Kaduna: The Federal Government on Monday in Kaduna challenged stakeholders to strengthen the country’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 the 47th National Council of Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme for this year’s NCAFS is ‘Food Sovereignty and Food Security in an Era of Renewed Hope.’ Ogunbiyi described the theme as both a call to action and a shared vision, urging stakeholders to reduce dependence on importation to meet the nation’s food and nutrition requirements. He emphasized that the task at the event was not only to review memoranda but to build consensus and blend policy, research, and practice into actionable strategies to drive transformation across the value chains.
Ogunbiyi stated that the council was convened to evaluate what has worked, identify emerging gaps, and collectively chart a new course for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. He encouraged commissioners and permanent secretaries to leverage the opportunity to share experiences and innovations from their states, particularly in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, extension reforms, agribusiness development, and digital transformation. Ogunbiyi identified the NCAFS as a gathering committed to the goal of ensuring agriculture continued to drive inclusive growth, stability, and hope nationwide.
Mr Murtala Dabo, Commissioner for Agriculture, Kaduna State, highlighted agriculture as a sector that unites the country, sustains communities, and remains vital to collective progress. Dabo noted that the council had evolved beyond a policy platform to become a space for reflection, learning, and renewal. He expressed confidence that the 47th session would continue this tradition and set new benchmarks in the pursuit of food security and agricultural transformation. Dabo acknowledged the national momentum under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture at the center of Nigeria’s economic and social transformation. He urged delegates to approach discussions with collaboration and shared responsibility, emphasizing that the future of agriculture in Nigeria depends on both policy strength and stakeholder unity.