FG Pushes Engineering-Led Strategy to Address Food Insecurity, Industrial Gaps
The Federal Government has renewed its call for a stronger engineering-driven approach to resolving Nigeria’s food insecurity challenges, stressing that sustainable agricultural growth cannot be achieved without deliberate investments in mechanisation, irrigation, storage, and agro-processing technologies.
The government also linked engineering capacity directly to industrial competitiveness, job creation, and national stability, noting that weak manufacturing and infrastructure systems continue to undermine productivity across critical sectors of the economy.
This position was reiterated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during the inauguration of the 17th National Chairman and newly elected executive committee members of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Abuja.
Kyari said Nigeria’s food supply challenges, rising food inflation, and vulnerability to supply shocks were symptoms of deeper structural weaknesses that could only be addressed through engineering-led interventions.
Engineering solutions for food security as national priority
According to the minister, engineering solutions for food security must be treated as a core component of Nigeria’s national development and security strategy. He argued that agriculture in the modern era extends beyond farming practices and requires integrated systems that combine technology, infrastructure, and industrial processing.
Kyari explained that inadequate mechanisation, inefficient irrigation networks, weak logistics, and poor storage facilities have continued to limit farm output and worsen post-harvest losses across the country.
These gaps, he said, reduce food availability, inflate prices, and place additional strain on households already grappling with economic pressures.
“Food security is not just an agricultural issue; it is a national security issue,” the minister stated.
“Insecurity disrupts production, processing, transportation, and access to markets. Engineering solutions are therefore indispensable to mechanise farming, expand irrigation, strengthen storage infrastructure, and modernise agro-processing.”
He noted that deploying engineering expertise at scale would improve productivity, reduce waste, stimulate rural economies, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
Engineering capacity central to Renewed Hope Agenda
Kyari said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has placed food sufficiency, industrialisation, and local manufacturing at the centre of its economic reform programme.
He added that none of these objectives could be achieved without a strong mechanical and manufacturing base.
The minister emphasised that engineering solutions for food security also support broader industrial growth by enabling value addition and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
Agro-processing facilities, cold-chain systems, and modern storage infrastructure, he said, would help stabilise food supply while supporting export competitiveness.
He urged members of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers to play a more active role in national policy conversations, stressing the need for collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
“Professional voices within the engineering community must go beyond technical expertise to offer practical, locally grounded solutions.
This moment calls for renewed professional responsibility,” Kyari said.
NSE urges engineers to focus on practical solutions
Also speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, described mechanical and energy engineering as foundational to Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement.
He noted that rapid technological changes have expanded the relevance of engineers across manufacturing, construction, communications, and energy systems.
Rabiu stressed that addressing food insecurity, energy access, and infrastructure deficits requires engineers to align their professional goals with national development priorities.
“Our divisions must go beyond ceremonies and focus more on research, professional development, standards, and capacity building,” he said, adding that the engineering profession must actively contribute to Nigeria’s quest for energy resilience and sustainable growth.
He explained that the theme of the inauguration aligned with the focus of the 2026 International Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting, which will centre on engineering solutions for security, energy access, and sustainable development.
In his inaugural address, Babagana Modu Tela, who emerged as the 17th National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, described his election as a call to service and an opportunity to reposition the institution for greater national impact.
Tela said mechanical engineers remained central to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, defence, and infrastructure development
Unveiling the theme of his administration, “Engineered for Progress: A New Era of Innovation and Inclusion,” he outlined 12 priority areas, including policy advocacy, professional development, youth engagement, membership welfare, and collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders
He said his leadership vision, tagged the “TEAM Agenda,” would focus on technical advancement, empowerment and mentorship, advocacy, and membership welfare, with the goal of strengthening the institution’s contribution to national development.
Engineering and security linked to food systems
Delivering the keynote address, the Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General Babatunde Alaya, highlighted the link between indigenous engineering capacity, national security, and food systems.
He explained that insecurity undermines agricultural production and distribution, while strong local engineering and manufacturing capabilities are essential for reliable defence and surveillance infrastructure.
Alaya disclosed that recent reforms under the DICON Act 2023 have enabled the corporation to attract investment and enter partnerships aimed at boosting local production of defence equipment.
He said these developments would strengthen national security and indirectly support agricultural stability by improving safety in farming communities.
As Nigeria continues to battle food inflation, insecurity, and weak industrial capacity, stakeholders at the event agreed that engineering solutions for food security must move from policy rhetoric to coordinated action if the country is to achieve long-term stability and inclusive growth.
