Nigeria joins global initiative linking food systems and climate action

Nigeria has joined 21 other countries participating in the Convergence Initiative, a global programme that aligns food systems transformation with climate action to support sustainable development. This was reported by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a partner of TV BRICS.

Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite said the initiative is aligned with the National Development Plan 2026–2030, which identifies food security and climate resilience among the country's strategic priorities. She noted that Nigeria's participation would promote evidence-based policymaking, strengthen cooperation and support locally adapted solutions for sustainable food systems.

Uzoka-Anite added that the initiative is designed to help build resilient agricultural communities and improve national food security. She highlighted that Nigeria's population is projected to exceed 250 million by 2030, underlining the importance of integrating food production with climate adaptation measures to support long-term economic development.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Abdullahi said climate-smart approaches are essential for transforming agrifood systems. He noted that more than 40 million agricultural households are engaged in the sector, which contributes nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria's gross domestic product, making agricultural development a key driver of employment, trade and sustainable economic growth.

The dialogue also highlighted Nigeria's continued efforts to advance its Food Systems Transformation Pathway, developed following the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit. Participants emphasised that closer coordination between food systems and climate policies will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.