Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Ethiopia highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural advancement, drawing inspiration from Ethiopia’s successful Green Legacy Initiative. Shettima announced Nigeria’s ambitious plan to plant 20 billion trees in the upcoming rainy season, mirroring Ethiopia’s reforestation efforts. This initiative aims to combat desertification, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental stewardship within the Nigerian government. The sheer scale of the undertaking underscores the seriousness with which Nigeria is approaching this environmental challenge, recognizing the long-term benefits of such a large-scale reforestation program.
Beyond the environmental focus, Shettima’s trip served as a platform for strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia, particularly in agriculture and industrial development. His tour of various agricultural facilities, including dairy farms, avocado nurseries, integrated farms, and poultry farms, showcased Ethiopia’s progress in agricultural self-sufficiency and diversification. Ethiopia’s journey from a significant importer of wheat to a net exporter, supplying neighboring countries like Djibouti and Kenya, served as a compelling model for Nigeria. This success story resonated deeply with the Nigerian delegation, inspiring them to explore strategies for replicating this agricultural transformation within their own context.
The core inspiration behind Nigeria’s ambitious tree-planting project and renewed focus on agricultural development stems from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. Shettima lauded the program as a “win-win” for all, effectively combining environmental restoration with job creation. This dual-pronged approach resonated with the Nigerian delegation, as it addresses both ecological and economic concerns. The initiative not only revitalizes degraded landscapes but also provides employment opportunities, fostering economic growth and community development. This holistic approach to environmental action, intertwining it with economic benefits, makes it a compelling model for Nigeria to emulate.
Ethiopia’s agricultural achievements hold significant relevance for Nigeria, which is actively seeking to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. Shettima emphasized the potential for collaboration between the two nations, stating, “If Nigeria and Ethiopia work, Africa will work.” This statement underscores the significance of these two regional powers joining forces to drive continental progress. With a combined population exceeding 350 million, surpassing that of the United States, the potential for economic growth and development through collaborative efforts is immense. This partnership can catalyze positive change across the African continent, fostering stability and prosperity.
Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, described the visit as “phenomenal,” echoing Shettima’s sentiments about Ethiopia’s success. He affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to replicating Ethiopia’s agricultural model in Nigeria, underscoring the government’s determination to boost agricultural productivity and diversify the economy. Uzoma highlighted Nigeria’s pursuit of economic diversification through expanded agricultural exports, focusing on commodities like avocado, pineapple, mango, cashew, and cocoa. This diversification strategy aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fluctuating oil prices, creating a more resilient and sustainable economy.
In essence, Shettima’s visit to Ethiopia represented a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development and economic diversification. The inspiration drawn from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and agricultural success story has fueled Nigeria’s ambitious tree-planting project and renewed focus on agricultural development. The collaborative spirit between the two nations, as emphasized by Shettima, signifies a promising step towards achieving mutual prosperity and driving progress across the African continent. The implementation of these initiatives holds the potential to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape, strengthen its environmental resilience, and contribute significantly to the continent’s overall development.
