President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Niger State on Monday, in a bid to bolster food security and promote agricultural mechanization in the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Niger State government, aims to deploy state-of-the-art agricultural machinery and technology to enhance large-scale agro-value chain development within the state.
During the inauguration ceremony, the President underscored the significance of the event in advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda. He stressed the imperative for Nigeria to increase its capacity to feed its populace and generate surplus for exportation. He stated, “We must enhance our capacity to feed our people and have enough for export.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of addressing challenges such as clashes between herders and farmers, expressing his commitment to implementing comprehensive programs to resolve these issues. Emphasizing the need for collaboration between the federal government and sub-national governments to alleviate hunger and support economic growth initiatives.
“I am equally here to partner with you to banish hunger. You are doing the job. And it is necessary for me to support you; it is mandatory as Nigerians,” Tinubu stated.
Acknowledging the President’s presence at the inauguration, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago expressed gratitude and emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in addressing economic challenges. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging agricultural development for prosperity and growth.
In addition to domestic efforts, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed international partnerships aimed at bolstering agricultural mechanization in Nigeria.
Notably, agreements were reached with the Brazilian Government and German Deutsch Bank Group to finance the Green Imperative Programme, which will establish mechanization hubs across all local government areas in Nigeria.
Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the John Deer Group, a subsidiary of Tata Equipment, for the procurement of 10,000 units of tractors and implements over a five-year period.
President Tinubu’s visit to Niger State also included discussions with former Nigerian Heads of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, where matters concerning the nation’s advancement were deliberated.
