The Federal Government on Monday in Kaduna challenged stakeholders to strengthen the county’s capacity in local food production and access to safe and nutritious food.
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) gave the challenge at the opening of the Technical Session of 47th National Council of Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS).
The theme for this year’s NCAFS is “Food Sovereignty and Food Security in an Era of Renewed Hope.”
Ogunbiyi identified the theme for the year as both a call to action and a shared vision.
According to him, the theme challenges the stakeholders to reduce dependence on importation to meet the nation’s food and nutrition requirements
He reminded the participants that their task at the event was not only to review memoranda but to build consensus, blend policy, research, and practice into actionable strategies that could drive transformation across the value chains.
Ogunbiyi said the council was convened to evaluate what has worked, identify emerging gaps, and collectively chart a new course for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
He urged commissioners and permanent secretaries to leverage the opportunity to share experiences and innovations from their states, especially on climate-smart agriculture, extension reforms, agribusiness development, and digital transformation.
He identified the NCAFS as a gathering of minds and hearts committed to the goal of ensuring that agriculture continued to drive inclusive growth, stability and hope nationwide.
“Let us approach our discussions with openness, collaboration and optimism — knowing that every decision we take here has the potential to touch millions of lives across the country.
“This process is central to the strength and credibility of the NCAFS. It ensures that the recommendations we advance are inclusive, well-informed and grounded in the realities of our diverse agricultural landscape,” he said
Mr Murtala Dabo, Commissioner for Agriculture, Kaduna State identified agriculture as a sector that binds every part of the country, sustain communities and remained vital to collective progress.
Dabo said over the years the council had evolved beyond a policy platform.
“It has become a space for reflection, learning, and renewal — where states share experiences, forge collaborations, and align strategies for national growth.
“We are confident that the 47th session will carry forward this proud tradition and set new benchmarks in our pursuit of food security and agricultural transformation.
“We are encouraged by the renewed national momentum under President Bola Tinubu whose Renewed Hope Agenda is placing agriculture firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
“I urge all delegates to approach the discussions with the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility,” he said.
He said future of agriculture in Nigeria depended not only on the strength of policies but also on the unity of purpose stakeholders
