Federal Government has declared open the Technical Session of the 47th Regular Meeting of National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) to achieve food sovereignty and revolutionize the agricultural ecosystem.
Speaking during the Technical Session of the NCAFS, held at Musa Yar’Adua Conference Hall in Kaduna ,Kaduna State on Monday, 3rd November 2025, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi said that the Technical Session would enable stakeholders to develop strategies for food sovereignty and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that “the theme, ‘Food Sovereignty and Food Security in an Era of Renewed Hope’, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises agriculture for economic recovery and transformation.”
He noted that “the technical session as the council’s engine room, where memoranda from states, partners, and the private sector were reviewed to guide national agricultural policy.”
He added that “the platform ensure that stakeholders engage in robust, evidence-based discussions that will ultimately shape the resolutions to be taken at the Council Session on Thursday.”
“This process is central to the strength and credibility of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security. It ensures that the recommendations we advance are inclusive, well-informed, and grounded in the realities of our diverse agricultural landscape.”
“Our task in this Technical Session is, therefore, not only to review memoranda but to build consensus to blend knowledge from policy, research, and practice into actionable strategies that would drive transformation across the value chains”, he added.
Ogunbiyi urged the participants to evaluate what has worked, identify emerging gaps, and collectively chart a new course for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and to leverage on the opportunity to share experiences and innovations from their respective states, especially on climate-smart agriculture, extension reforms, agribusiness development, and digital transformation.
Speaking further, he commended the participation of development partners such as FAO, IFAD, WFP, AfDB, World Bank, USAID, IFPRI, amongst others for their technical and financial support which continues to strengthen the collective capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2-Zero Hunger.
He, therefore, urged the participants to approach the deliberations with focus and a spirit of collaboration to achieve productive and meaningful outcomes that would strengthen Nigeria’s journey toward food sovereignty and food security.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Kaduna State, Hon. Murtala Mohammad Dabo said the Government and good people of Kaduna State are delighted to host the national dialogue on the future of agriculture – a sector that binds every part of the country, sustains the communities, and remains vital to collective progress.
He added that Kaduna State is proud to open its doors to the nation, and to serve as the meeting ground for this year’s Council deliberations, pointing out that this Council, over the years, has evolved into far more than a policy platform.
According to him, “It has become a space for reflection, learning, and renewal, where states share experiences, forge collaborations, and align strategies for national growth. We are confident that the 47th Session will carry forward this proud tradition and set new benchmarks in our pursuit of food security and agricultural transformation.”
The Commissioner further stated that Kaduna State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Uba Sani, CON, agriculture has been reimagined as a driver of opportunity, peace, and prosperity, noting his unwavering support and his belief that no society can prosper without empowering its farmers.
He, therefore expressed deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for the confidence reposed in Kaduna to host this prestigious gathering, and to all our colleagues from the 36 states and the FCT for their friendship and partnership.
In his remarks, Director Planning and Policy Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu reiterated that the theme was a call to action and a shared vision, stressing that it challenges us to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce the food we consume and reduce external dependence to ensure that every Nigerian household has reliable access to safe and nutritious food.
He noted that we are to continually provide an enabling environment to actualize the country’s agricultural potential with the engagement of individuals and groups in productive ventures.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of memos from various project departments of the Ministry, State Offices, and Research Institutes, amongst others.
In attendance were representatives from Actionaid, GiZ, International Fertiliser Development Centre, IFDC, and AGRA, amongst others.
Signed
Eremah Antonia (Mrs)
Chief Information Officer
For: Head, Department of Information
3/11/2025
