The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has said the security and safety of farmers will translate into food security in the country and the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, stressing the present government’s commitment to ensuring secured farming atmosphere.
The honourable Minister made the statement while on a courtesy visit at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sauka, Abuja.
Honourable Aliyu expressed optimism that the collaboration with the Corps through the Agro-Rangers unit of the Corps which was birthed to protect the Agro-allied sector will help provide a conducive environment for farmers across the country to cultivate their lands, especially in this farming season.
He said the government is committed to providing all the necessary support in ensuring the Corps deploys gallantry and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities of protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“We are going to open up discussions on how we are going to refocus the Agro-Rangers unit to support the “Renewed Hope” agenda, especially the food security agenda and it is not enough for the NSCDC to be doing all this work and we the beneficiary are not working hand in gloves with you.
The president will want to see a situation where farmers will get back to their farms feeling safe and without fear of being kidnapped,” he added.
In his response, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi assured that the Corps is poised to collaborate with the federal government in the implementation of its policies.
The Commandant General said the Corps as a government agency charged with the responsibility of protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure among other assigned roles will continue to provide safety and security for the nation’s Agro-allied sector to curb food insecurity.
He reiterated the place of training as pivotal to the success of any organization and stated that the Corps plans to train over 5000 personnel in the Agro rangers for effectiveness and wider coverage.
“The strengthening of the existing relationship between the Corps and the Ministry of Agriculture will further strengthen the fight against food insecurity in the country,” Audi said.
