressing these challenges requires more than funding—it demands strong institutions, coordinated policies, and practical implementation strategies.
Mignot added that the twinning model, widely used across Europe, allows for direct collaboration between institutions, ensuring that knowledge transfer translates into measurable improvements for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.
From a technical perspective, the project will deliver actionable guidance on climate-smart practices, enabling stakeholders to translate policy into real-world solutions. This includes improving farming techniques, strengthening agribusiness operations, and enhancing resilience across the entire food system.
Officials say the broader goal is to build a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate shocks while supporting Nigeria’s food security ambitions. As global food systems evolve and climate risks intensify, initiatives like this are expected to play a critical role in positioning Nigeria as a resilient agricultural economy.