In a strategic move to enhance food and nutrition security, the Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).
This development was disclosed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by a CILSS delegation led by its Executive Secretary, Abdoulaye Mahamadou.
Dr. Abdullahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through sustainable farming, technological innovation, and increased food accessibility.
He highlighted key interventions such as the promotion of biofortified crops like zinc-enriched rice and the adoption of mechanized farming techniques to raise productivity levels.
“We are focused on making food more available, affordable, and accessible. The goal is to strengthen our food ecosystems and build greater resilience at both household and national levels,” he said.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of technical collaboration, noting that “we are keen to work together to strengthen the technical capacity at all government levels and establish a sustainable investment framework that supports resilience.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that the federal government is assessing its readiness to address food and nutrition challenges with a view to attaining food sovereignty.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of CILSS, Abdoulaye Mahamadou, reiterated the organization’s role in bolstering food and nutrition security across the Sahel and West Africa.
He said CILSS continues to monitor the region’s food systems, promote sustainable diets, and strengthen resilience against food-related crises.
“CILSS is a key player in the fight against food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa, working to build resilience, improve food systems, and ensure that the region’s population has access to safe and nutritious food,” Mahamadou stated.
The meeting was attended by several directors of the Ministry, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency synergy in advancing national food security goals.
