President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Niger State, stressing that his administration remains committed to ensuring food sufficiency and protecting local industries for sustainable economic growth.

The project, an initiative of the Niger State government, is for the deployment of cutting-edge agricultural machinery and technology for large-scale agro-value chain development in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, March 11, 2024, Tinubu said the event represents another step in the food security and agricultural mechanisation agenda, saying Nigeria must enhance its capacity to feed its people and have enough for export.

The president said: “We have seen the level of commitment here. We have seen leadership. The success of any leader will depend on the ability to do what needs to be done when it ought to be done. It is now time for us to address the challenges and make Nigeria an economy of opportunities. We must care for our people; re-orient our people. I do not see why Nigeria cannot feed all students in its schools.

“I know what it means for roaming cows to eat crops and the vegetation of our land. I know it is painful. But when we re-orient the herder and make provision for cattle rearing, we can address that. You are the governors who are to provide us with land. I, as President, I am committed to providing a comprehensive programme that will solve this problem.”

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President Tinubu also urged sub-national governments, as an immediate intervention measure, to implement wage awards in their states to complement the efforts of the federal government in easing the burden of citizens, pending when the minimum wage is increased.

He added: “I am equally here to partner with you to banish hunger. You are doing the job. And it is necessary for me to support you; it is mandatory as Nigerians. When you read newspapers, some of us are confused about whether to abuse the past or the present or to make excuses for the future. But that is not in my dictionary. I think action now, re-engineer the finances of our country and steer it on the right path.

“The student loan programme will commence. There will be unemployment benefits for our graduates. The social security benefits for the elderly and the vulnerable will commence. We are fine-tuning all of that area.

“We need to relieve our people of hunger. Let all the sub-nationals start paying wage awards, pending when the minimum wage is increased. I am not giving an order; I am only appealing. NEC should adopt this.”

Appreciating the president for honouring his invitation and inaugurating the facilities, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, said four states – Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Lagos – had already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on building partnerships for the development of agriculture in the country.

The Star