The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate Nigeria’s agricultural sector, aiming to restore the country’s former agricultural prowess.
The Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari revealed these plans during a press briefing held in Abuja. He highlighted that the ministry is currently in the process of conducting a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, which will result in a working stakeholder map. This map will outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, identify mutually beneficial areas for collaboration, and provide a clear roadmap for the agricultural sector’s transformation.
Kyari emphasised the need for data-driven decision-making in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He stated that the ministry had learned valuable lessons from the implementation of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) launched for the years 2022 to 2027.
“Many of the initiatives and programs implemented by the ministry since 2022 were developed based on our interactions with Ministry staff and briefings from our development partners,” he explained. “Moving forward, all our programs and initiatives will be aligned with the four presidential priorities. We are currently reviewing existing projects to ensure alignment with minimal disruptions while maintaining confidence-building measures to secure the full cooperation of our stakeholders as partners in progress.”
Kyari acknowledged the pressing food security issues in Nigeria, which are primarily related to food availability, affordability, malnutrition and food inflation. He stressed the need for year-round efforts to increase food production and ensure the availability, accessibility, affordability and nutritional quality of food in a sustainable manner.
The minister pointed out that Nigeria faces complex challenges such as insecurity, youth unemployment and population growth, which will soon reach 400 million by 2050. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat, as described by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu during his speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
To address these challenges, Kyari stressed the importance of innovative solutions, new knowledge, technology, and value orientation. He also noted President Tinubu’s strong commitment to transforming the agriculture and food security sector, making it the number one priority of his administration.
Kyari announced immediate priority actions scheduled to be implemented by the end of 2023. These actions include preparations for the upcoming dry-season farming, which commences in November 2023. Key activities include certifying available planting materials, promoting dry-season farming, implementing dry-season wheat production, blending suitable fertilisers and providing training for extension agents.
Furthermore, Kyari unveiled plans for the First National Agriculture and Food Security Summit, set to take place in November 2023. The summit will bring together stakeholders from across Nigeria’s agriculture and food security sectors to shape the future of affordable, safe, and nutritious food production. President Tinubu will preside over the summit and is expected to issue specific declarations and calls to action.
Kyari assured that these initiatives demonstrate the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its citizens.
