Abuja: The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says it will hold a three-day general assembly aimed at attracting foreign investment into Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The President of AFAN, Dr. Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, disclosed this while speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abuja. Rabiu-Mudi said the general assembly, scheduled for Jan. 15 to Jan. 17 at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, would also address food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the event as the highest gathering of farmers in the country, bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rabiu-Mudi stated that participants would include academics, research institutes, relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as other actors in the sector. The assembly would feature workshops to identify and promote the comparative advantages of various states in agricultural production. He noted that despite the decline in food prices, farmers had yet to enjoy commensurate returns due to rising input costs.
Rabiu-Mudi highlighted that the assembly would also focus on achieving food sustainability, sufficiency, and affordability of agricultural commodities. The association also plans to honor governors, lawmakers, and other public officials who have excelled in supporting agriculture. Two governors from each geopolitical zone, three senators, five members of the House of Representatives, and speakers of state assemblies would be recognized for their contributions to agricultural development. Additionally, three local government chairmen from each state would be honored, based on senatorial districts.
Rabiu-Mudi expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, including input dealers, agro-processors, and marketers, to tackle food insecurity. He emphasized that achieving food security is synonymous with achieving general security for the nation. Furthermore, he commended President Tinubu for increasing funding to the Bank of Agriculture and expressed hope that the bank, alongside commercial banks, would support the general assembly.