In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure food security, the Federal Government has embarked on significant initiatives, including the inauguration of the Agricultural Technical Committee (ATWC) and strategic partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate agro-industrial development.
Led by Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the ATWC was recently inaugurated in Abuja. Fashedemi emphasized the committee’s crucial role in devising strategies to enhance agricultural support and address climate change challenges. With representation from various ministries and agencies, the ATWC aims to tackle sectoral hurdles and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
During the inauguration, Fashedemi urged committee members to view their roles as a national imperative, leveraging their expertise to drive impactful interventions.
Read also
- SMEDAN launches talent hunt for innovators in agriculture, tech & entertainment
- NDE trains 33,692 Nigerians in vocational, business skills
- Insurance loss adjusters urged to seize AfCFTA opportunities for growth
- FG to strengthen cold chain infrastructure to cut post-harvest losses
- Delta’s Oil Palm Initiative unlocks wealth for SMEs, communities
Discussions centered on developing a comprehensive framework to bolster agricultural interventions, securing financial resources through collaboration with governmental and non-governmental entities, and assessing farmers’ needs to provide essential support.
In parallel efforts to fortify the agricultural landscape, a delegation led by Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, the Managing Director of AfDB, visited the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to expedite the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme initiated in Nigeria in April 2019.
Oyelaran-Oyeyinka underscored the SAPZ programme’s objectives, including increasing household incomes, fostering job creation – particularly among youth and women – and enhancing food nutrition security. The programme, set to be implemented in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development.
In response, Fashedemi highlighted the ministry’s role as the executing agency for the SAPZ programme under AfDB’s auspices since September 2023. He urged the AfDB delegation to provide feasibility studies to support the programme’s effective implementation.
The collaborative efforts between the government and AfDB signify a unified commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector and promoting sustainable development. With a focus on inclusive growth and environmental stewardship, these initiatives hold promise for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and fostering socio-economic progress.
Discover more from SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
