By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to transform Nigeria’s agriculture sector through rigorous oversight, results-based management, and strategic reforms.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made the remarks on Thursday at the Combined National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) Meeting in Abuja.
He described the NPSC as the central governance platform where policy, financing, and national food security objectives converge.
Kyari stressed that the ministry would adopt a no-nonsense approach to project supervision, saying, “We will ensure zero tolerance for inefficiency and demand measurable performance from all programmes.”
Highlighting institutional reforms, Kyari announced the elevation of the Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) to a full-fledged Department of Development Partnership Projects.
He explained that the move is aimed at strengthening coordination, enforcing standards, and embedding accountability across all development partner-supported initiatives.
“The message is clear: projects must deliver tangible results. Annual Workplans and Budgets will now be scrutinized for alignment with national priorities, productivity, value chain development, youth engagement, and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Kyari underscored that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, views agriculture not only as a source of food security but also as a key engine for economic diversification and inclusive prosperity.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, lauded Kyari’s leadership, noting that the NPSC remains the apex platform for monitoring and guiding development partner-supported projects.
He commended the minister for steering agriculture reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and enhancing the sector’s contribution to rural development and national food security.
The ministry’s renewed approach signals a shift from routine project approvals to rigorous performance evaluation, aiming to ensure that agricultural investments deliver real impact for Nigeria’s farmers, youth, and communities.
