President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Niger State, highlighting Nigeria’s imperative to ensure food sufficiency and foster economic growth through local industries.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Niger State government, aims to deploy state-of-the-art agricultural machinery and technology for large-scale agro-value chain development.
Addressing attendees at the inauguration, President Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s need to enhance its capacity to feed its populace and generate surplus for export. He underscored the importance of proactive leadership in addressing challenges and transforming Nigeria into a hub of economic opportunities.
“We must care for our people and reorient our agricultural practices. I am committed to providing comprehensive solutions to challenges such as crop destruction by roaming cattle,” President Tinubu affirmed.
Moreover, President Tinubu urged sub-national governments to implement wage awards as an immediate measure to alleviate citizen burdens until the minimum wage is increased, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat hunger and support vulnerable demographics.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s presence and emphasized agriculture’s pivotal role in addressing economic challenges. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with states like Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos, aiming to bolster agricultural development and infrastructure.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, revealed that the federal government had secured financing agreements with the Brazilian Government and German Deutsch Bank Group for the Green Imperative Programme. This initiative will establish mechanization hubs across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, further advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability nationwide.
