The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has said the government would set up a National Agriculture Data Centre to attract investments into the sector.
The Minister stated this recently in Abuja during the meeting with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) delegation led by the Director, Office of Emergency & Resilience, Mr. Rein Paulsen to the ministry.
Abdullahi harped on the need to actualise National Agricultural Data in Nigeria in the next two years pointing out that the present administration was committed to ensuring that Nigeria was food secured which is the reason for bringing food security to the front burner.
According to him, the data governing system would attract and encourage investors, noting that such data would help the government define farm types as well as enable the local where farms exist.
He expressed worry that despite having 70% of arable land, millions of Nigerians are not food secured.
The Minister emphasised the Ministry had started taking action by creating an enabling environment that will make investors entry easier pointing out that it would also enhance self-sufficiency, create job opportunities, inclusiveness for youth and women amongst others.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe reiterated FAO’s support in achieving the Ministry’s mandate.
He called on FAO to revisit the quarterly meetings usually held in the ministry to bring the issues again to the front burner.
Addressing the minister on the purpose of the visit, the Director, Office of Emergency & Resilience, FAO, headquarters in Rome, Mr. Rein Paulsen said their visit was a follow up on its activities in Nigeria in order to determine what they can do to support the FAO Nigeria office, focusing on enhancing resilience around it, rather than systematic approach.
