Ukraine and Nigeria have reached an agreement to collaborate on the construction of a grain terminal at Lagos’ Lekki Port, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, solidifying the joint venture between Ukraine’s Food and Grain Corporation and Nigeria’s Lagos Free Zone. The primary objective of the project is to establish a modern and efficient facility for storing, handling, and exporting grains and oilseeds from Ukraine to Nigeria and other African markets.
Enhancing Trade and Food Security
The collaborative effort between Ukraine and Nigeria is set to bolster trade and investment flows, stimulating economic growth for both nations. By creating a state-of-the-art grain terminal, the project will not only facilitate trade but also enhance food security in the region. The MoU outlines the key principles and goals of the cooperation, with a focus on ensuring smooth project implementation.
To ensure effective coordination and monitoring of the project, a joint working group will be established. This group will be responsible for overseeing the progress and addressing any potential issues that may arise during the construction and operation of the grain terminal.
Building a Strong Partnership
The memorandum of understanding serves as an initial agreement, paving the way for a more detailed and comprehensive agreement that will cover technical specifications, design, construction, operation, and management of the grain terminal. The signing of the MoU by the Ukrainian First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotsky, signifies the commitment of both parties to fostering a strong partnership in the agricultural sector.
Vysotsky highlighted the importance of this collaboration in securing food supplies to Nigeria and the entire African continent. He emphasized Ukraine’s role in global food security, given its expertise and capacity as a major wheat exporter and producer.
“Cooperation between the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the Lagos Free Zone will be aimed at the creation of the necessary infrastructure for ensuring further ceaseless supplies of Ukrainian agricultural products both to Nigeria and the entire African continent with the main goal of ensuring the food security in the regions in greatest need. “The Ukrainian agrarian sector will continue playing an important role in ensuring international food security, especially when the world population is increasing.” – Vysotsky said.
