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Following criticisms of non-inclusion of the Organized Private in the National Council on Food Security, President Muhammadu Buhari said the sector will now be allowed to carry out advisory roles under the new arrangement.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu announced the new role assigned to the sector.
In the statement, Presidency affirmed that the private sector will play an advisory role in the National Food Security Council recently announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The initial exclusion of the various bodies in the nation’s food value chain such as the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Cassava Growers Association, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Fish farmers Association amongst several others was seen as a major policy flaw.
Government had nominated six states of Taraba, Lagos, Plateau, Kebbi, Ebonyi and Delta states to represent all the 36 states in the Council, while also selecting seven key Ministers to drive the food policy initiative, with the President opting to lead the Council.
The National Council on Food Security is expected to tackle major disputes between farmers and grazers as well as other forms of altercations between farmers and members in any particular community.
Criticisms had trailed the President’s decision to exclude Benue which is chiefly regarded as “the food basket of the nation” from amongst states who are members of the Council, but instead nominated Plateau to represent North Central state on the Council.
The statement however said the President is aware of the huge interest indicated by the private sector since the composition of the Council was announced, as well as the reservations expressed by groups that felt left out.
“We wish to emphasise that the Council constituted by the President was more of a think tank that would focus mainly on policy, while various groups from the private sector would be called upon to make sectoral presentations from time to time.”
“Everybody will be carried along as the Council will work closely with all stakeholders”
A statement released earlier indicated that the Council will be inaugurated by President Buhari on Monday, March 26.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
