Nigeria, Japan sign MoU To Increase Rice Seed Production, Strengthen Diagnostics Capabilities

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to modernize Nigeria's agriculture sector and enhance healthcare skills was finalized by the governments of Nigeria and Japan on Thursday, April 25.

The goal of the agreement, which was signed in Abuja by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu, is to improve Nigeria's rice seed production systems and diagnostic capabilities.

Senator Bagudu commended Japan's agricultural accomplishments, highlighting the country's dedication to helping small-scale farmers maximize land productivity, especially in the production of rice seeds and technologies.

He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to inclusive agricultural development, emphasizing the importance of strengthening small-scale, family-run farmers across the country.

Acknowledging Japan's technological and mechanistic prowess, Senator Bagudu emphasized the critical significance that efficient seed preservation plays in agricultural progress.

Bagudu conveyed gratitude for Japan's support, which is expected to boost national development, reduce deflationary pressures, and increase productivity.

The Minister emphasized how crucial Japan's assistance is to enhancing Nigeria's capacity for diagnosis, particularly via the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, or NCDC.

He commended Japan for acknowledging the proficiency of Nigerian establishments and conveyed assurance in their capacity to execute assistance initiatives with efficiency.

Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi reaffirmed Japan's unwavering dedication to working with Nigeria to accomplish shared goals and strengthen resilience.

He stressed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding as proof of their shared commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens, while also acknowledging the two countries' long-standing relationship in a number of fields.

Kazuyoshi emphasized Japan's support in the fight against infectious illnesses, especially with the creation of cutting-edge biosafety labs at the NCDC. The project's importance for Nigeria and the African continent as a whole was underlined by him.

He emphasized Japan's efforts to increase Nigeria's production and food security while pointing out the important role that Nigerian sesame seeds play in the Japanese market. He highlighted Nigeria's remarkable agricultural output, especially the highly prized sesame seeds in Japan.