The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi has emphasised that agritourism will boost the agricultural sector, attract local and foreign investors, and ensure food and nutrition security.
During the 2024 Inaugural World Agritourism Day celebration themed ‘Food Security for All’ at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja, the minister highlighted that Agritourism’s development will spur an agricultural revolution, promote industrialisation for wealth creation and job opportunities and drive growth in the non-oil sector.
Abdullahi described agritourism as a range of activities such as farm tours, agricultural festivals, farm stays and educational programmes that connect visitors with the agricultural landscape.
He noted that this initiative will benefit farmers by providing additional income and offer tourists insights into various agricultural activities, including farm tours, workshops, seasonal festivals and farm produce tastings.
The minister mentioned that the project will enable producers to generate extra income and establish a direct marketing avenue to consumers, thereby enhancing the tourism industry by attracting more visitors and prolonging their stay in the area.
Abdullahi disclosed the government’s plan to establish a national committee to drive and promote Nigeria’s agritourism, aiming to develop a framework and standard operating guidelines to strengthen the agribusiness ecosystem.
He commended the World Agritourism Organisation (WAO) and its president, Arc. Trust Ogboi, for their significant role in advancing agritourism and making the celebration a reality.
The president of WAO, Arc. Trust Ogboi highlighted that developing the agritourism industry will bring substantial foreign exchange to Nigeria’s economy and enhance food production.
In a goodwill message, the World Food Programme (WFP) country director, David Stevenson (represented by Olabisi Ogungbemi), reiterated WFP’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with governmental bodies at all levels to achieve food and nutrition security in Nigeria.
The event was attended by representatives from the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), members of the National Assembly, among others, as per a statement from the ministry’s director of information, Ikemefuna Ezeaja.
