FG Reiterates Commitment To Wealth-Creation As 48th Agric Council Begins In Enugu

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to building an agricultural economy that creates wealth, supports industries and generates employment beyond increasing food production.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this in his opening address at the Technical Session of the 48th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) held on Monday in Enugu.

Ogunbiyi stated that the Council remains the highest policy coordination platform for the Federal and State Governments on agriculture and food security, providing opportunity to review developments, harmonise policies and agree on practical measures to address challenges confronting food systems across the country.

According to him, the theme of this year’s Council, “Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains, Agro-Industrialisation and Market Access for Economic Growth,” was timely and strategic.

“The task before us goes beyond increasing the volume of food produced. We must build an agricultural economy that creates wealth, supports industries, generates employment and contributes meaningfully to national economic growth,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that for too long, a substantial proportion of Nigeria’s agricultural commodities have been marketed in raw or minimally processed forms, resulting in lost opportunities for income, industrial development and export earnings.

He highlighted that government’s priority is to develop commodity-based value chains that link smallholder farmers and commercial producers to processors, manufacturers and markets, while promoting processing facilities for priority commodities such as rice, cassava, maize, sorghum, cocoa, oil palm, sesame, ginger, tomatoes, livestock and fisheries products.

On market access, Ogunbiyi stressed the need to strengthen aggregation, improve market information systems, promote product standards, grading and certification, and leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He explained that the Federal Government would continue to provide policy direction, research and innovation, while State Governments remain critical in mobilising farmers, providing land and infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for agribusiness investments.

While pursuing agro-industrialisation, the Permanent Secretary noted that government will not lose sight of food and nutrition security, farmers’ welfare and inclusion of women and youth, adding that interventions must promote climate-smart practices, agricultural mechanisation, irrigation and access to affordable finance.

He listed seven priorities for the Council to focus on, including strengthening value chains, accelerating agro-industrialisation, expanding market access, mobilising private-sector investment, promoting inclusive growth, strengthening institutional coordination and ensuring implementation and accountability.

Ogunbiyi commended the Government and people of Enugu State for hosting the Council and urged participants to ensure deliberations translate into measurable actions.

In his remarks at the Technical Session, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Enugu State,Patrick Ubru,thanked the Federal Ministry for its partnership in bringing the Council to Enugu, noting that the collaboration shows what is possible when Federal and State Governments work as one team for the good of Nigerian farmers.

Ubru said the Technical Session is where policy meets practice, with papers presented shaping programmes, partnerships and investments that reach farmers and agro-processors, adding that Enugu State is pursuing agro-industrialisation to ensure every harvest creates jobs and wealth.

Welcoming delegates to the Council, Mrs. Ifeoma Onu, Deputy Director, Administration and Supply, Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, highlighted the State’s agricultural agenda under Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

She disclosed that the administration is pursuing a deliberate transition from subsistence to commercial and mechanised agriculture through initiatives such as the 300,000-hectare agricultural land bank, Smart Farm Estates across 17 LGAs, the 260 Farm Estate Programme and establishment of a tractor assembly plant.

In a goodwill message, the Senior Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Coordinator, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), Idris Mohammed, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation and highlighted the Council’s support for increasing NIRSAL Credit Risk Guarantee coverage for tomato plastic crates from 30% to 50%, with coverage reportedly up to 75% for some beneficiaries, saying it will reduce financing risks and post-harvest losses.

He noted that this year marks 25 years of IFDC partnership with Nigeria and disclosed strengthened collaboration with the Federal Ministry following the signing of an MoU earlier this year and establishment of the IFDC–FMAFS multi-stakeholder platform.

The IFDC Representative added that through its Soil Values Programme in Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States, the Center is demonstrating how improved soil management restores degraded lands and improves productivity.

The Technical Session is being attended by Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies, Development Partners, private-sector operators, farmers’ organisations, research institutions and other stakeholders.

Chibuzor Emejor is a correspondent with Independent Newspapers.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja