The Honorable Minister of State at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, has put forth a compelling proposition for the establishment of a National Agriculture Data Centre. This initiative is aimed at attracting investors to bolster Food and Nutrition Security in Nigeria.
According to the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Eremah Anthonia, the Minister conveyed this proposition during a recent meeting with a delegation from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). The FAO delegation, led by Mr. Rein Paulsen, the Director of the Office of Emergency & Resilience, engaged in discussions with Senator Abdullahi in Abuja.
The Minister underscored the importance of a comprehensive data governance system, emphasizing its potential to attract and incentivize investors. Such data, he noted, would play a pivotal role in defining farm types and enabling the Ministry to identify the geographical distribution of farms across the country.
Senator Abdullahi emphasized the urgency of realizing the National Agricultural Data Center in Nigeria within the next two years. He highlighted the unwavering commitment of the current Administration to ensuring food security as a top priority.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s vast arable land, the Minister expressed concern over the paradox of food insecurity affecting a segment of the population. He outlined the Ministry’s proactive measures in creating a conducive environment to facilitate investor entry, with a specific focus on streamlining business processes. The Minister envisioned that the influx of investors would contribute to self-sufficiency, job creation, and the inclusion of youth and women in the agricultural sector.
Senator Abdullahi commended the Food and Agricultural Organization for its longstanding partnership with the Ministry, citing valuable contributions in technical capacity and a broad network. He recognized FAO’s global experiences as influential in shaping policies and strategies for agricultural development.
In his comments, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, reiterated FAO’s crucial role in supporting the Ministry’s mandate. He urged FAO to revisit quarterly meetings held at the Ministry to address pertinent issues and keep them at the forefront of agricultural development discussions.
Mr. Rein Paulsen, Director of the Office of Emergency & Resilience at FAO Headquarters in Rome, shared the organization’s objective of closely monitoring and enhancing FAO’s initiatives in Nigeria. He emphasized a focus on bolstering resilience rather than a systematic approach, reflecting FAO’s commitment to international efforts to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
