The Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on a significant initiative to bolster food and nutrition security within the nation, partnering strategically with the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). This collaboration signals a renewed focus on addressing the critical issues of food availability, affordability, and accessibility, and aims to fortify Nigeria’s resilience against food crises while contributing to the broader regional effort to combat food insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa. The partnership underscores the recognition that food security transcends national boundaries and requires collaborative, multi-faceted approaches to achieve sustainable solutions.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized the government’s commitment to realizing its “Renewed Hope Agenda,” a comprehensive plan to transform the agricultural sector and guarantee national food security. This agenda encompasses promoting sustainable agricultural practices, fostering the cultivation of biofortified crops like zinc-enriched rice, and leveraging technological advancements, particularly mechanization, to enhance agricultural productivity. The focus on biofortified crops demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving public health through dietary interventions. The incorporation of mechanization underscores the government’s recognition of the need to modernize farming practices to achieve greater efficiency and output.
The collaboration with CILSS is viewed as crucial for building the capacity needed to address the complex challenges related to food and nutrition security. The partnership seeks to strengthen technical expertise at federal, state, and local levels, creating a robust framework for sustainable investment in food security initiatives. This capacity building is essential for effectively implementing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and ensuring its long-term success. It reflects a commitment to empowering local communities and fostering ownership of food security strategies.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, highlighted the ongoing assessment of Nigeria’s preparedness to confront food and nutrition security challenges. This assessment is a crucial step in identifying vulnerabilities and developing targeted interventions. It underscores the government’s proactive approach to mitigating risks and building resilience within the food system. The collaboration with CILSS will provide valuable insights and expertise to inform this assessment and strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for future challenges.
The CILSS Executive Secretary, Abdoulaye Mahamadou, reiterated the organization’s commitment to tackling food and nutrition insecurity throughout the Sahel and West Africa. CILSS’s focus on enhancing the resilience of food systems, monitoring nutritional trends, and promoting sustainable and affordable diets aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s objectives. This shared vision provides a strong foundation for a productive partnership. CILSS’s regional expertise and network of international partners will be instrumental in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to achieve food sovereignty.
This partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and CILSS represents a strategic alliance committed to strengthening food and nutrition security in Nigeria and the broader West African region. The combined efforts will focus on capacity building, technology adoption, sustainable agricultural practices, and regional collaboration. The shared vision of building resilient food systems and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all citizens underscores the importance of this partnership in achieving long-term food security and improving the overall well-being of the population. The collaboration promises to contribute significantly to the broader regional effort to combat food insecurity and build a more resilient and prosperous future for the Sahel and West Africa.
