"Kebbi Hosts Gambian Delegation for Food Security Discussions"

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi

Birnin Kebbi, June 17, 2025 – A high-powered delegation of agricultural experts from The Gambia is on a study tour to Nigeria to learn from the country's strategies in attaining food security, particularly self-sufficiency in rice production. Led by Ambassador Alhagie Nyangado, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security of The Gambia, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

Ambassador Nyangado expressed admiration for Nigeria's progress in food security, saying, "Gambia is proud of you as big brothers; in Kebbi State, I have seen irrigation systems not seen by me before now." He added that the delegation had visited rice fields in the state and was amazed by what they saw. "If The Gambia imbibes what Nigeria is doing, we shall make it, our country will be out of the circle of rice problem," he said.

The team leader revealed that The Gambia imports 90% of its rice requirements, with rice being the staple food of all Gambians. "Gambian agricultural experts are here to learn how to get our country out of food importation, which has become a nightmare," Ambassador Nyangado stated.

In response, Governor Nasir Idris described Nigeria and The Gambia as brothers with common interests. "Kebbi is the largest producer of rice in Nigeria, and other states and neighboring countries have been coming here to understudy rice production," he said. The governor highlighted the state's agricultural achievements, attributing them to the consolidation of previous administrations' efforts.

Governor Idris emphasized that his administration has been providing fertilizer, agricultural inputs, and incentives to farmers, resulting in bumper harvests. "Kebbi is ready to partner with The Gambia to attain self-sufficiency in food production, devoid of further importation, in the spirit of brotherhood," he said.

The visit underscores the potential for cooperation between Nigeria and The Gambia in agricultural development, with Kebbi State poised to share its expertise with the West African nation.