The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria is set to provide the necessary policy direction that supports President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision to lift one hundred million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years and position the sector to be the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Mohammed Abubakar disclosed this in Abuja Nigeria’s capital as he assumes office as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria.
Addressing management staff of the ministry Dr Abubakar said the priority of the ministry under his leadership would be to ensure that the sector becomes the mainstay of the country’s economy while ensuring that Nigeria attains food sufficiency, eat what we produce and produce what we eat.
“The priority of this Ministry under my leadership would be to ensure that we provide the necessary policy direction and drive that would truly position agriculture as the mainstay of our economy as captured in the medium term National development plan and Mr. President’s vision of uplifting a 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years”
On the implementation of the Livestock Transformation Plan Dr Abubakar said the livestock transformation Plan would be given all necessary priority by the Ministry as the plan has the potential of curbing insecurity and ending farmers/herders clashes in the country.
“The livestock transformation Plan will be a priority due to its implication not just on food security and nutrition but its overall impact in curbing insecurity in the country”
“In addition research and extension services would be strengthened to ensure that these practices are translated into concrete deliverables in the agric and livestock value change” he added
On Nigeria attaining food security the Minister said food is important to every country and Nigeria cannot afford not to attain food security.
“The reason why up till today America is still number one in the world is because they have more food than any other country in this world so food security is everything I mean it can make a difference and there’s no reason why we cannot do this”
“We have the talent, we have everything it takes to make Nigeria the number producer and exporter of food, not just to African countries but outside the continent and there’s no reason why we cannot do that”
As he takes over the affairs of the Ministry Dr Abubakar called on both local and international partners to join hands and work with the ministry to achieve President Buhari’s dream of making Nigeria food sufficient at every given time.
Dr Abubakar took over as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development after President Muhammdu Buhari carried out a minor Cabinet reshuffle on the first of September.
He took over from Mohammed Sabo Nanono
Hauwa Mustapha
