In a bid to expedite agricultural development, the federal government has partnered with international organizations, development agencies, and private stakeholders to drive inclusive agribusiness growth in the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made this known during the Ministerial Press Briefing of the 2025 World Food Day celebration, with the theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” held in the Ministry’s Conference Room, Abuja, recently.
He pointed out that the Ministry has renewed its commitment for continuous collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and other Critical Stakeholders to strengthen the Nigeria’s agricultural sector while contributing to the eradication of hunger in the country.
In his word, “through these efforts, the government aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Nigerians. I am confident that with continued support and collaboration, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter tomorrow for our great nation.
“It is important to emphasize that global hunger and food crisis demand collective action. National governments, therefore, have a responsibility to make sure that their people have enough to eat. Although many governments have limited resources to do so, World Food Day necessitates the call for effective international solidarity”, the Minister added.
Abdullahi urged all to get involved by educating ourselves about global food challenges and food insecurity. “Let us advocate for policies and initiatives that will provide short, medium – and long-term solutions to address hunger, food waste, and sustainable farming practices at the local, national, and international levels. Let us be mindful of those facing hunger and malnutrition and take urgent steps to reduce food loss. By being part of the global food system, we must all come together to bring about the transformation that the world needs”.
He used the opportunity to express appreciation to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme, Oxfam, Action Aid, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Nestle Nig. Ltd, and other numerous partners who have contributed immensely towards the success of this year’s World Food Day.
The Minister assured that the present administration will continue to initiate policies and programmes that would transform the agricultural sector.
Speaking further, he emphasized that we are gathered here to commemorate World Food Day, a global celebration that highlights the importance of food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.” It is an international day celebrated every year around the world on October 16 to mark the anniversary of the founding of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945”.
“The Day is a global action dedicated annually to strengthen international and national solidarity in the fight to end hunger, malnutrition, and poverty and to highlight the need for food security and nutritious diets. By raising public awareness and encouraging the attention to increase food production, the ultimate aim of World Food Day is to combat world hunger and make food available for everyone”, the Minister stressed.
He, therefore, noted that this year’s World Food Day was unique for several reasons. The year 2025 is a convergence of World Food Day and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s 80th anniversary, a significant milestone highlighting the Organization’s efforts to create a more food-secure world. Likewise, the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” emphasizes the importance of global collaboration across governments, organizations, private sector, and communities to build a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and a food-secure future.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, urged Nigerians to leverage the country’s abundant natural resources and vibrant youth population to boost food availability He called on key stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem to collaborate in ensuring that Nigeria produces what it eats and eats what it produces, thereby driving transformation in the agricultural sector.
Earlier, Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security led officials of the Ministry and development partners on sensitization walk to create awareness on the importance of the day.
The Highlight was the distribution of agricultural inputs to selected beneficiaries from Young Farmers Club in Primary, Secondary Schools, Cooperative Societies amongst others.
Signed
Eremah Anthonia (Mrs)
Chief Information Officer
For: Head, Department of Information
17/10/2025
