The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) as part of efforts to transform agrifood systems and promote sustainable development through shared innovation and resources among developing nations.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Ministerial Dialogue on SSTC at the 2025 World Food Forum in Rome, Italy. He said the initiative is central to building resilient food systems and driving inclusive economic growth across the Global South.
Kyari explained that the SSTC framework enhances the collective bargaining power of developing countries in global discussions, ensuring a more balanced international economic order. He described the model as one of the most practical and cost-effective strategies for achieving food security and shared prosperity.
Citing Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and China, the minister highlighted tangible results in areas such as technology transfer, aquaculture development, farmer training, and the establishment of Regional Multi-Service Extension Centers nationwide.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Head of Information Department, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, similar partnerships with Brazil and other developing nations underscore the potential of the Global South to overcome its challenges through cooperation and shared innovation.
Kyari added that Nigeria is now working to integrate SSTC programmes into its National Agrifood Systems Transformation Agenda to align them with national priorities and achieve measurable outcomes.
He also emphasized the need for flexible and sustainable funding mechanisms to expand partnerships, promote climate-smart and digital agriculture, and strengthen mechanisation and irrigation systems to enhance productivity and resilience.
“The lessons we continue to draw from our partnerships with China, Brazil, and other developing nations reaffirm that the Global South has the capacity, knowledge, and innovation needed to solve its own challenges if we work together in solidarity,” Kyari said.
