The Federal Government has reaffirmed determination to end food shortages in the country.
This was the outcome of a closed-door meeting between the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and his colleague from Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt Hon. Bello Mohammed Goronyo Esq., and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Mohammed, as well as members of the private sector.
A statement by the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Terhemen Oraduen said, the two ministries strengthened their collaboration to scale up food production in the country.
Speaking shortly after the meeting,
Prof. Utsev, explained that the discussion centered on how best the two ministries could synergize towards addressing the nation’s food shortages and inflation.
He said, his Ministry has abundant water for irrigation farming, land, and technical expertise, stressing that what was needed was the provision of seedlings and other inputs to enable his Ministry to cultivate its five hundred thousand irrigable lands across twelve River Basins and make food available and affordable for citizens.
Prof. Utsev further said they had, during the meeting, set up a Ministerial Joint Action Committee on Food Security involving the private sector to effectively deploy all the resources available for mechanized farming.
On his part, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed that his ministry will continue to provide inputs and other farming incentives, as well as the necessary support needed to enhance food production in the country.
He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring enough food for citizens and addressing other challenges facing the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Mr. Magaji of African Farmer, expressed satisfaction that the Federal Government has given them the opportunity to contribute towards achieving food security in the country.
He promised to make a significant change in the agricultural sector before the end of the year.
