President Bola Tinubu has pledged to implement a comprehensive programme aimed at ending farmer-herder clashes across Nigeria, provided state governments provide adequate land for the initiative. Speaking at the flag-off of the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanisation Programme in Niger State, Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring food sufficiency and protecting local industries for sustainable economic growth.
In his address, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges posed by roaming cattle on farmlands and vegetation and expressed his determination to re-orient herders while making provisions for cattle rearing to address the issue. His comments align with the Federal Government’s recent launch of the Pulaku Initiative, a resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts in select states.
Addressing governors present at the event, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration between the federal and state governments in providing land for agricultural initiatives. He called on sub-national governments to implement wage awards to ease the burden on citizens, pending an increase in the minimum wage.
The Food Security and Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, initiated by the Niger State government, aims to leverage cutting-edge agricultural machinery and technology for large-scale agro-value chain development. Tinubu commended the state’s commitment to agricultural development and urged other states to emulate similar initiatives.
Highlighting federal government efforts, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced agreements with international partners to provide financial support for agricultural mechanization programmes across Nigeria. These partnerships are expected to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to food security in the country.
During his visit to Niger State, Tinubu also held discussions with former Nigerian Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, focusing on strategies to advance the nation’s development agenda.