The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering food and nutrition security through a strategic alliance with the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).
This collaboration was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the CILSS delegation, led by Executive Secretary Abdoulaye Mahamadou, to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi.
Addressing the delegation, Senator Abdullahi stated that the partnership aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by modernising farming systems, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring food security for all citizens.
He noted ongoing efforts to scale up the cultivation of biofortified crops such as zinc-enriched rice and enhance agricultural mechanisation to drive productivity. Increasing food availability, affordability, and accessibility, he said, remains a national priority.
“We are committed to building resilient food systems that secure livelihoods and ensure household sustenance across the country,” Abdullahi stated. “Our collaboration with CILSS will strengthen technical capacity across all levels of government and guide the development of sustainable investment frameworks for long-term resilience.”
Echoing the minister’s remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing Nigeria’s food and nutrition challenges. He disclosed that the government is currently evaluating its readiness to respond to emerging threats to food safety and sovereignty.
In his remarks, CILSS Executive Secretary Abdoulaye Mahamadou reiterated the organisation’s dedication to enhancing nutrition and food security across the Sahel and West Africa. He noted that CILSS continues to advocate for resilient food systems, sustainable diets, and effective policy implementation in partnership with regional and international stakeholders.
“CILSS remains a key driver in the fight against food and nutrition insecurity across the Sahel,” Mahamadou said. “Our focus is on ensuring that populations in the region have consistent access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.”
The renewed partnership is expected to foster knowledge sharing, strengthen national food systems, and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address long-term food security challenges.
