The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has tasked the Combined National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) with delivering transformative results across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during a meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Kyari emphasised that the committee’s work is central to achieving food security, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kyari highlighted that the committee operates at the intersection of policy authority, development financing, and national food systems strategy.
“This is not a ceremonial body,” he said.
“It is a governing platform that shapes the direction, credibility, and impact of all Federal Government and development partner-supported agricultural programmes.”
The Minister stressed the importance of accountability and performance, noting that approvals, standards, and enforcement must ensure public resources translate into tangible national transformation.
“The era of business-as-usual is over. Programmes must be aligned, performance measurable, and outcomes visible to Nigerians,” he added.
In line with this directive, Kyari announced the elevation of the Projects Coordinating Unit (PCU) to a full-fledged Department of Development Partnership Projects.
This restructuring is aimed at tightening coordination, enforcing standards, and entrenching results-based management across all partner-supported initiatives.
“The message is simple: projects must perform, or they will be restructured,” he affirmed.
Examining the 2026 Annual Workplans and Budgets (AWPB), the Minister underscored that all proposals must demonstrate alignment with national priorities, food security, productivity enhancement, value chain development, and youth engagement.
Activities must deliver value, not volume. Development partners are expected to play a critical role in achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kyari further outlined plans for government-led pre-missions to support project teams ahead of main supervision exercises.
These pre-missions will identify gaps early, facilitate corrective actions, and ensure supervision is strategic and solution-oriented, benefiting final recipients of agricultural programmes.
Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Kyari stressed that agriculture remains a key driver of food security, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi praised the Minister’s strategic direction and leadership in advancing national food security, agricultural productivity, and rural transformation.
Source: FMAFS
