The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to boosting food security through strategic partnerships with development agencies to encourage increased investment in food production in the country.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Engr. Joseph Utsev, made this disclosure when the newly appointed Country Representative of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr Gadain Hussein and his delegation paid him a courtesy visit at his office over the weekend in Abuja.
Prof Utsev emphasised President Tinubu’s strong commitment to enhancing food production in the country, recalling that the efforts inspired the declaration of a state of emergency on food security and administration and the sustained drive to attract investment in various aspects of agriculture and food value chain.
The minister added that the FAO’s hand-in-hand initiative and the proposed investment submit coming up in Abuja will serve as a veritable platform to unite investors and stakeholders to accelerate food security efforts nationwide.
Permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, in his remark, advised FAO to work closely with the ministry to ensure the achievement of the food security mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the benefit of Nigeria.
Earlier, Dr Hussein had informed the minister of the upcoming FAO hand-in-hand initiative for the Sahel, themed “Investment in Irrigation and Water Resources,” scheduled for 16-18 September in Abuja.