The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while presenting a paper at a one-day capacity-building workshop for journalists covering the Senate.
According to him, the president’s directive will be implemented by ensuring the safe and unhindered passage of agricultural products through key trade routes nationwide—an initiative targeted at cutting down logistics costs that drive up food prices.
“I can say it on good authority that the president has given a matching order, with a Federal Executive Council committee already handling it. This is about promoting safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country,” Abdullahi said.
The minister explained that exorbitant transportation costs remain one of the major factors behind skyrocketing food prices. By addressing this challenge, he said, the government aims to fulfill President Tinubu’s vision of achieving food sovereignty.
Food Sovereignty and Agricultural Reforms
Abdullahi stressed that food sovereignty goes beyond mere availability, noting it must also ensure accessibility, affordability, and nutritional value on a sustainable basis.
He highlighted upcoming programmes, including the Farmer Soil Health Scheme—set for launch soon—and a comprehensive cooperative sector reform designed to mobilise resources, generate economic activity, and improve livelihoods.
“The president has shown tremendous interest in cooperatives as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation and improving the welfare of members. The principle of cooperatives is democratic and productive, and we are reforming this sector to make it more impactful,” he added.
Workshop on Parliamentary Reporting
The workshop, themed “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges, and Responsibilities”, also featured contributions from Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs; Senator Ita Enang; and Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
The event emphasised the role of journalists in strengthening parliamentary accountability and improving the quality of democratic governance in Nigeria.
