The Nigerian government has declared open the Technical Session of the 47th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS), aimed at achieving food sovereignty and transforming the nation’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the event in Kaduna, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi said the session provides a platform for stakeholders to develop strategies to attain food sovereignty and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
Dr Ogunbiyi noted that the theme, “Food Sovereignty and Food Security in an Era of Renewed Hope,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture as a driver of economic recovery and national development.
He noted that “the technical session is the council’s engine room, where memoranda from states, partners, and the private sector are reviewed to guide national agricultural policy.”
Dr Ogunbiyi said that “the platform ensures that stakeholders engage in robust, evidence-based discussions that will ultimately shape the resolutions to be taken at the Council Session on Thursday.”
“This process is central to the strength and credibility of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security. It ensures that the recommendations we advance are inclusive, well-informed, and grounded in the realities of our diverse agricultural landscape.”
“Our task in this technical session is, therefore, not only to review memoranda but to build consensus to blend knowledge from policy, research, and practice into actionable strategies that would drive transformation across the value chains,” he explained.
Dr Ogunbiyi urged participants to evaluate what has worked, identify emerging gaps, and collectively chart a new course for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
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He encouraged them to leverage the opportunity to share experiences and innovations from their respective states, especially in climate-smart agriculture, extension reforms, agribusiness development, and digital transformation.
Dr Ogunbiyi commended the participation of development partners such as FAO, IFAD, WFP, AfDB, World Bank, USAID, and IFPRI, among others, for their technical and financial support, which continues to strengthen the collective capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.
He, therefore, urged participants to approach the deliberations with focus and a spirit of collaboration to achieve productive and meaningful outcomes that would strengthen Nigeria’s journey towards food sovereignty and food security.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Kaduna State, Murtala Mohammad Dabo said the government and people of Kaduna State were delighted to host the national dialogue on the future of agriculture, a sector that binds every part of the country, sustains communities, and remains vital to collective progress.
Dabo said that “Kaduna State was proud to open its doors to the nation and serve as the meeting ground for this year’s Council deliberations, pointing out that the Council, over the years, had evolved into far more than a policy platform.”
According to him, “It has become a space for reflection, learning, and renewal, where states share experiences, forge collaborations, and align strategies for national growth. We are confident that the 47th Session will carry forward this proud tradition and set new benchmarks in our pursuit of food security and agricultural transformation.”
The Commissioner further stated that under the visionary leadership of Governor Uba Sani, agriculture in Kaduna State had been reimagined as a driver of opportunity, peace, and prosperity.
He noted the Governor’s unwavering support and belief that no society can prosper without empowering its farmers.
Dabo expressed deep appreciation to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for the confidence reposed in Kaduna State to host the prestigious gathering and to colleagues from the 36 states and the FCT for their partnership and friendship.
In his remarks, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu reiterated that the theme was both a call to action and a shared vision.
He stressed that it challenges Nigerians to strengthen the nation’s capacity to produce the food it consumes, reduce external dependence, and ensure that every household has reliable access to safe and nutritious food.
Mr Tanimu noted that the country must continue to provide an enabling environment to realise its agricultural potential through the engagement of individuals and groups in productive ventures.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of memoranda from various project departments of the ministry, state offices, research institutes, and other stakeholders.