By Obiabin Onukwugha
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday, assigned Senator Abubakar Kyari as Minister of Agricultural and Food Security.
The appointment is coming as the United Nations warn of global food shortages due to global warming and climate change effects.
Kyari, who hails from Borno State, was among nominees cleared by the Nigerian Senate last week to be appointed into the Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council (FEC).
In his inaugural speech on May 29, the President had stated that his administration would remodel the economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.
According to the President, “Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.
“Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.
“Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.”
Further to this vision, Tinubu in July, declared a state of emergency on food security in the country. The aim, according to the presidency, was to tackle food inflation following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He approved that all matters pertaining to food and water availability as well as affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.
The President further announced that the federal government will through its agricultural programme, cultivate five hundred thousand hectares of land and ensure the distribution of fertilizers to farmers in order to boost food production in the country.
Abubakar Kyari holds Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Webster University St.Louis Missouri USA.
It is hoped that after inauguration, the Senator would drive the vision geared towards food security as announced by the President.