Food Security: NEC Urges States To Key Into Presidential Initiative

The National Economic Council (NEC), has urged state governments to key into the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), in a bid to address the challenges militating against food security and their underlying causes.

NEC took the decision on Thursday during its 147th meeting chaired by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a presentation to the council, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Marion Moon, and the coordinator of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), highlighted the strategy proposed by the unit to collaborate with sub-nationals in addressing food insecurity and unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potentials across the country.

Targets

She said the PFSCU priorities, especially in agri-business, will enhance delivery mechanisms and expedite action in the attainment of targets enshrined in the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the various aspirations of the respective state governments.

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In its resolution, NEC commended the presentation by the coordinator of the unit and urged state governments to key into the initiative.

Economic Seeds

Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the economic seeds sown by the Nigerian government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.

The VP urged members of the Council to brace up for the New Year, taking into cognizance the extent to which the programmes, projects, and policies executed this year have influenced the course of the nation’s economy.

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Assessment

VP Shettima noted that it was not just the final meeting of the Council for the year but also a session to assess progress made so far in advancing the aspirations of the Nigerian people, and whether the actions and decisions taken have justly prioritized the collective good over individual interests.

He said, “Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.

“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit.”

VP Shettima observed that the NEC meeting which is always held at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa has been an avenue that provides diverse viewpoints, including dissenting and contrarian voices, noting that it attests to the democratic disposition of President Bola Tinubu.

He stated: “This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognised your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.

“As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many. Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted.”

Human Capital Development

The Vice President also described the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focuses on Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, as a significant opportunity for Nigeria.

“This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts.

“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he further noted.