The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has said Nigeria’s quest for lasting food sufficiency and national stability depends on the deliberate deployment of engineering expertise across agriculture, infrastructure and the country’s security framework, adding that agriculture can no longer rely on traditional practices to meet the food needs of its growing population.
Kyari made this position clear in Abuja during the inauguration of Dr. Babagana Modu Tela as the 17th National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, alongside newly elected executive committee members.
He stressed that engineering driven interventions remain central to addressing the country’s food challenges, industrial weakness and broader development concerns.
He noted that mechanised farming, efficient irrigation, modern storage facilities and improved processing technologies are essential to raising productivity and cutting losses that occur after harvest.
He added that these same interventions also strengthen rural economies and reduce the pressures that often contribute to insecurity.
Kyari described food security as a matter of national security, explaining that instability disrupts farming activities, supply chains and access to markets.
He said that without strong engineering input, efforts to improve production, transportation and storage of food would continue to fall short.
He pointed out that the deployment of engineering solutions has the potential to create jobs, stimulate local economies and support social stability across the country.
Congratulating Tela on his emergence as chairman, the minister said leadership within professional engineering bodies plays a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He urged mechanical engineers to see themselves not only as technical experts but also as partners in national development who must work closely with government, industry and academic institutions.
He further explained that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is placing priority on food sufficiency, industrial growth, local manufacturing and human capital development.
Kyari said none of these goals can be achieved without strong engineering capacity and active participation from professional institutions such as the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Nigeria continues to face rising food prices, limited industrial output and persistent security challenges.
Analysts have long identified weak infrastructure, low levels of mechanisation and inadequate local manufacturing as major obstacles to economic growth. In agriculture, poor access to modern equipment, inefficient water management systems and inadequate storage and processing facilities have resulted in low yields and significant losses. In the industrial sector, dependence on imports remains high due to gaps in domestic manufacturing capability and technical skills.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, described mechanical and energy engineering as the backbone of national industrial development.
He said rapid technological change has increased the responsibility of engineers in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, communications and power.
Rabiu called for better alignment between the objectives of engineering divisions and Nigeria’s long term goals for energy resilience, innovation and infrastructure development.
He urged professional bodies to focus more on research, capacity building, standards and continuous professional development rather than limiting activities to ceremonial events.
He noted that the theme of the inauguration reflected the focus of the 2026 International Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting, which will centre on engineering solutions for security, energy access and sustainable development.
According to him, such platforms must generate practical ideas that can be translated into real impact.
In his inaugural address, Tela described his election as a call to service and a signal of renewed commitment to the growth of the institution.
He praised past leaders for strengthening the organisation and outlined his vision for a more innovative and inclusive era.
Presenting the theme of his tenure, Engineered for Progress: A New Era of Innovation and Inclusion, Tela said mechanical engineers remain central to Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He highlighted priorities such as policy engagement, professional growth, youth development, collaboration and member welfare, summarising his agenda as a collective effort focused on technical advancement, empowerment, advocacy and unity.
