By DORCAS PANKYES
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, recently emphasised the importance of collaboration among states in order to achieve food system transformation and improve food production in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Sensitisation Retreat for Commissioners of Budget and Economic Planning; Agriculture; and Health from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, the minister highlighted the need for peer review and cooperation among the sub-national entities.
The retreat, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on the recently, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Senator Bagudu stressed the importance of working together to address challenges in the food sector and to explore innovative solutions to improve food production.
In his address, the minister underscored the critical role of the states in driving the country’s economic development and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. He urged the commissioners to share best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that would lead to better outcomes in the food system.
He also highlighted the need for effective budgeting and planning to support agricultural growth and health service delivery at the state level and called on the commissioners to prioritise investments in these sectors and to leverage partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
The sensitisation retreat served as a platform for state officials to engage in constructive dialogue, learn from each other’s experiences, and develop strategies for fostering collaboration in food system transformation. The minister’s call for peer review and cooperation reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and promoting economic growth across the country.
