Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has called on the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to shift from rhetoric to tangible results in its mission to secure Nigeria’s food supply. Speaking at the PFSCU’s second meeting on Thursday, Shettima emphasized that Nigerians are looking for visible outcomes rather than promises, stressing the need for implementation of the PFSCU’s goals.
The Vice President acknowledged the abundance of presidential initiatives on food security in the past, but highlighted the lack of effective execution as a major obstacle. Established in July 2023, the PFSCU was inaugurated by Shettima following a recommendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a dedicated council to address Nigeria’s food insecurity. This initiative is part of the administration’s broader agenda to tackle hunger and economic hardship.
During the meeting, attended by state governors, development partners, and stakeholders, Shettima urged the PFSCU to consider urban agriculture, similar to models in countries like Cuba. He encouraged a move beyond traditional rural farming, advocating for diversification into sectors such as livestock and fisheries to address regional needs, particularly in the South-South and South-East.
“We have to walk the talk,” Shettima said, expressing his intent to support farming activities across the nation. He also urged the Honorable Minister of Agriculture to engage robustly with the private sector to drive the PFSCU’s initiatives forward.
State governors at the meeting echoed Shettima’s call for a practical approach. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum highlighted the need to focus on food quality as well as quantity, warning that food security encompasses both. “A nation will not be secure if the quality of food is not good,” Zulum stated, adding that fisheries and livestock should be integral to the country’s agricultural policies.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu reported on progress in his state, promising significant advancements in food security within two years. “Our target is to feed the nation,” he declared, emphasizing the state’s proactive role in food production.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji stressed the urgency of implementing agricultural initiatives, pointing out that agriculture is time-sensitive and requires immediate action. Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru advocated for hands-on leadership in farming, suggesting that seeing leaders actively involved could inspire youth participation in agriculture.
The meeting also saw inputs from Finance Minister Wale Edun, who supported the need for credit schemes to back agriculture, and Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari, who highlighted the issue of smuggling of Nigerian produce as a drain on local supply.
Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, outlined the PFSCU’s plans to mitigate Nigeria’s food crisis by strengthening the country’s agricultural advantage. Moon stated, “Our long-term vision is to strengthen Nigeria’s comparative advantage,” signaling the PFSCU’s commitment to sustainable food security.
As the PFSCU moves forward, Vice President Shettima’s remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to converting food security plans into impactful action to address the pressing issue of hunger in Nigeria.