President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Niger State, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to food sufficiency and export capacity.
According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale,vSpecial Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity on Monday, the initiative, spearheaded by the Niger State government, focuses on deploying advanced agricultural machinery and technology to bolster large-scale agro-value chain development in the state.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s imperative to enhance food production and ensure surplus for export. He commended the leadership and emphasized the need for timely action to address challenges and transform Nigeria’s economy into one of opportunities.
Expressing concern over agricultural challenges such as crop destruction by roaming cattle, Tinubu stressed the importance of reorienting herders and providing adequate resources for cattle rearing to mitigate such issues.
Furthermore, President Tinubu urged sub-national governments to implement wage awards as immediate interventions to alleviate citizens’ burdens, pending an increase in the minimum wage.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for inaugurating the facilities, highlighting the significance of agriculture in addressing economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed the federal government’s agreement with Brazilian and German financiers for the Green Imperative Programme, aimed at providing mechanization hubs across Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s visit also included discussions with former Nigerian Heads of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, focusing on national advancement.