FG wants developing nations to improve food production

The Federal Government has urged countries with emerging economies to adopt measures geared toward addressing the difficulties they face in food production and livelihoods.

Mariam Katagum, the minister of state for finance, budget and national planning, said this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the director, information in the ministry.

According to Katagum, this can be achieved through provisions that will foster economic recovery as well as build resilient health and economic sectors.

Katagum spoke at the just concluded 12th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC 12) held in Geneva, Switzerland. The minister of state-led the Nigerian delegation to the conference.

She also urged ministers of trade to develop an institutional framework that would foster discussions toward the delivery of outcomes that would address the needs of member states.

Katagum reiterated Nigeria’s position on agricultural trade reform, especially with respect to the key areas of Domestic support, Market Access, Public Stock Holding for food Security (PSH).

“Discussions on WTO reform needs to adhere to the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, fairness and equity within the balance of the rights and obligations of all members under the covered Agreements.

“Member states should ensure that any future discussions on reform should focus on reaffirming and strengthening the multilateral character of the WTO.

Read also: More pains for Nigerians as food prices surges the most in 8months

“As part of the conference’s outcome documents, a total of (ten) ministerial decisions and declarations were adopted by the trade ministers at MC12.

“Seven of them including MC12 outcome document were considered and adopted by the MC12, while three (3) were considered by the General Council (GC) and brought forward to MC for adoption by the ministers,” she said.

Katagum said history was made at the WTO 12th ministerial conference with the adoption of the 20 years outstanding agreement on fisheries subsidies.

“Other decisions and declarations adopted at MC 12 included a ministerial decision on the TRIPS agreement, and ministerial declaration on the emergency waiver response to food insecurity.

“It includes the ministerial decision on the world food programme, food purchases exemption from export prohibitions or restrictions, ministerial declaration on the WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics.”

According to her, it took decisions on work programme on electronic commerce, E-commerce moratorium, MC outcome document, decisions on TRIPS non-violation and situation complaints, GC declaration on sanitary and phytosanitary and ministerial decision on the work programme for small economies.