FFDGN urged FG to depoliticize agriculture

…calls for harmonious relationship between deputy governors and their principals

Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), has urged the federal government to depoliticize agriculture through prioritisation of community data bank of genuine farmers in all programmes.

This is contained in a communique jointly signed by national chairman, Dr. Chris Akomas, the deputy national chairman north, Mukhtar Shetu Shagari and deputy national chairman south, Hazeem Gbolarumi at the end of third conference in Abuja with the theme “Strategic Solutions for good governance, food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria .

The communique encouraged the government to revamp the Bank of Agriculture and introduce modern technology in agriculture with agricultural hub to ensure adequate security in the hub.

“Government should strive to depoliticize Agriculture in Nigeria, by prioritizing community data bank of genuine farmers in all support programs. 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. The Bank of Agriculture should be revamped to live up to its responsibilities”

The communique stresses that youth entrepreneurship skills should be encouraged through Agricultural extension centers and demonstration farms stressing urgent need to strengthen Agricultural institutions and
linkages with relevant research centers.

It also urges Governors to ensure a harmonious relationship with their deputies to promote sustainable democratic governance in Nigeria, adding that entrenching good governance is an imperative for achieving food security and sustainable growth in Nigeria as the central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the communique Consultation for economic policy by the IMF and the World Bank should be open and all major Stakeholders in Nigeria should be included.

“Every effort should be made to ensure that funds from external borrowings by the Federal Government and sub-national Governments should be judiciously applied to productive activities and public infrastructure development with impact 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”

The communique emphasized that the public procurement Act should be amended for stiffer punishment against contract defaulters.

“The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria shall establish a Renewed Hope Agenda Peer Review Group to complement Government efforts in Humanitarian Disaster Management, the Forum shall establish a Humanitarian Support
System”

“Federal Government should continue to provide all necessary support to the Military and other security Agencies to ensure adequate security to Nigerians including strengthening the Military’s initiative in complementing National food production.

According to the communique the FFDGN therefore commended the Federal Government on its efforts to combat the scourge of food insecurity.