President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to procure five more Spraying aircraft to support the only one available.
The president who gave this order at an event to showcase the achievements of NALDA in the last two years held yesterday in Abuja, said the additional aircraft will enable the authority to deploy one spraying Aircraft in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Buhari who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, zBoss Mustapha, said his commitment to building a better Nigeria remains unshaken. According to him, “My commitment to a better Nigeria is not in doubt. I have demonstrated it from the inception of this government and I will keep demonstrating it until the last day of our service in 2023.
“The equipment you are seeing here today are part of the ones already procured by NALDA. In addition to this spraying Aircraft, I am directing the Executive Secretary of NALDA to procure an additional five Aircrafts in order to have each geopolitical zone covered.”
He said the government has procured various equipment for agricultural mechanization such as Tractors, Combined Harvesters, Pumping machines, Surveillance and Spraying Drones, etc. “We will keep procuring land preparation equipment until we have enough.
In terms of human capital, several professionals in different fields of agriculture have been trained and equipped to offer services in the needed areas. Similarly, many Nigerians, mostly youth and women, have been trained and empowered in the fields of mechanized agriculture, poultry farming, fisheries, etc.”
He said the role of NALDA is beyond just land clearing and preparation, noting that its role, as clearly spelt out in the mandate that established it, encompasses the entire value chain geared towards food security and enough for export.”
President Buhari said he was glad and proud to be at the event to showcase the achievements of NALDA.
“Within these two years of my bringing NALDA back, I am pleased that NALDA under my watch is achieving results that are directly and positively affecting the people, especially from the rural areas. In line with my vision of seeing Nigeria lead in agricultural development, I believe that after having resuscitated NALDA, my successors will build on its legacies in order for Nigeria to achieve food sufficiency in no distant time.
“I am proud that my administration will be bequeathing lasting legacies to the next administration with NALDA being a clear example. This is in addition to the recent discovery and commencement of drilling of oil in the north; the gains made in the area of securing lives and property in the country; and my commitment to free, fair and credible elections amongst many others,” Buhari said.
He charged the Chief Executive Secretary of NALDA and his team to pursue this mandate of achieving food security vigorously without any discrimination, fear or favour being an Agency under the Presidency.
He thanked the Executive Secretary of NALDA and his team for making his dreams of ensuring Nigerians have enough food a reality.
“You will agree with me that agriculture is one of the easiest and fastest ways to engage the youth and reduce unemployment. I therefore urge corporate bodies, international organizations, and other countries to partner with and invest in NALDA in order to further develop our agricultural space,” The president concluded.
Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne thanked the President for the support he gave to NALDA which was instrumental for achievements recorded.
He promised that with renewed vigor, NALDA will embark on massive food production.
Also speaking, the Governor of Borno State Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, thanked the Executive Secretary of NALDA for the new energy with which he pursued the task of reviving agriculture in Nigeria.
He promised that the Nigeria Governors Forum will always support the activities of NALDA especially in the area making land available for its use.
Highlights of the event was an inspection tour of the equipment on display by the representative of the President and other dignitaries including members of the diplomatic corps.