Representative of Commodities Associations in Agricultural sector at the news conference in Abuja.
Over 40 commodities Associations in Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint an expert as minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to enhance food security in the country.
They said agriculture being the focal point of economic diversification would thrive better if an agricultural expert with track record is appointed to the job.
Speaking on behalf of the group, President, Pasture and Livestock Feeds Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Ali Baba, told newsmen in Abuja that over the years, portfolio farmers were largely in charge of the sector, resulting in poor, unimplementable policies.
According to the group, some challenges require “a real agricultural practitioner” to solve them.
“With the recent strides made by the Nigerian government to prioritise agriculture and achieve self-sufficiency in food production, we believe that involving key players from the commodities association in decision-making processes will further enhance the growth and success of the sector”.
He said: “As representatives of the association comprising farmers, producers, traders, and other stakeholders involved in the agricultural value chain, we recognize the significant role that agriculture plays in the development of our nation”.
“Involving representatives from our association ensures that farmers interest are adequately represented. These individuals can contribute to the formulation and execution of policies that promote market access, improved productivity, enhance value chain, facilitate access to financing and address issues such as post-harvest losses and market fluctuations,” he said.
Contributing, Aderibigbe Adekorede, Country Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), agreed that with the right minister in place, government will be better able to ensure synergy with foreign investors, which in turn will yield significant benefits for the nation.
Mr Ali Baba stressed the expertise and experience of the association’s members in various agricultural commodities, such as grains, livestock, vegetables and fruits, among others. According to him, they all recognise that “it is crucial to appoint someone from the group as a Minister”.
RN