Amaechi seeks investments in agriculture to ensure food security in Nigeria

A former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has called for significant investment in agriculture to ensure food security in Nigeria, Amaechi, who is also a former Governor of Rivers, made the call during avisit to Maraba Gaate settlement Farm gate in Nasarawa on Tuesday.

He also called for changing the farming system to embrace modern technology and mechanized methods rather than continuing with traditional, low-yield agriculture.

The focus on farming, he said, is aimed at enhancing food production, reducing dependency on imports, and providing jobs,
“The best way to fight insecurity in the country is to invest in agriculture,” he said.

Amaechi emphasises transitioning from subsistence to modern, mechanised agricultural practices to boost economic growth and tackle food insecurity.

He expressed satisfaction with what he saw on the farm and called for more commitment in the project.

He pledged to invest in agriculture and replicate what he did at the Songhai farms in Rivers when he was the governor.

Also speaking, Mr Retson Tedheke, the Sarkin Yakin Ga’ate and Managing Director, Nigeria Farmers’ Group & Cooperative Society (NFGCS) Farm Estate, said his aim was to create a farming community estate where Nigeria can attain food security.

He advocated for what he called “economic democracy”, saying that economic democracy empowers the capacity of Nigerians to be productive for development.

“We don’t need to import food to feed our people in the country, I often say that there is no issue of insecurity in the country. If we take care of the economy of the country we won’t have to deal with insecurity.

“As long as Nigeria imports what we can produce, it means we are giving room to insecurity”.

Tedheke, expressed optimism over Amaechi’s visit to the farm, stating that the partnership would go a long way to solve the problems of unemployment in the community.

He urged the government to concentrate on feeding nigerians so as to curb insecurity in the country,.

Our corespondent reports that the farm spans is about 1,000 hectares and has operated for nearly a decade.

The project includes housing, healthcare and schools for workers, employing over 500 people.