Tinubu Vows to Revolutionize Nigeria's Food Security, Launches Ambitious Plan to Make Country Self-Sufficient

President Bola Tinubu has made a bold declaration that Nigeria will become self-sufficient in food production during his tenure in office. This promise was made on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating the National Food Security Council, which he will chair.

The President emphasized that his administration will prioritize agricultural development to achieve food security and reduce the country's reliance on imported food items. This move is aimed at addressing the nation's food challenges and ensuring that Nigerians have access to affordable and nutritious food.

Tinubu stated that the National Food Security Council will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. The council comprises representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the National Bureau of Statistics, among others.

The President expressed optimism that the council will help his administration achieve its goal of making Nigeria self-sufficient in food production. He noted that the council will provide a platform for stakeholders to come together and develop strategies to address the nation's food security challenges.

In addition to inaugurating the National Food Security Council, Tinubu also announced that his government will establish a N100 billion fund to support farmers and agricultural businesses. This fund will provide financing for farmers to purchase inputs, machinery, and equipment, as well as support for agricultural research and development.

The President emphasized that his administration is committed to supporting the agricultural sector, which is a critical component of the nation's economy. He noted that the sector has the potential to create millions of jobs and generate billions of naira in revenue for the country.

Tinubu also highlighted the need for Nigeria to reduce its reliance on imported food items. He noted that the country spends billions of naira on food imports every year, which puts a strain on the nation's foreign exchange reserves. By becoming self-sufficient in food production, Nigeria will be able to conserve its foreign exchange reserves and use them for other critical sectors of the economy.

The President's declaration has been welcomed by stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who have long advocated for greater support for the sector. They believe that with the right policies and investments, Nigeria has the potential to become a major agricultural powerhouse in Africa.

The National Food Security Council is expected to meet regularly to discuss issues related to food security and develop strategies to address them. The council will also work closely with state governments, farmers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the nation's food security goals are achieved.

In addition to the National Food Security Council, Tinubu's administration has also announced plans to establish a number of agricultural development programs, including the National Agricultural Development Program and the Agricultural Transformation Program. These programs will provide support for farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance food security.

Overall, President Tinubu's declaration that Nigeria will become self-sufficient in food production during his tenure in office is a welcome development. It demonstrates his administration's commitment to addressing the nation's food security challenges and supporting the agricultural sector. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria has the potential to become a major agricultural powerhouse in Africa and ensure food security for its citizens.