The Federal Government is deepening efforts to enhance food and nutrition safety through a strategic collaboration with the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, during a recent courtesy visit by a CILSS delegation led by its Executive Secretary, Abdoulaye Mahamadou, to the minister.
The minister pointed out that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is actively working to implement the “Renewed Hope Agenda” on food and nutrition safety, focusing on transforming the agricultural sector, modernising farming practices, and ensuring national food security.
He outlined several key initiatives, noting that the ministry is promoting sustainable agricultural practices, encouraging the cultivation of biofortified crops such as zinc-enriched rice, and harnessing technological innovations like mechanisation to improve productivity. He added that increasing food production, availability, affordability, and accessibility remain a core priority.
Speaking further, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to building resilient food systems that support livelihoods and household sustenance.
He said, “We are keen to work together to strengthen the technical capacity of the federal, state, and local government factors and identify a sustainable investment framework that would support resilience.”
Also addressing the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated that the government is currently assessing the country’s preparedness to address challenges related to food and nutrition safety. He stressed the importance of this collaboration in achieving long-term food sovereignty for Nigeria.
In his remarks, CILSS Executive Secretary Abdoulaye Mahamadou reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to addressing food and nutrition challenges across the Sahel and West Africa.
He explained that CILSS focuses on improving the resilience of food systems, monitoring nutrition trends, and advocating for sustainable and affordable diets.
Mahamadou added that CILSS works closely with both regional and international partners to advance policies and strategies that ensure safe and nutritious food is accessible across the region.
“CILSS is a key player in the fight against food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, working to build resilience, improve food systems, and ensure that the region’s population has access to safe and nutritious food,” he stated.
