This followed a presentation by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on food security in the country at the 139th meeting of the National Economic Council which was held virtually.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, “NEC noted that fertiliser is a major ingredient of agricultural productivity which the government is striving to attain and urged the state governors to embrace modern agricultural practices to increase productivity.”
The statement is titled ‘NEC outlines initiative to ensure food security, affordability.’
Nkwocha noted that the Council also considered the establishment of Agro-Rangers in the short term and the possible creation of state police in the long term to address security threats on farmers.
“This was after a presentation by the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam,” he explained.
The federal government is also planning to release 42,000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to address rising prices.
This was as the Minister of Agriculture called for action against the dollarisation of locally produced commodities such as urea, which is impacting negatively on fertilizer prices and agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, Shettima said with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges in the country.
He called for sound economic decisions that will reverberate with the expectations of Nigerians, regretting that Nigeria had been a victim of strong averseness to evolving and keeping up with the changing global economic order.
“We must either redirect the economy towards a place of boom and competitiveness or brace for an impact we are unlikely to survive.
“So, beyond the heritage of our financial and monetary fiascos, we must compare notes to understand the interconnectedness of the dysfunctions in each sector of the economy,” he stated.
Delivering his opening speech titled, ‘It’s Time To Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest,’ Senator Shettima told council members that President Bola Tinubu desires that they all stand together to collectively proffer solutions to safeguard the nation’s economy from imminent implosion.
He observed that while the wealth of every nation is in the belly of its citizens, the government has a long distance to cover in its interventions to enhance “food availability and affordability.
“The call to secure and liberate areas under threat from violence, most of which are arable lands owned by our farming communities, is not just a matter of security but a strategic move to revive the economic lifeblood of our nation,” he added.
Noting that the citizens are only keen on tangible results, the VP stated: “Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while economic experts foresaw this transitional phase on our journey to a flourishing future, it is crucial to recognize that the ordinary citizen on the street is not concerned with any economic theory. Their daily concerns are anchored in the tangible.
“They are more invested in the price of maize than the predictions of GDP. So, as we deliberate on intricate economic strategies today, let us remain attuned to the heartbeat of the nation. We must ensure that our decisions resonate with the aspirations of the common man and woman who entrust us with their hopes and dreams.”
He admitted that the country is in the midst of a pervasive emergency and implored state governors, ministers and other NEC members to align their minds and actions with the reality on ground.
Other highlights of the meeting were an update on work done by the ad-hoc committees on oil theft prevention and economic matters set up in December.
The council also received briefing on health sector-wide approach and the signing of a compact agreement with states by the minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
NEC resolved that there is a need for states to enhance their governance systems and structures, accountability frameworks, strengthen fiduciary systems and develop comprehensive performance management systems.
Following a potential flood warning from the Lagdo dam in October 2023, an existing ad hoc committee was reinstated by VP Shettima.
The committee was mandated with producing a roadmap for flood prevention and response while coming up with an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of flooding on the nation and Nigerians.
It submitted its report with key recommendations and a strategic plan of action which was presented at the NEC meeting held on October 18, 2023.
Given the situation in the country, the NEC ad hoc Committee on flood was further mandated to investigate the projections for the 2024 rain season and present its findings at the next Council meeting to ensure preparedness and appropriate response ahead of the 2024 rain season.
Council also appointed the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, to replace his predecessor as the chairman of the Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response.
