THE Acting Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Khalid Ishiak, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s progress towards achieving food self-sufficiency and as a major exporter of agricultural products.
Speaking at the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo in Abuja, Dr. Ishiak highlighted the advancements Nigeria has made in processing agricultural goods, transitioning from merely exporting raw materials to producing finished products.
He emphasised that the government’s initiatives are focused not only on ensuring the nation is well-fed but also on preparing Nigeria to compete in the global market as an export-ready economy.
Dr. Ishiak also stressed the importance of involving the youth in agriculture, challenging the outdated perception that farming is solely for the elderly. He believes that engaging the younger generation is key to driving the sector forward.
“It is encouraging to see the youth being actively involved. Agriculture used to be seen as an occupation for the old, but today, we’re witnessing a shift. The President’s call for greater participation in agriculture is being heard, and Nigeria is on the right path towards food self-sufficiency. We’re not just exporting raw materials anymore; we’re processing them and producing final products. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to feeding the nation,” Dr. Ishiak remarked.
However, he acknowledged the challenges in achieving these ambitious goals, particularly in light of rising food prices and the global nutritional issues that many countries, including Nigeria, are grappling with.
“We’re in a period where food prices are high, and this is a significant concern for Nigeria. When a country produces in excess, challenges inevitably arise. The nutritional food crisis is not unique to Nigeria; it’s a global issue,” he noted.
Co-Convener of the Expo, Abiodun Olaniyi, underscored the event’s importance, emphasizing that the Nigeria International Agricultural Expo (NIA) is more than just an exhibition.
Olaniyi highlighted that the NIA plays a crucial role in promoting food security, fostering collaboration, and enhancing knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
“Nigeria can succeed in this endeavor. That’s why the Agroforestry Africa Network and CEMS Ltd. have been championing this cause. The Expo is not just about the event itself but the positive impact it has on the people,” Olaniyi explained.
He pointed out that the Expo, now a staple event in Abuja, aims to bring together key players from various sectors to discuss and tackle critical issues in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Olaniyi emphasised the importance of collaboration and networking, which are central themes of the Expo.
“We are addressing food security, fostering networking, and bringing all stakeholders together, which we’ve successfully achieved. If you look at the exhibition, we’ve accomplished that,” he stated.
This year’s Expo featured a combination of exhibitions and conferences that drew participants from across the country, including the northern states, further highlighting its national significance.
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