…..Says the outcome of the meeting will shape the future of the nation’s food system

The National Convener of the United Nations’ Food System Pathway, Nigeria, Dr. Sanjo Faniran, has said that there is need for joint physical discussion and decision with the Task Team, members of the TWG, representatives of relevant MDAs, development partners and other stakeholders from the private sector to leverage on the gains of the July 2023, Stocktaking moment, in Rome.

He stated that the outcomes of the discuss would shape the future of Nigeria’s food system, and “it is our shared commitment to ensuring that this system works for the benefit of all our citizens”

Dr Faniran made this known during the task team forum for the technical review of food system implementation strategy held from Thursday 28th-29th September, 2023, in Nasarawa State.

He revealed that the forum was to discuss the draft implementation strategy; Technical review of the E-leaflet /handbill and membership of the national committees on: Resource Mobilization/Support for the Food System; Finance and Business Development; and Public/Private Stakeholders Engagement.

He congratulated members of the Task Team for the outstanding performance and great achievement during the Stocktaking Moment in Rome, which he described as, a show of true patriotism and a result of commitment to the course of Food Systems Transformation in Nigeria.

‘I wish to also appreciate our lead Partners namely: International Agency for Food and Agriculture Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as well as GAIN, for their technical support and contribution. I am sincerely grateful for your always helping to strengthen the drive.’

Our food system is the backbone of our nation, impacting not only our economy but also the health and well-being of every citizen. It is a complex web of interdependencies, involving agriculture, nutrition, environment, economy, and the active engagement of various stakeholders, Faniran informed.

The Implementation Strategy we are here to validate today aims to guide us on a transformative path—one that is sustainable, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our society, he emphasized.

Faniran expressed confidence that the committees that would be constituted would play a crucial role in resource mobilization and support, financial sustainability, and the engagement of private stakeholders—key components in the success of the food system transformation

Giving a recap for the first day of the summit, Prof. Mathew kola Anigo stated that the forum was to discuss the draft implementation strategy; Technical review of the E-leaflet /handbill and membership of national committees for the Food System.

He stated that a presentation on the three proposed standing committees’ draft TOR including responsibilities were made by him and inputs were made by participants.

The team also agreed that the National Convener and Deputy should decide on persons for the positions of the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Standing Committees but advised that Secretaries of each Committee should be from the public sector.

The Director of Agriculture and Agric-Extension, Federal ministry of Agric and Food Security, Hajia Sugra Mahmoud, made a presentation on the draft E-leaflet, which was discussed with inputs made by participants. The forum agreed that the leaflet should be updated quarterly with new achievements made and accessed electronically.

The sub-committee affirmed the suggestion for the inclusion of info graphics in the leaflet and to be made reader-friendly.

The final copy of the reviewed Food System implementation strategy would be submitted to the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

OLUDE OMOLADE
INFORMATION OFFICER
FOR: DIRECTOR, INFORMATION (BNP)