National Assembly Vows To Strengthen Food Security Nationwide

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has reaffirmed its backing for the National Agricultural Development Fund as a component of its larger plan to improve Nigeria’s food security.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said in a statement shared with our correspondent on Saturday.

According to the statement, this reaffirmation came during the NADF budget defence on Thursday, where lawmakers pledged to strengthen the Fund’s efforts in boosting the nation’s agricultural sector.

“The legislators commended the NADF for its significant strides in 2024, particularly in facilitating sustainable agricultural development across the country,” Ibrahim said.

He further quoted the legislators as emphasising the need for more robust support for the Fund, particularly in ensuring the timely disbursement of seed capital—an essential factor for advancing the agricultural sector.

“The committees reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the NADF to achieve shared goals of enhancing the food security agenda of President Tinubu’s administration,” he said.

During the session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Saliu Mustapha, and the Chairman of the House Committee, Bello Kaoje, led the discussion on the Fund’s strategic priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

Ibrahim, while defending the NADF’s 2025 budget estimates, stressed key initiatives that include scaling up agricultural financing, enhancing seed production systems, and improving rural infrastructure to promote food security and sustainable economic growth.

“The NADF’s strategic priorities for 2025 include enhancing seed production systems, scaling up agricultural financing, and improving rural infrastructure to bolster food security and economic growth,” Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim also highlighted the Fund’s achievements in 2024, notably the successful implementation of flagship projects like the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment project.

These initiatives, he noted, were critical in strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders and facilitating impactful agricultural development.

The legislators expressed optimism that with continued and increased support, the NADF will be able to scale its efforts even further, contributing to the ongoing food security agenda of the current administration.