Food security critical to national security, stability — Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has underscored the vital role of food security in ensuring national security and maintaining stability in Nigeria.
Idris also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a game-changing decision aimed at unlocking the sector’s vast potential and optimising its value chains.
The Minister made these comments in Abuja on Thursday at the Annual Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Lecture, which had the theme, “Food Security in Nigeria: Which Way Forward?”
“Most recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) took a bold and transformative step by establishing and operationalising a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development. This strategic move highlights the administration’s recognition of the immense potential within the livestock sector, often described as an untapped gold mine,” he remarked.
Idris further emphasised that food security is fundamental to the nation’s national security, survival, stability, and sovereignty. He explained that it was in recognition of this critical importance that, upon assuming office, President Tinubu renamed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He went on to say that the current administration is committed to addressing the multifaceted challenges hindering self-sufficiency in food production, utilising the country’s vast arable land, favourable climate, and youthful population.
“Nigeria, blessed with vast arable land, favourable climatic conditions, and a youthful population, has the potential to be a global agricultural powerhouse. Yet, we face significant challenges in attaining affordability and self-sufficiency in food production. This ongoing challenge has driven President Tinubu to give special attention to this very important sector, which is the biggest employer of labour in the country,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that early in his administration, President Tinubu initiated three critical agricultural interventions: declaring a State of Emergency on food insecurity, launching a food security and sustainability intervention project, and cracking down on hoarders, smugglers, and saboteurs to ensure affordability, availability, and accessibility of essential commodities.
“Nigeria’s path to food security is not insurmountable. Through our collective resolve, we can transform our nation into a land of abundance, where no Nigerian goes to bed hungry,” he affirmed.
Idris also pointed to the important role the media plays in promoting food security, particularly in raising awareness, educating farmers on modern techniques, climate change adaptability, and informing them of various government interventions aimed at increasing agricultural yields.
He commended the Director-General of the FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, and the management for reviving the Annual Lecture series as a platform for intellectual discourse on national issues, in line with the corporation’s mantra of “Uplifting the People and Uniting the Nation.”
“True to its slogan of ‘Uplifting the People and Uniting the Nation,’ the FRCN has consistently demonstrated its commitment to national development, not only through its dynamic and compelling programming but also through impactful initiatives such as this Annual Lecture, which brings stakeholders together for meaningful discourse,” he stated.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Emir of Wase in Plateau State, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna, among others.
