Linus Aleke in Abuja
In a recent interview, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning revealed its strategies for supporting vulnerable populations and collaborating with international partners to enhance food security in Nigeria. The ministry aims to leverage resources, expertise, and technology while promoting an innovative governance model that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement within the national food security and transformation agenda.
Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, underscored the government’s commitment to achieving food security and improved nutrition through social protections at all levels. He made these remarks during the opening of the Sahel Food System Changemakers Conference 2024, organized by Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited with support from Africa Food Changemakers, USAID, Chemonics, and others.
Bagudu emphasized the significance of the conference’s theme, “Innovative Governance Model: A Pathway to Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria.” He noted that the ministry has successfully engaged all state governments in the food system transformation initiative introduced by the United Nations.
Discussing the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Bagudu pointed out that many farmers struggle with limited access to water and irrigation, resulting in low productivity due to inadequate adoption of modern farming techniques and insufficient inputs. He highlighted that post-harvest losses are compounded by a lack of storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure, all exacerbated by the impacts of violent conflict and poverty.
“The displacement caused by conflict disrupts food production and distribution, while poverty limits access to food,” he explained. He also mentioned the looming challenge of insufficient financing, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking deliberate steps to address these issues as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Bagudu reinforced the idea that a multifaceted approach involving the government, private sector, development partners, and civil society is essential for finding sustainable solutions. “The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is well-positioned to implement your recommendations, and I assure you that this will be done through established structures,” he stated confidently.
Bagudu highlighted that his ministry’s approach focuses on enhancing collaborations and synergies that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve food availability. In his welcoming remarks, Temitope Adegoroye, Managing Partner at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, shared that the conference’s objective is to re-examine the role of international donors and global funding partners in supporting sustainable food systems.
Adegoroye stated that the conference aims to address governance challenges that hinder the effective use of research in policy formulation and implementation. He emphasized the need to outline practical recommendations for strengthening governance mechanisms and enhancing multi-sectoral collaborations for better food security outcomes in Nigeria. Moreover, he pointed out that the conference will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovations, and catalyzing action toward building resilient and sustainable food systems. “Together, we can harness the power of innovative governance to ensure a future where all Nigerians have access to nutritious food and security,” he concluded.
