Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called on the Federal Government to continue to provide all necessary support to security agencies to boost food production
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called on the Federal Government to continue to provide all necessary support to security agencies to boost food production in the country.
The forum made the call in a communiqué issued on Friday at the end of its two-day national conference in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by the forum’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Mukhtar Shagari; Deputy National Chairman (South), Hazeem Gbolarumi and its National Chairman, Chris Akomas.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s conference was: “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”
The former deputy governors said that the support to the military and other security agencies should include strengthening their initiative in complementing national food production.
While commended the Federal Government for its efforts at combating insecurity and food insecurity in the country, the forum called for depoliticisation of agriculture.
This, it said, should be done by prioritising community data bank of genuine farmers in all the support programmes.
“Government is encouraged to introduce modern technology in agriculture, including equipment, high-yield seeds and seedlings to boost food production.
“Government should create agricultural hubs and ensure adequate security for the hubs, while community vigilante groups will complement the national security,’’ it said.
The forum also called for the revamp of Bank of Agriculture for it to live up to its responsibilities, adding that youth entrepreneurship skills should be encouraged through agricultural extension centres and demonstration farms.
It added that agricultural institutions in the country should be urgently strengthened and linked with relevant research centres.
The group also called for harmonious relationship between governors and their deputies to promote sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria.
It noted that entrenching good governance was imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also said that consultations for economic policy by IMF and the World Bank should be open and inclusive of all major stakeholders in the country.
It said that funds from external borrowings by the federal and sub-national governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with impacts on citizens’ standard of living.
“As a matter of policy, the federal government should enact laws at federal and state levels that will compel successive governments to complete subsisting projects as they embark on new ones.
“Furthermore, the Public Procurement Act should be amended for stiffer punishment against contract defaulters,’’ it said.
The forum disclosed that it would establish a Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group as well as a humanitarian support system to complement government efforts in humanitarian disaster management. (NAN)
