FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has commended the Nasarawa State Government for its agricultural drive-in rice production aimed at ensuring food security in the state and across Nigeria.
Kyari gave the commendation in Lafia during the official unveiling of the state-owned rice brand, NASACCO Rice, produced and bagged by the government in Awe and Obi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the minister, the unveiling of NASACCO Rice speaks eloquently to a leadership that understands that agricultural investment and development are deliberate, not accidental.
Kyari, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Ibrahim Alkali, also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for establishing the NASIDA One-Stop Investment Centre and the Multi-Door Courthouse in Lafia to boost investment opportunities in the state.
He noted that the projects were earlier commissioned on Tuesday by the Governor of Bengo Province in Angola, Maria Nelumba, who was in the state on a working visit with her delegation.
According to the minister, such engagement between Nasarawa State and Bengo Province reinforces the enduring value of cooperation among African governments and sub-national authorities in advancing shared development aspirations.
“Nasarawa State is laying a firm foundation for sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience. Today, Nasarawa State is clearly facing forward.
“These initiatives are the product of focused leadership and disciplined reform under Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“These achievements demonstrate what is possible when vision is matched with execution and accountability.
“In addition, the commissioning of the one-megawatt solar plant to power the State Secretariat represents a forward-looking investment in governance efficiency, reliable and sustainable power for government offices, enhances productivity, reduces operational cost, and ensures continuity in public service delivery. It reflects a commitment to modern, responsive, and environmentally responsible administration,” he said.
He commended Sule for his vision, discipline and commitment to measurable outcomes, while expressing gratitude to Nelumba for honoring the invitation, noting that it would strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Angola.
On his part, Governor Sule, while officially unveiling the Nasarawa State Agro Commodity Company rice, which is expected to enter the market at a 10 per cent discounted price, said the rice brand would simplify investment processes and strengthen agricultural value addition in the state.
“This will boost food security, attract investment, and implement strategies for sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Sule noted that the initiative aligned with the national agricultural policies under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes food security, private sector participation, value addition and inclusive growth.
He expressed gratitude to Silvex International for partnering with the state government to ensure the successful production and sale of the rice at an affordable price.
“This is in fulfilment of my administration’s efforts to attract private investment into the state’s agricultural sector.
“There will be a 10 per cent discount in the markets for customers, so I urge the citizens to come and buy from us,” he added.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
