By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with agricultural stakeholders to strengthen food production, create employment opportunities, and drive sustainable economic development across the country.
This commitment was reiterated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during a meeting with a delegation from the Afrigroundnut Farmers Association of Nigeria led by its President, Abdullahi Muhammad Isa, in Abuja.
Akume, who was represented at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, emphasised the historical and economic significance of groundnut production to Nigeria’s development.
He recalled that groundnut once played a major role in the nation’s economy, noting that the famous groundnut pyramids of Northern Nigeria in the 1940s and 1950s significantly contributed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and even supported early oil exploration efforts.
According to him, reviving groundnut production and supporting farmers through strategic partnerships will help stimulate economic growth, strengthen food security, and improve livelihoods across rural communities.
The SGF also expressed appreciation to the association for its support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged the group to mobilise its members nationwide in support of the government’s development agenda.
Akume assured the delegation that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the agriculture sector through policies and programmes that will enhance productivity and improve the economic prospects of farmers across the country.
Earlier, the President of AGFAN, Abdullahi Muhammad Isa, assured the government of the association’s readiness to operate within a sustainable agricultural framework. He explained that any support provided to farmers in the form of inputs such as seedlings, fertilisers, and equipment would translate into improved productivity, increased economic returns, and greater contributions to national development.
Isa stressed that mechanisation remains a crucial factor in achieving large-scale agricultural productivity, noting that improved access to modern farming tools would help Nigerian farmers compete globally and boost export earnings.
He further reaffirmed the association’s support for the All Progressives Congress and the administration of President Tinubu, pledging that members of the association across the 36 states of the federation would mobilise to support the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of collaboration between government and agricultural stakeholders as Nigeria seeks to revitalise key sectors of its economy and enhance national food security.
