Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSC), has issued a rallying cry to the private sector to join forces with the Tinubu administration to revolutionize Nigeria’s food system. This call to action is part of a broader effort to transform the country’s agricultural sector from subsistence to full-scale commercial agriculture.
The Tinubu-led administration has already taken significant steps to address the food crisis in Nigeria. One notable example is the declaration of a state of emergency on food production, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling this critical issue. Furthermore, a $4.3 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Brazil to support fertilizer production, hybrid seed production, and agricultural credit lines. These initiatives are designed to stimulate agricultural growth, improve productivity, and increase food availability in the country.
Shettima emphasized the vital role that private sector leadership can play in driving this transformation. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and innovation of the private sector, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. The country’s vast domestic market, with over 200 million consumers, presents a significant opportunity for businesses to tap into and create value.
The government recognizes that a resilient, market-driven food economy is essential for ensuring food security, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. By partnering with the private sector, the administration aims to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the agricultural sector.
Nigeria’s food system transformation is part of a broader global effort to create more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. The United Nations Food Systems Summit, held in 2021, brought together world leaders to discuss the need for transformative action to address the complex challenges facing global food systems.
In Nigeria, the government has developed a National Pathway for Food System Transformation, which outlines the country’s vision for a more sustainable and equitable food system. This pathway is guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, and is designed to promote coordination and collaboration among stakeholders across the food system.
The private sector has a critical role to play in supporting the implementation of this pathway. By investing in agricultural research and development, improving agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, businesses can help drive the transformation of Nigeria’s food system.
In conclusion, the call by Shettima for private sector collaboration to transform Nigeria’s food system is a timely and important one. By working together, the government, private sector, and other stakeholders can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system that benefits all Nigerians. The future of Nigeria’s food system is bright, and with collective effort and commitment, the country can unlock its full potential and become a leader in African agriculture.
