The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing food insecurity to ensure no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the National Defence College, Kenya, led by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Stephen Mutuku, in his office in Abuja recently.
He revealed that the minister has been mandated by President Bola Tinubu to prioritise tackling food insecurity. According to him, the current administration is committed to advancing Nigeria’s agriculture sector. The renaming of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security underscores the President’s sincerity and focus on food security as a central component of his ‘Renewed Hope,’ agenda, he said.
Abdullahi outlined the eight points of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which include food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusivity, among others.
“Food security is our major focus,” he stated. “We aim to act in ways that foster economic growth through diversification while creating jobs for our teeming youth. Inclusivity is also key. In agriculture, involving women in various value chains significantly enhances sector productivity.”
The minister expressed concern over the country’s high post-harvest losses, which have reduced farmers’ yields. He stressed that addressing this challenge would directly boost agricultural productivity.
He further disclosed that by 2025, the ministry would launch additional programmes targeting beneficiaries with defined deliverables and outcomes to reinforce the sector’s growth.
The minister congratulated the visiting team on their involvement with the National Defence College, describing it as a prestigious institution. He emphasised the vital role such institutions play in shaping national security strategies and contributing to regional and global security.
Earlier, Mutuku highlighted the delegation’s mission as part of Course No. 27, one of five groups visiting the western region. He explained that their purpose was to learn about Nigeria’s approach to security and strategy, with food security identified as a core element.
“For us, national security and strategy, particularly food security, are critical because, without food security, other aspects of security would be jeopardised,” he stated.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information signed by Mrs. Anthonia Eremah noted that the event’s highlight was the presentation of a plaque and the National Defence College newsletter to the minister of state.
