Hon. Kalu with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Wouter Plomp,
Reps Deputy Speaker advocates closer Nigeria-Netherlands ties to tackle conflicts, boost food security
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for increased collaboration and partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands to address conflicts and challenges related to food insecurity.
Hon. Kalu made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr. Wouter Plomp, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Hon. Kalu highlighted the significance of the Netherlands as a source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.
He commended the Netherlands for its investments in Nigeria and contributions to reducing insecurity.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of food security as a sustainable approach to achieving peace and security.
He referred to his initiative, the ‘Peace in the South East Project,’ where agriculture and food security are key pillars. He also mentioned the recent launch of ‘Food for Peace,’ an initiative to provide food for the people.
Hon. Kalu urged more collaboration in the value chain for processing and packaging dairy products, citing the potential for partnership in processing dairy products beyond the current scope.
With Nigeria’s fifth-largest cattle herd in Africa, he stated that collaboration with the Netherlands in dairy processing can foster economic growth.
He also acknowledged the historical ties between the two nations and expressed the parliament’s awareness of the Netherlands’ positive contributions to nation-building.
The Netherlands Ambassador, Mr. Wouter Plomp, affirmed the country’s interest in deepening cooperation, particularly in agriculture and other sectors, to promote these industries, enhance bilateral relations, and facilitate mutual dialogue.
He highlighted a recent memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for annual bilateral consultations.
The Ambassador assured the Deputy Speaker of the Netherlands’ commitment to expanding national coverage with their seed program, aiming to promote agribusiness and agricultural commodities for young people.