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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have hailed the Federal Government for its move to suspend tarrif, customs duties for imported maize, cowpeas among others, to curb food crisis.
The Spokesperson of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, (COCSON), Adebayo Oluwaseun, in a statement, specifically hailed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for the policies driven to boost food security and crash high food prices.
According to Oluwaseun, the Coalition acknowledged and appreciated the Minister while noting that the leadership he has demonstrated since his appointment had impacted positively on the agricultural sector as he is currently revolutionizing the sector and sensuring Nigerians and Nigerians are food secure.
He said the Minister had been committed to the implementation of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Plan, NATIP, which has been instrumental to modernizing the agric space, whereby there have been technological advancements, and empowerment of smallholder farmers across the country.
He said: “It is with great pride and a profound sense of optimism that we, the members of COCSON, gather here today to applaud the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, for his exceptional leadership and the transformative impact he has had on the agricultural landscape of our beloved country, Nigeria.
“Since his appointment, Minister Abubakar has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to driving positive change, implementing bold initiatives, and positioning the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.”
As part of his assessment, the Minister has empowered women and youth in the agricultural sector, including initiatives to provide specialized capacity building and access to financing, and giving opportunities to underrepresented groups, enabling them to become active contributors to the sector’s growth and development.
“The Minister’s unwavering support for women and youth in agriculture has been truly transformative. By investing in their skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit, he has not only empowered these crucial demographics but also paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.
“The coalition is confident that under your stewardship, the sector will continue to thrive, contributing to the country’s food security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Kyari’s dedication, innovation, and tireless efforts have truly set a new standard for agricultural leadership in Nigeria. We, the members of COCSON, pledge our unwavering support and commitment to working alongside the Minister to further strengthen the agricultural sector and realize our collective vision of a prosperous, food-secure, and environmentally sustainable Nigeria”, he added.
Also, COCSON Secretary, Fatima Usman, said: “Under Minister Abubakar’s leadership, the NATIP has been a game-changer, revolutionizing the way we approach agriculture in Nigeria.
“Through this innovative plan, we have witnessed a remarkable increase in crop yields, improved access to cutting-edge farming techniques, and the creation of numerous job opportunities for our youth in the agricultural value chain.”
