The 2025 budget defense session for the Ministry of Agriculture provided a platform for addressing Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges, with Hon. Chike Okafor, Ph.D., at the forefront. Serving as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Okafor co-chaired the event, which was convened by the Joint Senate and House Committee on Agriculture.
The session was dedicated to examining the ministry’s budgetary proposals and aligning them with Nigeria’s agricultural and food security priorities. It brought together key stakeholders to evaluate how federa bl investments could bolster agricultural productivity and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
In his address, Hon. Okafor reflected the urgent need to prioritize food security as a national imperative. He called for increased investments in agriculture, advocating for strategic policies that directly address the challenges faced by farmers and other critical actors in the sector.
“Food security is not just an agricultural issue—it is a national security issue. We must provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable, nutritious food while empowering our farmers,” he stated.
Hon. Okafor highlighted the work of his committee, which has actively collaborated with state assemblies to develop coordinated strategies aimed at addressing food insecurity. He emphasized that such partnerships are essential for creating lasting solutions and ensuring that the agricultural sector receives the attention it deserves.
The Joint Committee collectively agreed on the importance of aligning the ministry’s budget with the nation’s broader agricultural goals. Members pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that funds are effectively utilized to drive meaningful results.
Hon. Okafor also pointed out the need for more proactive legislative oversight to guarantee that allocated resources translate into tangible benefits for the agricultural sector. He stressed that addressing food scarcity and improving agricultural output requires a consistent commitment to monitoring and evaluating government initiatives.
The session ended with a shared commitment to prioritizing agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social development. Hon. Okafor’s leadership in this regard reaffirmed his dedication to finding innovative and collaborative solutions to the nation’s food security challenges. His advocacy for increased investment and policy reform continues to shape the dialogue on agricultural sustainability and national development.
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