NEC Outlines Measures to Ensure Food Security Amid Hardship

• The National Economic Council (NEC) implements measures to improve fertilizer availability and establish Agro-Rangers to combat agricultural insecurity
• Vice President Kashim Shettima chairs the 139th virtual NEC meeting, emphasizing the need for short, medium, and long-term economic strategies

The National Economic Council (NEC) has taken decisive steps to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, including initiatives to improve fertilizer availability for farmers and the establishment of Agro-Rangers to combat insecurity in agricultural areas.

During the 139th virtual meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, NEC affirmed its commitment to developing clear and actionable short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to overcome the nation’s economic hurdles.

Following a presentation on food security by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Vice President Shettima directed engagements with major fertilizer producers like Indorama, Dangote, and Notore to enhance fertilizer accessibility.

NEC underscored the importance of fertilizer in boosting agricultural productivity and urged state governors to adopt modern farming practices to bolster food production.

Furthermore, NEC deliberated on the immediate establishment of agro-rangers and explored the potential creation of state police in the long term to address security challenges faced by farmers.

The Agriculture Minister also highlighted the adverse effects of dollarization on locally produced commodities like urea, impacting fertilizer prices and agricultural output.

In his address titled “It’s Time To Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest,” VP Shettima stressed the need for sound economic decisions aligned with citizens’ expectations. He emphasized the urgency of redirecting the economy towards competitiveness to avert potential collapse.

Recognizing the citizens’ concerns about tangible results, Shettima urged policymakers to prioritize interventions that resonate with the aspirations of the common people.

Amid the prevailing emergency, he called upon state governors, ministers, and NEC members to synchronize their efforts with the ground reality, emphasizing the imperative of addressing citizens’ immediate needs.

VP Shettima urged collective action and alignment of policies with citizens’ aspirations to navigate Nigeria towards economic prosperity.