By Olukayode Idowu
Towards institutionalising Nigeria’s efforts at ensuring food system transformation that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, the Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Steering Committee on States’ implementation of the food systems transformation pathway.
“Due diligence was undertaken in the identification of high-level policy implementers and critical thinkers that will drive the implementation of the food system transformation pathway both at the national and sub national levels of Government in Nigeria.
There is no better time to inaugurate this Committee than now that the present administration is transiting to a new one on May 29, 2023,” said the Honourable Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, at the inauguration of the committee on Thursday, 20 April 2024 in Abuja.
He recalled that the journey for transforming the Food Systems started in 2020 with the call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that countries should take proactive measures to make their food systems more sustainable and resilient.
Addressing the 20-member committee further, Prince Agba disclosed that the committee would be expected to provide leadership for Zonal coordination of the implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways in all the 36 states including FCT.
The committee, the Hon. Minister explained, would lead advocacy to the State Governors and Governors’ Forum in each geopolitical zone and galvanize both political and financial support for implementation by critical stakeholders in each geopolitical Zone including the private sector and potential donors in the six Zones.
The National Convenor of the National Food System Transformation, and Director of Social Development, Federal Ministry of Finance Budget and National Planning, Dr Sanjo Faniran, urged the Permanent Secretaries in the six geopolitical zones to share with his office as quickly as possible, reports of good practices in preparation for the stock-taking event coming up in Rome in July this year.
He added that the States and the zones were ready for the implementation of the 2023 workplan.
The Minister is the Chairperson of the Committee while Mr. Fred Kafeero, the FAO Country Representative; Ms Dede Ekoue, the International Fund for Agriculture (IFAD) Country Representative; and Mr. David Stevens, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, are Co-chairs. The National Convenor serves as the Secretary.
