The federal government is leaving no stone untouched to accelerate efforts aimed at achieving food security in Nigeria. This assurance was given by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Abuja. He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda placed top priority on Agriculture and Food Security and good nutrition. He, therefore , stated that the government was prepared to work with both local and international partners to tackle Food and Nutrition Security, post-harvest losses among others in the country.
Nnaji, who was speaking at the signing of a Memorandum between Flux and National Biotechnology Research & Development Agency in Abuja said that the partnership with Flux is a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to this cause.
The minister said, “Through this collaboration, we aim to introduce innovative methods that can significantly increase crop yields, lower costs for our farmers, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.”
He, therefore, stated that “Flux’s work with the National Biotechnology Research & Development Agency will ensure that these solutions are adapted to our local conditions, leveraging the expertise and resources available right here in Nigeria”
He proceeded further by saying, “This MoU symbolises our commitment to working hand in hand with local and international partners to create meaningful impact. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of food security but also creating jobs and fostering economic development.
“The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is committed to driving such solutions, in alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We believe that science and technology are the engines for transforming our agricultural sector, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that no Nigerian goes hungry”
He added that agriculture is the backbone of the nation’s economy, that the sector faced immense challenges-from climate change, land degradation to rising costs and inadequate technology adoption.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing a substantial 25% to our GDP and providing livelihoods for more than 70% of our people. Yet, this sector faces immense challenges-from climate change and land degradation to rising costs and inadequate technology adoption” Chief Nnaji emphasised.
“The current surge in food prices across our nation underline the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General National Biotechnology Research & Development Agency, NABDA, in his earlier remarks, said the food security cannot be achieved without improving the soil quality.
“The improvement of the soil quality comes with harnessing the bio-resources around our environment, which is the rock that we are seeing around us. And that is what is going to be used to enhance the quality of the soil to make the soil more nutritious at zero cost. And the farmers are going to find it very affordable” he noted.
The result, according to him, is that “The yield is going to increase and the output is going to increase immensely” adding that Nigeria will become sustainable and move forward towards improving the output of food and nutrition security.
Mr Sam Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Flux Carbon Limited, in his speech, said the collaboration will enhance food security and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria.
“We are confident that through this partnership we can develop effective strategies to implement enhanced rock weathering at scale and realise its full potential benefits for the people of Nigeria” Davies emphasised.
