The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling the pressing challenges facing the country’s economy, with a particular focus on enhancing agricultural productivity.
In a significant move, the Minister announced a new dry season farming initiative that will see collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the African Development Bank (AfDB). This initiative aims to ensure the timely delivery of fertilizers and other essential inputs to farmers, boosting agricultural productivity during the dry season.
This announcement was made during the first meeting of the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP) implementation committee, which took place recently. The ASAP initiative is a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s comprehensive reform agenda, which targets eight priority sectors including Agriculture, Energy, and Health. The meeting marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to address critical economic challenges and promote sustainable development across these key sectors.
In his opening remarks, Minister Edun emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the importance of working closely with technical experts from various government agencies to establish clear milestones and ensure the effective execution of the Plan.
The meeting brought together key government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Minister of Power, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, among others.
As the ASAP implementation committee advances, its primary focus will be on driving progress in each of the identified priority areas. The committee is tasked with ensuring that the Plan’s objectives are met with precision and accountability, a step that underscores the government’s renewed commitment to fostering economic growth and stability in Nigeria.