Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, has called for deeper collaboration with the European Union (EU) to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and advance sustainable development goals.
The senator made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EU Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, where he engaged officials on potential areas of partnership and mutual support.
Senator Alli explained that the visit was aimed at briefing the EU on the committee’s ongoing programmes while also exploring strategic collaboration, particularly ahead of the First National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions scheduled to hold from May 11 to May 13 in Ibadan.
According to him, the summit, which will take place at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), is designed to promote innovation, strengthen agricultural institutions and enhance research-driven solutions within the sector.
He noted that collaboration with the EU would help boost capacity building, increase global visibility and support initiatives capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
“Alli stressed the need to reinvigorate synergy between Nigeria and the EU, leveraging shared strengths and goodwill to achieve sustainable agricultural development,” the statement noted.
Describing agriculture as a critical driver of job creation, food security and rural development, the senator acknowledged the EU’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural advancement.
He specifically commended the EU’s intervention at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, describing it as instrumental in improving research capacity and boosting productivity in the oil palm sector.
Senator Alli further expressed the committee’s readiness to explore partnerships in capacity development, research innovation and modern farming practices, particularly in addressing climate change, soil degradation and food security challenges.
He appreciated the EU for its continued support and reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to enact policies and legislation that will strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote good governance in Nigeria.
