The Nigerian Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering dedication to South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) as a strategic approach to revolutionize agrifood systems and advance sustainable development. This strategy emphasizes the exchange of expertise, innovation, and resources among developing nations.
During the Ministerial Dialogue on SSTC at the 2025 World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the critical role of SSTC in constructing resilient food systems and driving inclusive economic progress throughout the Global South.
He elaborated that the SSTC framework enhances the collective influence of developing countries on international stages, fostering a more equitable global economic landscape.
Minister Kyari described this cooperative model as one of the most efficient and pragmatic methods for securing food availability and promoting shared economic advancement.
As a testament to SSTC’s effectiveness, he pointed to Nigeria’s active partnerships with the FAO and China, which have led to significant achievements in technology exchange, aquaculture growth, farmer capacity building, and the creation of Regional Multi-Service Extension Centers nationwide.
According to a statement from Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of Information at the Ministry, Kyari also mentioned ongoing collaborations with Brazil and other developing countries, underscoring the Global South’s inherent ability and creativity to address its challenges through unified efforts.
Currently, Nigeria aims to integrate SSTC initiatives into its National Agrifood Systems Transformation Agenda, ensuring these programs align with the country’s strategic goals and produce tangible outcomes.
He further stressed the importance of establishing adaptable and sustainable financing models to broaden existing collaborations, encourage climate-resilient and digital farming practices, and enhance mechanization and irrigation infrastructure to increase productivity and system resilience.
“Our experiences with partners like China, Brazil, and other developing nations continually confirm that the Global South holds the expertise, innovation, and capacity to resolve its own issues when united in solidarity,” he affirmed.
