FG Inaugurates MSME Committee To Strengthen Agric Value Chain

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has inaugurated the Implementation Technical Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the National Agro-Allied Commodities Cooperatives of Nigeria (NACCON).

The mandate is strengthening the agricultural value chain, driving corporate partnerships, boosting economic growth, and creating more opportunities for Nigerian farmers.

At the ceremony in Abuja, Kyari, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the federal government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for agribusiness MSMEs to thrive.

He explained that the ministry would support producers through targeted interventions across different commodity value chains, while improving rural infrastructure to enhance production, processing, packaging, marketing and distribution within the agricultural ecosystem.

“We are committed to unlocking value for farmers, particularly in areas where we have a comparative advantage. Our goal is to boost income for farmers, expand trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, increase foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and reduce poverty,” Kyari stated.

He stressed that micro, small, and medium producers are the backbone of any economy, adding, “Without their contributions, there can be no agricultural output to showcase. Simply put, no agribusiness MSMEs, no nation.”

In his welcome address, Dr Ogunbiyi, represented by the director of agribusiness and market development, Mr Iwara Bassey, said the committee’s work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security and economic growth through agriculture.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Julius Akam expressed gratitude to the ministry for bringing together key stakeholders in the sector. He pledged that members would work diligently to deliver on their mandate.