The Nasarawa Agricultural Policy Facilitation and Advisory Committee (NAPFAC) has commenced the review of the draft State Agricultural Policy document.
The document is geared towards making the state a hub for agribusiness and food systems innovation in Nigeria and West Africa.
Speaking at the review meeting with technical experts on Tuesday in Lafia, Mr Mike Imafidor, Chairman of NAPFAC, said the document was expected to serve as a blueprint for agricultural growth and investment in the state.
“The draft Nasarawa Agriculture Policy and Investment Framework seeks to build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural economy and drive rural transformation.
“It also seeks to ensure food and nutrition security, attract responsible investment, and establish the state as a premier agribusiness destination,” he said.
According to Imafidor, the committee is currently reviewing the draft to make necessary adjustments before its ratification.
Also speaking, Mr Kenneth Ode, Project Manager of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) – Nasarawa State Capability for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation project, explained that data collectors were being trained to analyze food security and livelihood status across the state.
Ode said that a Monitoring and Evaluation dashboard was being developed, urging stakeholders to support the process for effective implementation.
Also, Mr Theophilus Raymond, Programme Officer of AGRA, commended the Nasarawa State Government for its support and called for robust collaboration to produce a working policy that would stimulate economic growth.
In his remarks, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Managing Director, Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), who spoke virtually, said there was no better time for such an initiative than now.
He expressed optimism that the framework would add significant value to the state’s economic development.
Similarly, Mr Umar Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with relevant organisations to transform the sector and improve livelihoods. (NAN)