President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated the National Food Security Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President, who received over three hours briefing before the inauguration proper, chairs the Council, while Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, is the Vice Chairman.
The President promised that new measures and projects are being developed to create more jobs in farming, fisheries, animal husbandry and forestry.
He said Nigeria’s journey in the last three years has been a very turbulent one.
He said: “Two weeks ago, I announced my intention to establish and chair a presidential level committee that focuses on food security, I am happy that today it has become a reality.
“Nigeria’s journey in the last three years has been a very turbulent one. The country’s need for critical job creating sectors which has been ignored for decades is now beginning to yield results.
“We introduced the National Social Investment Programs targeting millions of Nigerians who are living from hand to mouth.
“We launched agricultural programs focusing on import substitution, job creation and rural development thereby bringing socio-economic transformation to millions of citizens living in some of the most remote rural parts of our country.
“We commenced the long term Pollution Remediation Projects in the Niger Delta with the hope of restoring dignity and normalcy to the millions of Nigerians impacted by decades of pollution in their communities. Fishing and farming will resume once blighted areas are rehabilitated.
“We intensified our participation in the Lake Chad Basin Commission with the goal of reversing the shrinkage of the lake, which impacts the livelihoods of over 45 million farmers, herdsmen and fishermen in the LCBC countries.
“We issued the first ever green bond that will act as a catalyst for investments in renewable energy and afforestation projects. This was oversubscribed, sharing market confidence in the country and our government.
“We established the Agro Rangers Unit within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect the billions of naira of investments recorded in Nigeria’s agricultural sector across the country.
“We continued to equip the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to fight maritime criminals such as pirates and sea robbers who adversely impact offshore and inland fishing activities in our waters.
“These programs and many more, have started yielding results and if sustained, will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country.”