Nigeria Establishes Agro-Rangers to Address Insecurity on Farms

 The National Economic Council (NEC) rose from its 139th monthly meeting  held virtually in Abuja presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima with a bold decision taken to ensure food security and put an end to the economic challenges confronting the nation, including making fertilizer available to farmers and the establishment of Agro-Rangers to tackle insecurity in farms.

This is coming just as the Vice President has said with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges in the country.

Following a presentation by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on food security in the country, Shettima directed a meeting of the federal government with major fertilizer producers in the country, including Indorama, Dangote and Notore.

NEC made up of the 36 state governors, Finance and FCT Ministers, CBN Governor, among others, noted that fertiliser is a major ingredient of agricultural productivity which the government is striving to attain and urged the state governors to embrace modern agricultural practices to increase productivity.

Council also considered the establishment of Agro-Rangers in the short-term and the possible creation of state police in the long-term to address security threats on farmers. This was after a presentation by the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Geidam.

The government is also planning to release 42,000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to address rising prices.

 Minister of Agriculture called for action against dollarization of locally produced commodities like urea, which is impacting negatively on fertilizer prices and agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, the Vice President has called for sound economic decisions that will reverberate with the expectations of Nigerians.          

He expressed hope that with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its current economic challenges.

Shettima also regretted that Nigeria had been a victim of strong averseness to evolving and keeping up with the changing global economic order, leading to a situation where making difficult decisions to maximize its potential has become inevitable.

He said: “We must either redirect the economy towards a place of boom and competitiveness or brace for an impact we are unlikely to survive. So, beyond the heritage of our financial and monetary fiascos, we must compare notes to understand the interconnectedness of the dysfunctions in each sector of the economy”.

Delivering his opening speech titled, “It’s Time To Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest,” the Vice President told council members that it is President Bola Tinubu’s desire that they all stand together to collectively proffer solutions to safeguard the nation’s economy from imminent implosion.

He observed that while the wealth of every nation is in the belly of its citizens, the government has a long distance to cover in its interventions to enhance “food availability and affordability.

“The call to secure and liberate areas under threat from violence, most of which are arable lands owned by our farming communities, is not just a matter of security but a strategic move to revive the economic lifeblood of our nation,” he added.

Noting that the citizens are only keen about tangible results, Shettima stated: “Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while economic experts foresaw this transitional phase on our journey to a flourishing future, it is crucial to recognize that the ordinary citizen on the street is not concerned with any economic theory. Their daily concerns are anchored in the tangible.

“They are more invested in the price of maize than the predictions of GDP. So, as we deliberate on intricate economic strategies today, let us remain attuned to the heartbeat of the nation. We must ensure that our decisions resonate with the aspirations of the common man and woman who entrust us with their hopes and dreams.”

Acknowledging that the country is in the midst of a pervasive emergency, the Vice President  implored state governors, ministers and other NEC members to align their minds and actions with the reality on ground.

Other highlights of the meeting include:

Update on work done by the adhoc committees on oil theft prevention and economic matters set up in December.

UPDATES ON ACCOUNT BALANCE:

Minister of Finance and Coordinating of the Economy, Wale Edun, gave Council update on EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT $ 473, 754.57;

NATURAL RESOURCES  N114, 343, 535 696.46; and STABILISATION ACCOUNT       

N34, 315,780, 894. 45.

Council was called to note that the goal of the health sector is to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain and produce health for all Nigerians.

On health, council resolved that there is a need for states to enhance their governance systems and structures, accountability frameworks, strengthen fiduciary systems and develop comprehensive performance management systems.

Clearly, there is a need for states to better engage with the federal government and ensure that we have one plan in delivering quality health plan to Nigerians.

UPDATE ON THE NEC COMMITTEE ON FLOOD

Following a potential flood warning from the Lagdo dam in October 2023, an existing ad hoc committee was reinstated by the Chairman of NEC. The committee was mandated with producing a roadmap for flood prevention and response, while coming up with an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of flooding on the nation and Nigerians. 

This committee submitted its report with key recommendations and a strategic plan of action which was presented at the NEC meeting held on the 18th of October 2023.

Given the situation in the country, the NEC ad hoc Committee on flood was further mandated to investigate the projections for the 2024 raining season and present its findings at the next Council meeting to ensure preparedness and appropriate response ahead of the 2024 raining season. The committee has been tasked with working with experts at the various agencies to ensure that relevant data is made available on the 2024 flood forecast and necessary the reports are reviewed, and recommendations made to the NEC on how best to prepare and respond ahead of the 2024 flood season.

Council resolved to appoint the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to replace his predecessor as the chairman of the Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

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