Nigerian Government Establishes Committee to Combat Hunger

The Federal Government has launched the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) to address the ongoing hardship in the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, stating that it is part of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to combat hunger.

The presidency has also partnered with states, development organizations, and other key stakeholders to tackle the rising prices of commodities and widespread food insecurity.

In his address to the members and stakeholders, Shettima emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “The nation is facing an unprecedented food security crisis, and the sooner we acknowledge this reality, the better.

“Food insecurity threatens the very foundation of our democratic experiment, which is why we must all work together. This crisis also presents an opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a stronger footing.”

The vice president clarified that the PFSCU was not established to override the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture but to complement its efforts.

He stressed that the gravity of the situation requires the collective ideas and resources of all stakeholders.

Earlier, governors on the committee outlined plans to modernize farming practices, boost crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River stated that his state aims to feed the nation and must modernize agriculture to achieve this goal.

“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu remarked.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, highlighted the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as major challenges to the nation’s food security efforts.

He called for investment in commercial agriculture, better funding, and enhanced security for farmers.

Additionally, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.

He noted that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.

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