By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Government has reiterated it’s commitment to supporting the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food for Progress Programme in Nigeria describing the initiative as a strategic intervention with significant potential to strengthen the country’s fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
Fatima Sugra Mahmood, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), stated this when she received a delegation from Partners of the Americas, the implementing partner for the Programme in Nigeria, led by Gustavo Galdo, in Abuja
Mahmood in a statement by the Ministry’s Director, Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna assures the delegation of federal government’s readiness to provide the necessary policy guidance, institutional support and coordination to facilitate the effective implementation of the programme.
The leader if the Americas delegation Gustavo Galdo explains that the Programme is designed to enhance agricultural productivity and expand trade in developing countries. He notes that its focus on fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria would contribute to improved livelihoods, increased access to protein and the development of more resilient food systems.
Mr. Galdo stresses that baseline studies are currently underway to provide the evidence required to guide targeted interventions and ensure that programme activities respond effectively to identified gaps and opportunities within the sector.
