By Abdulkareem Haruna

ABUJA, NIGERIA — In an expansive press briefing today, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined a sweeping, four-year strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s agriculture sector and bolster food security.

The initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, takes aim at improving the nation’s agricultural productivity, adopting digital solutions, and fostering resilience against challenges.

“Our focal areas hinge on integration, sustainability, and resilience to our challenges,” Kyari said. “These span the immediate, short, medium, and long term.”

The medium-term actions, slated for 2024-2026, include the development of a digital/ICT mobile-based agro-industry system to support farmers, an increased focus on protein production, and the commercialization of agricultural mechanization and implements.

“We will pay special attention to increasing the productivity of meat, dairy, eggs, fish and other protein sources, with a target annual growth rate of 10% year on year,” the Minister stated.

Kyari further highlighted the role of fintech in reforming the Bank of Agriculture and Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation. He also emphasized the need for a soil fertility mapping and information system, the implementation of a National Farmers Soil Health Card Scheme, and the development of world-class laboratories for quality assurance of exports.

The new strategy involves collaboration at all levels of government, with the Minister explaining, “We will develop a new Intergovernmental partnership framework for the implementation of mutually beneficial agricultural projects between Federal, State, and Local governments.”

In a nod to the importance of food and nutrition education, Kyari announced plans to revive and promote home economics and food and nutrition knowledge transfers at the State and Local Governments level, under the watch of the First Lady of the Federal Republic and First Ladies at State levels.

In conclusion, the Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening the Commodity Exchange for agriculture, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and bolstering the Agro-Rangers to assist in solving problems of civil insecurity at the farm level.

This ambitious plan represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its agricultural sector and food security, and it reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to sustainable and resilient growth.