The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has unveiled the official logo for its Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative, a strategic move to support the federal government’s food security efforts.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa emphasized the need for Nigeria to transition from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial agriculture.
“In Nigeria now, with our population of over 200 million, we cannot rely on subsistence farming. We must go commercial. And it is by expanding this that we can achieve that,” Gen. Musa stated.
He described the initiative as a “major turning point” in strengthening national security, highlighting agriculture’s crucial role in ensuring food stability.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, the adverse impact of climate change, environmental degradation, and conflict across some parts of the country has continuously threatened food security with dire consequences on national security,” he noted.
To combat these challenges, the Defence Headquarters conceptualized the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative in May 2023 to align with the federal government’s efforts to address food insecurity.
Gen. Musa further explained that the initiative aims to create job opportunities, enhance rural infrastructure, and significantly contribute to the nation’s food supply.
“Considering the extensive consultation, planning, and preparation made by the Committee thus far, I am optimistic that the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products initiative will have a positive transformative impact on host communities while enhancing national security,” he said.
He also envisioned a future where modernized farming techniques drive economic growth and national development, urging both the Armed Forces and the public to embrace the initiative.
Chairman of the Defence Farms Committee, Major General IM Abdullahi, underscored agriculture’s vital role in Nigeria’s economy, noting that while about 80% of the population are smallholder farmers, only 33% of the country’s arable land is cultivated.
“The country has a vast, diversified, and culturally rich environment that is fertile and rich in biodiversity, with good rainfall patterns, conducive temperatures, and fresh water that can grow and support almost any type of crop that exists in the world,” Abdullahi added.
The Defence Farm and Agro-Allied initiative is expected to serve as a model for sustainable agricultural development, reinforcing Nigeria’s drive toward food sufficiency and economic stability.
