FG Tasks NALDA on Food Security, Agric-Tech Expansion

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has charged the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to intensify efforts towards strengthening food security across the country through expanded use of agricultural technology and broader implementation of its programmes nationwide.

The charge was given in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the inauguration of the newly constituted board of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority.

Akume said the Authority remains central to the administration’s strategy for agricultural transformation, poverty reduction and rural development, stressing that Nigeria must urgently scale up food production through modern and technology-driven methods.

He urged the board to expand the reach of NALDA initiatives across more states, strengthen mechanised farming systems, and ensure that innovation plays a stronger role in boosting productivity.

“As we look ahead, NALDA is expected to scale up its programmes across more states, strengthen the use of technology, and expand opportunities for youth and women in agriculture,” Akume said.

He explained that agriculture remains a critical pillar of national development, particularly in addressing food insecurity, unemployment and economic diversification challenges.

According to him, the Federal Government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve agricultural output and ensure that farmers, especially in rural communities, benefit from modern systems and infrastructure.

Akume highlighted ongoing programmes under NALDA, including large-scale farm estates, greenhouse cultivation projects and aquaculture initiatives, all designed to enhance year-round food production and reduce dependence on imports.

He noted that these programmes are already contributing to increased food supply, job creation and rural economic activity, but stressed the need for wider implementation and improved efficiency.

The SGF also emphasised the importance of technology in modern agriculture, urging the board to integrate digital tools, mechanisation and climate-smart practices into NALDA’s operations.

He said the goal is to build a more resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the country’s growing food demand while creating opportunities for young people and women in the sector.

Akume further charged the board to approach its assignment with a strong sense of responsibility, transparency and commitment to national development, noting that effective leadership would be key to achieving results.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains focused on policies that promote food security and economic growth through agriculture and innovation.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NALDA Board, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, said the board’s mandate aligns with the government’s broader vision of strengthening agriculture as a driver of national development.

He pledged that the board would provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure that NALDA delivers on its objectives.

“As a Governing Board, our mandate is clear: to provide strategic direction, ensure sound governance, and uphold transparency and accountability in the discharge of our duties,” he said.

Barkiya added that the board would work closely with management to translate government policies into measurable outcomes that positively impact farmers and communities across the country.

He assured that NALDA would remain committed to improving food production systems, supporting rural farmers and expanding access to modern agricultural practices.

The inauguration comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face challenges related to food supply, inflationary pressures on staple commodities and the need to reduce dependence on food imports.

Analysts say the renewed focus on technology-driven agriculture and expanded institutional support could play a key role in addressing these challenges if properly implemented.

With the latest directive, attention is expected to shift to how effectively NALDA scales its programmes and integrates technology into its operations in the coming months, as part of broader efforts to achieve sustainable food security in the country.