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The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has urged the Combined National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) to fulfill its responsibilities, stating that it will enhance the agricultural ecosystem and achieve food security, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity.
The minister made this announcement during the combined NPSC meeting held in the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on Thursday.
Kyari remarked, "This is a strategic committee that operates at the intersection of policy authority, development financing, and the national imperative to secure the future of the country’s food systems."
He emphasized, "It is crucial to clarify that this committee is not merely ceremonial. It serves as a governing body that shapes the direction, credibility, and impact of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the agricultural programs supported by development partners in Nigeria."
He revealed that, "The Ministry has resolved to exercise its oversight responsibilities with renewed determination, maintaining zero tolerance for inefficiency and demanding uncompromising accountability. The era of business as usual is over. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, programs must be aligned, performance must be measurable, and outcomes must be visible to the Nigerian people."
The minister added, "The approvals we grant, the standards we uphold, and the discipline we enforce will determine whether public resources lead to national transformation or remain entangled in paperwork and processes."
He further disclosed, "In line with this direction, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry has taken a significant institutional step to elevate the authority and effectiveness of the Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) to a full-fledged department of Development Partnership Projects."
According to him, "This is not a superficial adjustment; it is a deliberate restructuring aimed at enhancing supervision, tightening coordination, enforcing standards, and establishing results-based management across all development partner-supported programs. The message is clear: projects must perform, or they will be restructured."
He noted, "As we review the 2026 Annual Workplans and Budgets (AWPB), it is important to state that this committee will no longer treat AWPB approvals as routine formalities. Every proposal presented must demonstrate a clear alignment with national priorities, food security, productivity enhancement, value chain development, youth engagement, and inclusive economic growth."
"These are not optional objectives; they are the fundamental pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Budgets must reflect impact, not just intentions. Activities must deliver value, not merely volume," the minister added.
He stressed, "We will enhance the practice of Government-led pre-missions, involving relevant technical teams, to support project teams ahead of main supervision missions."
"These pre-missions will facilitate early identification of gaps, enable timely corrective actions, and ensure that supervision missions are more strategic, solution-oriented, and aligned with governmental priorities that will benefit the final beneficiaries."
He stated, "Development partner-supported programs, guided by this Committee, remain essential tools for achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda."
The minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to transform the agricultural sector as a key driver of food security, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated, "The committee is the premier oversight and governance platform for development partner-supported projects under the Ministry."
Ogunbiyi praised the minister for his leadership and strategic direction in guiding the ministry’s efforts in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at advancing national food security, agricultural productivity, and rural transformation, among other objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Combined National Project Steering Committee?
The Combined National Project Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing agricultural programs supported by development partners, ensuring they align with national priorities and contribute to food security and economic growth.
How does the Minister of Agriculture plan to improve accountability?
The Minister plans to enforce strict oversight, requiring measurable performance and visible outcomes from agricultural programs, while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for inefficiency.
What are the core pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda?
The core pillars include food security, productivity enhancement, value chain development, youth engagement, and inclusive economic growth.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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