Netherlands Seeks Partnership With Nigeria On Food Security, Horticulture

 

FADEYI TOLULOPE AYOBAMI

herlands is intensifying its collaboration with Nigeria, offering advanced agricultural technology, quality seeds, and expertise to bolster food security and develop the nation’s horticulture sector, Dutch officials announced during the agro-food and plastprintpack Nigeria 2025 exhibition in Lagos.

Driven by the potential of Nigeria’s young workforce and fertile land, the Dutch are focusing on sustainable agriculture, innovative seed technology, and resilient food systems.

Their efforts align with Nigeria’s ambition to increase food production, improve yields, and create economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

Key to this partnership is the introduction of agricultural technology designed to significantly increase crop yields.

The Consul General of the Netherlands in Lagos, Michel Deelenk, highlighted the issue of low germination rates in Nigeria and emphasized that Dutch technology, specifically in seeds for tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and potatoes, can address this problem, directly responding to Nigeria’s declared state of emergency on food security.

The Netherlands delegation, led by Ivo Meijer from the Municipality of Westland, aims to support Nigeria in achieving more sustainable and efficient local food production.

This includes promoting greenhouse technology for controlled environment agriculture, which can mitigate the impacts of climate challenges like drought and excessive rainfall while optimizing water usage.

The Agricultural Counsellor for Nigeria and Ghana, Inge Tenniglo, emphasized the focus on improving access to quality seeds for Nigerian farmers, noting that currently, only a small percentage have access to suitable varieties.

The partnership includes collaborative seed programs and training initiatives to ensure farmers can effectively utilize these improved seeds.

Earlier in the week, the Dutch delegation engaged with Nigerian government agencies and agricultural stakeholders, including a visit to the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in Ibadan.

Discussions centred on research, digitisation in agriculture, and the importance of partnerships in achieving food security. Both sides reiterated their commitment to sustainable food production and exploring opportunities for continued innovation.