IITA–CGIAR warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from the United States Consulate-General in Lagos on 9 April. The Deputy Chief of the Political and Economic Section, Kenise Hill, led the visiting team. The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and exploring strategic partnerships in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.
Welcoming the U.S. delegation, the IITA Deputy Director General Partnerships for Delivery (IITA-P4D) Kenton Dashiell, expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the longstanding collaboration between IITA and the United States government, both in Washington, D.C., and Nigeria. “This visit reinforces the strong history of cooperation,” Dashiell stated. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the potential to further deepen our engagement, especially with private sector actors in the U.S., to accelerate agricultural development in Nigeria.”
During the meeting, Hill described the visit as realizing a two-year aspiration to rekindle and expand dialogue between the U.S. Consulate and IITA. “We are excited to be here,” she said. “This engagement presents a timely opportunity to unlock discussions around trade and investment partnerships, particularly in agriculture. We understand the Nigerian government’s renewed commitment to increasing agricultural productivity as part of its broader economic diversification agenda.”
Hill underscored that the U.S. Consulate’s Foreign Agricultural Service is key in supporting these efforts, aligning with the mission to foster stronger bilateral ties in agriculture. “We are here to listen, learn, and identify areas where we can increase collaboration.”
The delegation also expressed interest in leveraging existing partnerships with other research institutions and exploring educational opportunities that can foster long-term collaboration between both countries. They highlighted the role of academic exchanges and joint research programs in building a sustainable framework for knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening investment frameworks, and promoting inclusive agricultural growth. IITA and the U.S. Consulate General reaffirmed their dedication to working together to help shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.
Contributed by Anita Akinyomade
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