In a bid to boost the agricultural sector and improve its services, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the construction of a new corporate headquarters for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture, Mahammad Abubakar, after the Council meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.



The proposed 10-story building, which will be called Agriculture House, will be constructed on a 1.84-hectare plot in Abuja. According to the Minister, the new headquarters will accommodate all the departments of the ministry, which are currently scattered across different locations. This move will improve the ministry's efficiency and make its services more accessible to Nigerians.



The initial sum of N6 billion has been approved for the commencement of the project. The Minister also revealed that the ministry will source additional funds through intervention from the presidency and other sources to ensure the project's completion. The ministry had previously purchased a building in Abuja, but it was discovered to be inadequate for their needs, so it will be sold, and the proceeds will be added to the budgetary provisions for 2022 and 2023.



In addition to the construction of the new headquarters, the government is also making efforts to ensure the availability of rice in the country. Nigeria is currently the number one producer of rice in Africa. The Minister revealed that ten rice mills are being constructed under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, and the President has given an intervention to complete the mills. The completion of these mills will increase rice production and make it more accessible to Nigerians, thereby reducing the cost of the commodity.



The construction of the new corporate headquarters for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is a step in the right direction towards achieving food security in Nigeria. The move is commendable and will improve the ministry's ability to carry out its mandate effectively.

So much seems to be happening with just a few days left to the end of this administration. Do you think there should be a cause for concern? Share your thoughts in the comment section.



Source: The Cable