Dr. Levi Odoe advocates for Agricultural focus in Nigeria-Caribbean relations

Dr. Levi Odoe, Consular General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted the need for enhancing Nigeria-Caribbean bilateral relations with a focus on agriculture during a recent briefing with the press, National Daily Newspaper gathered.

Odoe stressed the importance of diversifying beyond the oil and gas sectors, underscoring global food security as a pressing issue.

He called for a revival of subsistence farming in Nigeria, promoting backyard gardens as a practical solution to increase local food production.

He also pointed out the potential for Nigerian entrepreneurs to expand their exports to Caribbean markets through South-South Cooperation.

Several Nigerian businesses have already capitalized on this, exporting goods to nations such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, and Guyana.

Furthermore, National Daily Newspaper gathered that Odoe noted that Caribbean countries have leased land in Nigeria for agricultural purposes, with the produce being shipped back to the Caribbean.

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He urged the removal of trade barriers, including the establishment of direct flight routes, to facilitate smoother trade relations.

Expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria-Caribbean cooperation, Odoe highlighted the benefits of leveraging Nigeria’s World Trade Organization (WTO) membership to reach markets in the Caribbean, South, and Latin America.

He cited the example of Nigerian footwear being imported by Venezuela as a positive development.

Odoe emphasized the need for Nigerian agricultural products to meet international standards for successful export.

He urged the Chamber of Commerce and international organizations to seek new markets for Nigerian goods, with a special focus on the vast opportunities in the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America.