NEC demands states’ participation in PFSCU to combat food security challenges

By Ibrahim Umar,

Kanempress News,

13th, December,2024

The National Economic Council, NEC, has urged state governments to key into the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, in a bid to tackle the challenges militating against food security and their underlying causes.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.

NEC took the decision during its 147th meeting chaired by the Vice President Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a presentation to council, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Office of the Vice President, Marion Moon, and coordinator of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, PFSCU, highlighted the strategy proposed by the unit to collaborate with sub-nationals in tackling food insecurity and unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potentials across the country.

She said the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit priorities, especially in agri-business, will enhance delivery mechanisms and expedite action in the attainments of targets enshrined in President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the various aspirations by the respective state governments.

In its resolution, NEC “commended the presentation by the coordinator of the unit and urged state governments to key into the initiative,” even as it “requested the unit to prepare key achievements of its unit at the next meeting of the council”.

Earlier, Vice President Shettima said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.

He urged members of the Council to brace up for 2025, taking into cognizance the extent to which the programmes, projects, and policies executed this year have influenced the course of the nation’s economy.

Senator Shettima, who presided over the NEC meeting, noted that it was not just the final meeting of Council for 2024 but also a session to assess progress made so far in advancing the aspirations of the citizens and whether the actions and decisions taken have justly prioritised the collective good over individual interests.

He said, “Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.

“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit”, he said.

Vice President Shettima observed that the National Economic Council meeting, which is always held at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa has been an avenue, which provides diverse viewpoints, including dissenting and contrarian voices.

He noted that it attest to the democratic disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Vice President Shettima stated: “This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognised your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.

He said: “As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many. Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted”.

Vice President Shettima also described the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focuses on Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, as a significant opportunity for Nigeria.

“This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts,” he said.

“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy,” Vice President Shettima further noted.

On the update on NEC Ad-hoc Committee on flood, erosion, drought and desertification, chairman of the NEC Ad-hoc Committee and Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo gave an update report on the committee’s activities and noted the implementation of some of its recommendations, especially the provision of financial support to States and disbursement of funds to line ministries and agencies of government to address flood and related disasters across Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima prayed Council to approve the winding down of the committee’s activities and transfer of its duties to the Taskforce on Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification.

The Council noted the prayers of the committee and commended the chairman and members for discharging their tasks dutifully.

He approved its recommendations for the disbursement of the balance of funds approved for MDAs for flood mitigation and related activities.