Poland and Nigeria sign MoU on agriculture as they seek to fill void created by Ukrainian conflict

NIGERIA and Poland have signed memorandum of understanding on agriculture aimed at strengthening collaboration between both countries in the sector in the wake of a potential crisis as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major grains producers and global wheat supplies in particular has been hard hit by the shortages brought about by the conflict. This has led to global shortages and as a result higher prices, which some experts warning that large importers like African countries may be facing food shortages.

In a bid to do something about it, President Muhammadu Buhari and his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda, signed an MoU in Abuja yesterday. According to President Duda, the MoU became necessary in the light of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the consequent food crisis.

Describing Russia’s aggression as unjustified, President Duda noted that his country is supporting affected states and is partnering them to boost agricultural yield. In the energy dimension, he noted that Nigeria, being rich in gas, will ensure a steady increase of supply to Poland and the rest of the European Union.

On his part, President Buhari thanked the Polish government for opening its arms to Nigerian students whose studies were truncated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, offering them an opportunity to continue their education. He noted that with this MoU, both countries have reached agreements to increase collaboration in agriculture, energy and defence.