The National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG) and National Coordinator of the Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027, Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken, has commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Abubakar Kyari for what he described as the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthening food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Abubakar Kyari in a handshake with the National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG) and National Coordinator of the Asiwaju Again Renewed Hope Support Initiative 2027, Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken during the visit.
Amb. Tsoken said the agricultural initiatives being rolled out under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are capable of repositioning agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, employment creation, food security and national development.
He particularly applauded the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security for articulating and implementing programmes aimed at moving Nigeria from a predominantly consumption-driven economy to a more productive and agriculturally self-sufficient nation.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agricultural Diversification Programme is consistent with President Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, with agriculture occupying a strategic position in the administration’s efforts to diversify the economy away from excessive dependence on crude oil.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, while outlining the Federal Government’s agricultural agenda, had emphasised that food security remains a major priority of the administration, stressing the need to increase domestic production, improve farmers’ access to modern inputs and technology, strengthen agricultural value chains and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
Amb. Musa Muhammed Tsoken and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr. Abubakar Kyari in a development discussion during the visit.
The Minister further explained that the administration’s agricultural transformation agenda focuses on increasing production of key food commodities, promoting mechanisation, strengthening irrigation and dry-season farming, expanding agro-processing and ensuring that farmers have better access to markets and productive inputs.
Commending these initiatives, Amb. Tsoken identified six major areas of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Diversification Strategy which, according to him, deserve sustained attention:
Food Security First:
Massive investment in the production of rice, maize, wheat, cassava and livestock to increase domestic food supply, reduce dependence on imports and address food insecurity.
Mechanisation and Technology:
Expanding access to tractors, modern agricultural equipment, improved seedlings, extension services and other technologies to improve productivity across the country’s 774 local government areas.
Youth Participation in Agriculture:
Creating opportunities for young Nigerians through farm clusters, agricultural cooperatives, skills development and access to affordable financing through relevant financial institutions and intervention programmes.
Value-Chain Development:
Promoting agro-processing zones, commodity hubs and other value-addition initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses, increase farmers’ earnings and stimulate the growth of agro-allied industries.
Irrigation and All-Year Farming:
Strengthening irrigation infrastructure and dry-season farming to reduce dependence on rainfall and ensure sustained agricultural production throughout the year.
Farmer Support and Input Reforms:
Improving the delivery of fertilisers, improved seeds, equipment and other agricultural support directly to genuine farmers while reducing the role of intermediaries and leakages.
Amb. Tsoken described the Minister’s approach as an important component of the Federal Government’s effort to make agriculture more productive, commercially viable and attractive to the younger generation.
He said the agricultural sector has enormous potential to address multiple national challenges simultaneously by increasing food production, creating employment, supporting rural economies, reducing poverty and expanding opportunities for investment.
The APC-IGG National President therefore called on Nigerians, particularly farmers and youths in Taraba State and other agricultural communities across the country, to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the sector and actively participate in the Federal Government’s agricultural programmes.
He also urged stakeholders in the agricultural value chain—including farmers, cooperatives, financial institutions, private investors, processors and development partners—to support the administration’s efforts to build a more productive and sustainable agricultural economy.
“With agriculture, we can feed Nigeria, create sustainable employment for our youths, strengthen our rural economy and build a more prosperous nation. The agricultural initiatives being championed by the President and implemented by the Ministry deserve the support and participation of all Nigerians.” Amb. Tsoken said.
He reaffirmed the APC-IGG’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that advance good governance, economic development, food security and improved livelihoods for Nigerians.