In order to address the ongoing hardship across the country, the Federal Government has launched the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU).
Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, as part of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to combat hunger.
The presidency is working in collaboration with states, development partners, and key stakeholders to address the rising prices of commodities and widespread food insecurity.
In his address, Shettima stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “The nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better.”
He said that food insecurity threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic experiment as he emphasized the need for collective action.
“We are in a food security crisis, but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing,” Shettima said.
The vice president clarified that the PFSCU was not created to take over the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture but to harness the ideas and resources of all stakeholders due to the seriousness of the issue.
During the meeting, governors on the committee shared their plans to modernize farming practices, boost crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer. Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River stated that his state aims to feed the nation by modernizing agriculture. “We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Otu remarked.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, called for a coordinated approach to tackle low productivity and population growth, which he identified as major challenges to the nation’s food security efforts. He advocated for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and better security for farmers.
Also, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative. He highlighted that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, boasting 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems.
By launching the PFSCU, the Federal Government aims to address the immediate food crisis and build a sustainable path towards food security in Nigeria.
