Food Security: Minister, Ogu Seek Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and the convener of the Industrial and Commercial Expo Abuja 2026, Mr Innocent Ogu, have called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to boost food production, attract investment and drive economic growth.

They made the call at the closing ceremony of the just-concluded expo in Abuja, with Kyari stressing the need for sustained cooperation to strengthen agricultural development and food security.

Kyari expressed confidence that greater collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen cooperative initiatives and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He said sustained partnerships remained important to advancing agricultural development and achieving the country’s food security objectives.

In his address at the ceremony, Ogu, who is also the convener of the National Agro Allied Commodities Cooperatives of Nigeria (NAACON), urged organised groups to embrace unity and collective action to maximise available economic and government opportunities.

He said collaboration would enable organised groups to access funding and government programmes more effectively, while improving project implementation and accountability.

Ogu also advocated stronger public-private partnerships, saying properly structured arrangements could improve security, increase food production and create employment opportunities.

According to him, greater private sector participation in infrastructure development and the delivery of essential services would also help attract local and foreign investment.

He stressed that effective partnerships among government, cooperatives and the private sector were necessary to translate available opportunities into sustainable development.

The national president of NAACON, Queen Hajara Adeye, commended participants at the expo for their patriotism, dedication and commitment to national development.

Adeye said recognising deserving individuals would encourage selfless service and excellence.
She subsequently presented awards to selected participants, including President Bola Tinubu, during the closing ceremony.