In a recent engagement with the press in Abuja, Sabi Abdullahi, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the untapped potential of the nation’s arable land, emphasizing the role of food security in combating corruption. The minister revealed that out of an estimated 80 million hectares of arable land, approximately 50 million hectares remain uncultivated.
During a meeting with journalists who report on the Senate, Mr. Abdullahi pointed out that food security is a pivotal element of President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. He noted that only 34 million hectares of the available land are currently being farmed, leaving a significant amount of fertile ground available for agricultural expansion.
Mr. Abdullahi underscored the importance of food security in the fight against corruption, asserting that hunger drives some individuals towards corrupt practices. He argued that addressing poverty through food security could also reduce crime rates. “Securing the stomach reduces the inclination of the average Nigerian to engage in corruption or criminal activities,” he stated.
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The minister called on Nigerians to participate in the government’s policy by cultivating crops wherever they reside, stressing the government’s commitment to bringing more of the uncultivated land under cultivation. He also encouraged the adoption of improved farming practices in line with the federal government’s food security objectives. The minister’s remarks underscore the critical link between agriculture and national well-being, as the country seeks to harness its agricultural potential to foster economic growth and societal stability.