Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Shirley Ho Vicario has said that with
the growing population of her country, estimated at about 110 million
people at the moment, Philippine may need Nigeria’s land in the future in
Agricultural development.
She said Nigeria has so much fertile land noting however, that land
utilization for agricultural purposes is very minimal.
Ambassador Vicario made the observation to during a visit to Governor
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, saying “as I was coming to this
state by road, I saw vast land capable of being ploughed and used to grow
crops. It is all open, the land is neglected yet it is so fertile”.
She said her country has expertise especially in rice production
explaining that through its International Rice Research Institute,
Philippine can help Nigeria, especially states like Kano, to fully exploit
their rice potential, on irrigated, rainfed and upland environments.
The envoy also pointed out that her country has proficiency in production
of fruits vegetables and fertilizer while the country needs to import of
beverages like cocoa, coffee and tea from Nigeria.
Ambassador Vicario also asked Kano state government to take advantage of
Philippine’s pool of skilled human resources in various sectors, to grow
its economy, pointing out that her country also has opportunities for
students from Kano, willing to study in any of the over 1,100 tertiary
institutions in the country that accept international students.
“We can improve relations if open communication among ourselves”, said the
envoy, highlighting that several opportunities exists for mutual benefit
between Nigeria and her country.
Responding, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, told the visiting envoy that
Kano has vast land and water resources for all year agriculture.
“We have the resources but our major problem is the technology. Commercial
agriculture needs mechanization, improved seeds and marketing strategies”,
the governor maintained, saying the support of Filipino experts is
expedient in this regard.
Dr. Ganduje added that the state would want to synergize with Filipino
investors to boost several sectors of the economy and improve the living
standard of the people.