The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, says the Federal Government is to inject more than N600 billion as stimulus into the agriculture sector, with emphasis on small scale farmers, to ensure food security and sustainability in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
The Minister stated this while on a tour of Dangote Fertilizer Plant and other fertilizer companies in Lagos State to galvanize cooperation for fertilizer production and supply.
Nanono explained that the N600 billion stimulus package will take off with an initial 2.4 million farmers across the country.
He said that to avoid the abuse of government’s good intentions, the support will be in kind in form of inputs.
The Minister hinted that the forceful closure of our international borders, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown that Nigeria can conveniently feed herself.
In a meeting with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister pledged to support the state farming communities with rural roads, solar lighting and boreholes, to encourage and empower them towards an increase in food production. He also promised to collaborate with Lagos State Government in fishery, to tap the potentials of its marine endowments and drastically reduce the importation of fish in Nigeria.
On his part, Governor Sanwo – Olu agreed to collaborate with the Federal Government, not only in fisheries but also to embrace mechanized farming.
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Sanwo-Olu recognized agriculture as a critical component of development and promised to complement Federal Government’s effort when he completes his project, the largest rice mill in Nigeria, with a 30 million metric tons capacity per annum. This he said will shift Nigeria’s focus to exportation as well as downward review of prices in the retail market.
Editor: Tunde Orebiyi
