…As he meets with the newly appointed Board Chairman
Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, FMAFS, has expressed concern over the poor state of agricultural research institutes in the country.
The minister expressed the concern while meeting with the newly appointed board chairmen of federal parastatals and agencies under the FMAFS in Abuja on Friday, April 25, 2025
Businessday recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in March 2025, appointed 19 APC Chairmen to head the Boards of various agencies of the Nigerian economy.
The minister, in his remarks, highlighted the deterioration of research into good seeds and agronomic practices, which he believes is crucial for addressing the nation’s food security challenges.
What we have seen recently is the deterioration in terms of research. And especially research into good seeds and good agronomic practices, and we believe with your leadership, you will bring to bear the required discipline and also the required know-how to make sure research works to the benefit of our country.
Noting that Nigeria is today heavily challenged in terms of food security, Kyari further noted that “We have had climate change, for instance, which is a natural phenomenon that is here to stay. We cannot do much about it, but to adapt to it, and one way to adapt to it is to breed a good variety of seeds, especially from some of the institutes that you have, “We are going to have some that will be drought-resistant, heat-resistant, high-yielding, short-gestation period seeds, and high-yielding seeds, because land is shrinking”.
The minister emphasised the importance of developing climate-resilient seeds that are drought-resistant, heat-resistant, high-yielding, and have a short gestation period. He noted that the country’s population is growing, while the availability of farmland is shrinking, making it essential to improve agricultural productivity.
The minister also expressed disappointment over the inclusion of non-agricultural provisions in the budget, which he believes has no bearing on agriculture. He cautioned the heads of research institutes and colleges to be careful in their budgeting process and implementation.
He further stressed the importance of agriculture in ensuring food availability and affordability for the growing population. He noted that the appointment of party chairmen who are practical farmers and have experience in agriculture would help achieve the government’s focus on food sovereignty.
Speaking on behalf of the 17 Chairmen present, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, APC Chairman, Cross River State and Rubber Research Institute, Benin City said the meeting aimed to familiarize the chairmen with the ministry’s focus and goals, as well as to discuss ways to work together to achieve food security and sovereignty in Nigeria.
The newly appointed board chairmen expressed their gratitude to the President and Vice President for the appointment and pledged to work closely with the ministry to deliver on the government’s
Ogar stressed the need for collaboration between the ministry and board chairmen with the aim of achieving food sovereignty and security, assuring the various chairmen had practical experiences in agriculture and are committed to delivering on the government’s promises.
He assured that “Noting the federal government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector and ensuring food security in Nigeria, he was optimistic that with the appointment of experienced board chairmen, the ministry is poised to achieve its goals and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.
In his comments, Abubakar Sabi Abdullahi, minister of state for food security, noted that while his principals’ concerns highlight the need for improved funding, efficient allocation of resources, and effective research and development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
By addressing these challenges, the country can potentially boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and consumers alike.
I want to assure you that with the combined effect of all of us, the agricultural sector’s growth will happen. And I want to assure you of our total support.
Sabi further emphasised that the focus of the ministry is on food security, and the priorities of the ministry will also be shared with you in due course. He further suggested a retreat to harmonise their mutual thoughts to drive the sector’s new prosperity.
