The commitment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to food security in Nigeria was reaffirmed at the opening of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) 2024 Training Workshop, held in Abuja. Under the theme, “Achieving Peace through Food Security: The Nigeria Army Farms and Ranches Limited Perspective,” the workshop highlighted the Army’s efforts to deliver viable and sustainable agricultural programmes through efficient farming and livestock production.
The COAS noted that the Army had placed the issue of food security at the forefront following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the Nigerian Army to use its available land for agricultural purposes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to contribute to the national food security effort.
The General commended NAFARL for its remarkable achievements, particularly in the areas of livestock research, development and genetic selection. He noted that the Army had embarked on a review of its agricultural policies to enhance its agricultural production, with the objective of contributing significantly to the national food reserve.
As the Director General of NAFARL, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife underscored the commitment of the Nigerian Army to participate in the agricultural programmes of the Federal Government across the value chain. He stressed the crucial role of the Army in promoting peace through food security, stressing that the agricultural activities of the farm were in line with the philosophy of the COAS.
This initiative is also part of a broader context of partnerships between NAFARL, government ministries, agencies and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, aimed at enhancing the Army’s contribution to the national food reserve. Collaboration with stakeholders, continuous research in the agricultural sector and domestication of foreign breeds of livestock to suit local environmental conditions are some of the efforts made by NAFARL to contribute to the country’s food security.
In conclusion, the commitment of the Nigerian Army to food security through initiatives such as NAFARL is a testament to its determination to play an active role in promoting peace and well-being of the people. Such projects are part of a holistic approach to addressing the country’s food challenges and building resilience to potential food crises.