The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Joseph Utsev, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria, emphasizing that it remains a top priority for the current administration. Speaking at a recent public forum, the Minister highlighted the critical role that water resources and sanitation play in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and food security for the country.
Mr. Utsev explained that food sufficiency is not just about increasing agricultural output but also about creating a sustainable system where all Nigerians have consistent access to affordable and nutritious food. To this end, the Federal Government is implementing several initiatives to enhance water availability and management, improve irrigation systems, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices.
One of the key strategies outlined by the Minister is the rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria's irrigation infrastructure. Many of the country's irrigation facilities are outdated or in poor condition, limiting their effectiveness in supporting large-scale agriculture. By investing in modernizing these systems, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity, especially in areas prone to droughts and inconsistent rainfall patterns. This effort includes developing new irrigation projects and enhancing existing schemes to maximize their reach and efficiency.
Mr. Utsev also emphasized the importance of integrating water management with agricultural policies to ensure that farmers have reliable access to water throughout the year. This includes promoting the use of innovative water conservation techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, and implementing water storage solutions to mitigate the effects of seasonal droughts and unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change.
In addition to improving irrigation, the Federal Government is focused on addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges in rural areas, where poor water quality and inadequate sanitation infrastructure directly impact food production and public health. Contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities increase the risk of waterborne diseases, which can severely affect agricultural workers and communities dependent on farming. By investing in clean water and proper sanitation facilities, the government aims to create a healthier environment that supports sustainable agriculture.
The Minister further outlined the government's plans to collaborate with international partners, local communities, and the private sector to drive innovation and investment in Nigeria's agricultural and water sectors. These partnerships are aimed at leveraging resources and expertise to develop resilient agricultural systems that can withstand environmental shocks and stresses, ensuring food security in the long term.
The Federal Government's commitment to food sufficiency is also reflected in its efforts to empower smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of Nigeria's farming population. Mr. Utsev highlighted initiatives to provide farmers with access to affordable credit, improved seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs to enhance their productivity. Additionally, the government is focusing on developing agricultural value chains to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food processing and storage, and enhance market access for locally produced food.
Mr. Utsev's remarks come at a time when Nigeria, like many countries, faces multiple challenges related to food security, including population growth, climate change, and economic pressures. The Minister acknowledged these challenges but expressed confidence that with strategic planning, investment, and collaboration, Nigeria could achieve its goal of becoming food-sufficient and less dependent on food imports.
The Minister's emphasis on food sufficiency aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's broader economic agenda, which prioritizes agricultural development as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. The government believes that by ensuring food security, it can also stabilize the economy, reduce inflation driven by high food prices, and improve the overall well-being of the Nigerian population.
In conclusion, Mr. Joseph Utsev reiterated that achieving food sufficiency is not just a policy goal but a national imperative that requires coordinated efforts across all levels of government, private sector involvement, and active participation from local communities. He called for sustained investment in water resources, agricultural technology, and rural infrastructure to ensure that every Nigerian has access to enough safe and nutritious food, regardless of economic status or geographical location.
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