The federal government has announced plans to collaborate with the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).
The minister of state for agriculture and food security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made this known during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by a CILSS delegation led by the executive secretary, Abdoulaye Mahamadou.
The minister emphasised that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is working actively to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through sustainable practices, modernised techniques and enhanced national food security.
He listed key government initiatives, including the promotion of sustainable agriculture, the introduction of biofortified crops such as zinc-enriched rice, and the adoption of mechanised farming tools to increase productivity and resilience against food insecurity.
“Our goal is to increase food production, ensure affordability and accessibility, and strengthen food ecosystems that support livelihoods and households,” he said.
He further highlighted the government’s interest in working with CILSS to enhance technical capacity across federal, state, and local levels, and to identify sustainable investment frameworks that will boost agricultural resilience.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that the federal government is assessing its preparedness to respond to food and nutrition crises, with a strategic focus on achieving food sovereignty.
On his part, the executive-secretary of CILSS, Abdoulaye Mahamadou, said the organisation is committed to supporting food and nutrition security in the Sahel and West African subregion.
He explained that CILSS helps monitor regional food systems, enhance resilience, and promote affordable and sustainable diets.
“CILSS is a key player in the fight against food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel and West Africa. We work with regional and international partners to develop and implement strategies that ensure access to safe and nutritious food,” Mahamadou said.
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