The Federal Government has reaffirmed that achieving food security remains at the centre of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This commitment was emphasized by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the flag-off of the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to small-scale farmers, internally displaced persons, and farmers with special needs in Sokoto State.
Represented by a Director from the Ministry, Abdulmajid Sule, the Minister stated that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has declared food security a national state of emergency to ensure sustainable agricultural development across the country. He said, “Ensuring food security for citizens is one of the most important responsibilities of any nation.”
According to Senator Kyari, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has established various modalities and mechanisms that would assist the mission of President Tinubu in enhancing productive capacity, creating jobs, and reducing the cost of living for Nigerians. He explained that the government has demonstrated strong political will by rolling out projects and programmes aimed at addressing the major challenges facing farmers nationwide.
The Minister further noted that through collaboration with state governments, opinion leaders, and development partners, Nigerians are beginning to experience the positive impact of the gradual reduction in food prices across the country. He added that these efforts are part of a long-term strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Radio Nigeria reports that the agricultural inputs distributed include solar-powered water pumps, power tillers, storage bags, and other essential farming equipment designed to improve productivity and support farmers in achieving better yields.
Responding, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Tukur Alkali, said Sokoto is one of the major states benefiting from the Federal Government’s agricultural interventions across all value chains. Represented by the State Director of Irrigation, Abubakar Aliyu Rabba, the Commissioner noted that the agro inputs and equipment distributed by the Federal Government will go a long way in boosting agricultural productivity in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Lawal Sani thanked the Federal Government for the support and pledged effective utilization of the distributed inputs to improve food production and sustain livelihoods.