FG sets to strengthen food security strategy with 64 working members

Federal Government ( FG) is set to strengthen the mechanism to achieve food security as 64 working group members has been officially inaugurated very recently in Abuja.

The 64-member think tank, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubarka Kyari, is to devise a smarter approach using best Agricultural practices to ensure food security as quickly as possible in the country.

The think Tank 64 members are tagged as the Agricultural Sector Working Group (ASWG) 

ASWG comprises 17 technical members, reflecting a broad coalition of stakeholders across government, private sector, academia, civil society, with international development partners.

This multi-sectoral working group is tasked with implementing the agri-food system transformation initiatives that align with the African Union Heads of State's resolutions to enhance food security and nutrition across the continent.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sen. Kyari emphasized the importance of collaborative governance in achieving food systems transformation, adding that  ASWG would serve as a critical platform for coordination and monitoring of the sector's policies to ensure accountability and transparency.

Kyari pointed out that the group would meet quarterly to assess progress, gaps, and refine strategies to ensure alignment with national and continental food system sustainability priorities.

Mr. Azubike Nwokoye of  ActionAid Nigeria stressed the need to prioritize smallholder farmers, especially women in rural areas, who persistently face challenges such as limited access to credit, land, and modern inputs.

He also commended the minister for securing ₦1.5 trillion to fund the agric sector in Nigeria, saying that  "This funding will go a long way in addressing credit issues that have plagued smallholder farmers for years."

National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Architect Kabiru Ibrahim, applauded the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the food system, saying the formation of the working group was timely to ensure food security.

Mr. Christopher Mensah Yawson, Head of Trade Development at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the urgent need for investment and innovation in the agricultural sector, just as he lamented that only 14.9% of farmers currently had access to agricultural advisory services.

Yawson said that " It is regrettable that access to finance and investment capital remains a recurring concern. We need multi-sectoral coordination to increase investments, adopt innovative practices, and industrialize the agro sector. Sustainable food production and agro-industrialization are essential to unlocking trade potential within the region."

The next ASWG meeting is scheduled for October 30, 2025, where members will review sectoral progress, assess implementation outcomes, and refine strategies for moving forward.