TheCable

Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning, has urged the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to invest more in agriculture to further strengthen the food security drive of the federal government.

Ahmed made the call at the recent commissioning of Pandagric Novum farm in Nasarawa state, according to a statement by Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, her special adviser on media and communications.

She said the ministry would continue to support NSIA as it forges ahead into various other investments in the country.

Speaking on the commissioning of the farm, the minister lauded the agriculture intervention initiative of NSIA, saying that it is very commendable.

The farm, which is located in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state, is supported by the NSIA in partnership with Signature Agri Investments.

Further speaking at the event, Ahmed also commended the foresight and the commitment of the NSIA in serving as a catalyst in galvanising the much-needed investments in the agriculture sector and its value chain.

Specifically, she applauded the company for staying with the NSIA to “make this investment a releasable one”, and saluted the doggedness of the leadership of the NSIA for ensuring that the project is completed within a period of four years, despite the various challenges.

Ahmed stated that President Muhammadu Buhari prioritises agriculture not just for increased productivity but for food security.

“This is the kind of investment and project that we should continue to invest in and replicate in several other parts of our country, so that the community, like we have seen today here, can be engaged in production farming. The example of the increase in yield per hectare is amazing, and this should be encouraged,” the minister said.

Ahmed said NSIA’s decision to partner the private sector in investing in agriculture is in line with the food security agenda of the federal government.

The minister described Pandagric farm as the largest maize farm in Nigeria and commended the governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule, for providing the land for the farming project.

Ahmed said the partnership between the NSIA and private sector is a demonstration that there are huge untapped potentials to invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

On his part, Uche Orji, managing director of NSIA, highlighted the surmountable challenges that bedeviled the project from the outset.

He solicited more government support in the areas of road infrastructure, communications and power, while thanking the ministers of environment and agriculture for their support and understanding.

In addition, Farouk Gumel, NSIA chairman, restated the mandate of the authority, which is to develop infrastructure and promote inclusion.

“We have always believed in partnership and we are here today to witness that clear idea of partnership. This partnership is between the government and a community, and also between the people, organisations and the government. The local government has been fantastic, the traditional ruler and the Governor have been forthcoming and, therefore, we are commissioning a fantastic project,” he said.