Minister Affirms Commitment To Restore Food Production
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring food production in the country.
The Minister gave this assurance during his Independence Day message, where he asserted that Nigeria will once again become a leading exporter of agricultural produce, as it was in the 60s and 70s.
While extending his felicitations to Nigerians on this significant occasion, Senator Kyari assured that the nation will soon overcome its food insecurity challenges.
The contributions of smallholder farmers, he explained, play a pivotal role in the production of the food the nation consumes.
In his words: “To support these farmers, the government is currently implementing policies and programs that aim to enhance their productivity.
“We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contribution of small rural women to our national food production.”
He expressed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling and conducive environment for women farmers to increase their production and improve their social and economic well-being.
Kyari then urged organized labour, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to reconsider their plan for an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled for Tuesday.
He pointed out the potential negative consequences of such a strike on the current situation and therefore called for a collaborative effort to address workers’ welfare concerns.
He urged farmers and those involved in the food production value chain to continue their work without interruption.
He emphasized that halting production would disproportionately affect small-income earners.
On a final note, he said he remains committed to realizing this vision and ensuring a prosperous future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Agronigeria/Shakirat Sadiq
