The National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has reaffirmed its support for the National Agricultural Development Fund as part of efforts to bolster Nigeria’s food security agenda.
This commitment was highlighted during the NADF budget defence session held on Thursday, where lawmakers praised the agency’s contributions to sustainable agricultural development in 2024.
According to The PUNCH,the Executive Secretary and CEO of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim disclosed this in a statement..
“The legislators acknowledged the remarkable progress made by the NADF in driving agricultural growth and fostering sustainability across the nation,” Ibrahim said.
According to him, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of timely disbursement of seed capital to enhance the sector’s growth.
“They reiterated their dedication to collaborating closely with the NADF to align with President Tinubu’s food security agenda,” Ibrahim added.
The session was chaired by Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Senate Committee Chair, and Bello Kaoje, the Chairman of the House Committee. Discussions focused on the Fund’s strategic goals for the 2025 fiscal year.
Ibrahim, presenting the NADF’s budget estimates, outlined key priorities such as expanding agricultural financing, strengthening seed production systems, and improving rural infrastructure.
He described these initiatives as essential for promoting sustainable economic growth and enhancing food security.
“Our 2025 strategy includes scaling up agricultural funding, boosting seed production, and advancing rural infrastructure development to ensure long-term food security and economic growth,” Ibrahim explained.
He also highlighted the NADF’s achievements in 2024, including the successful rollout of projects like the Ginger Recovery Advancement and Transformation for Economic Empowerment initiative.
These efforts, he noted, have been instrumental in fostering stakeholder partnerships and driving impactful agricultural development.
The lawmakers expressed optimism about the Fund’s ability to scale its operations with increased support, reinforcing its role in achieving Nigeria’s food security objectives.
“Given its successes so far, we are confident that the NADF can continue to deliver on its mandate and support the administration’s vision for agricultural self-reliance,” one legislator stated during the session.
