In a show of support for the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA), an umbrella body of over 500 CSOs, has endorsed his commitment to transparency and accountability in revolutionizing farming practices in Nigeria.
During an emergency meeting held in Abuja, COCTA praised the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at ensuring food sufficiency, empowering stakeholders, and creating employment opportunities for youths in the agricultural sector.
In a communiqué signed by National Coordinator Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede and Haruna Abdulsalam, Director of Communication & Advocacy, COCTA acknowledged the Minister’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.
COCTA recently conducted a fact-finding mission, which uncovered several notable programs, including the strategic acquisition of over 2000 tractors for mechanized farming. This move is expected to transform farming practices nationwide.
Minister Kyari has introduced a paradigm shift in the sector’s approach, drawing lessons from past experiences and failures of previous initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme. The Minister has prioritized a data-driven strategy to ensure transparency and accountability.
COCTA has announced plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, leveraging their collective expertise to promote transparency, accountability, and progress in the agricultural sector.
This partnership aims to drive positive change in the agricultural sector, ensuring that initiatives are effective, efficient, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
Together, COCTA and the Ministry will enhance transparency in agricultural programs and policies, promote accountability in the use of resources and funds, support data-driven decision-making for improved outcomes, and amplify the voices of farmers and stakeholders in policy discussions.
Furthermore, this strategic partnership seeks to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the Ministry’s endeavors, ensuring that farmers and stakeholders benefit from initiatives.
COCTA will serve as watchdogs, monitoring the Ministry’s activities to prevent corruption and ensure transparency. As advocates, they will promote the interests of farmers and stakeholders, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. As partners, they will support efficient and inclusive decision-making, leveraging their expertise to drive progress.
Ultimately, the proposed partnership aims to build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable agricultural ecosystem, empowering farmers, securing food supply, and spurring economic growth nationwide.
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