HortiNigeria, a Dutch-funded initiative, has announced a strategic partnership with Greenport Nigeria in a move to reshape Nigeria’s horticultural landscape. The alliance, unveiled during a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at the Dutch Consulate in Lagos, aims to propel the country’s agricultural sector forward through comprehensive training, market linkages, and sustainable practices.
Mohammed Salasi Idris, programme director for HortiNigeria, hailed the partnership as an important moment for the horticulture sector, emphasizing the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the livelihoods of value chain actors.
“Through the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to unlock the immense potential of the several value chain actors steering them towards a future of better livelihoods,” Idris mentioned.
Richard Ogundele, executive chairman at Greenport Nigeria, echoed Idris’s sentiments, highlighting the collaboration’s focus on facilitating networking opportunities, access to technology, and entrepreneurial skills for greenhouse business operators. Ogundele emphasized the potential for job creation, value addition, and improved efficiency in resource utilization.
“When reflecting on our partnership with HortiNigeria, two key aspects stand out for us at Greenport Nigeria is facilitating the formation of a platform for greenhouse business operators in Nigeria to network, collaborate and improve access to technology and innovation, quality inputs and better efficiency at the utilisation of scarce resources.
“While we at Greenport Nigeria provide quality technical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills required to make their greenhouse farming businesses better organised, more profitable, adding value, and creating more jobs to improve livelihoods,” he added.
The partnership between Greenport Nigeria and HortiNigeria is poised to address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 3, and 8, with anticipated outcomes including increased crop yields, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced market reach for agricultural products.
Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Dutch minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, emphasized the importance of the memorandum of understanding in introducing innovative solutions to agribusinesses. Van Leeuwen underscored the shared vision of promoting healthy food options, agribusiness opportunities, and investment prospects, particularly in densely populated urban regions.
The collaboration between HortiNigeria and Greenport Nigeria signifies a step towards revolutionizing Nigeria’s horticultural sector, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and market expansion. As both organisations work hand in hand to implement training, technology adoption, and policy advocacy initiatives, the future of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape is ready for transformation.
