FG highlights engineering in mechanisation, irrigation, and agro-processing as key to Nigeria’s food security and industrial growth

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that engineering-driven solutions are essential to achieving food security in Nigeria, emphasising mechanisation, irrigation systems, storage infrastructure, and agro-processing technologies as key to boosting productivity and reducing post-harvest losses.

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The position was restated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Saturday at the inauguration of the 17th National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Babagana Modu Tela, and members of the executive committee in Abuja.

Minister Kyari said that Nigeria’s pursuit of food sufficiency and national stability would remain unattainable without deliberate deployment of engineering expertise across agriculture, infrastructure, and security architecture.

He congratulated the new chairman and described professional leadership within the engineering community as critical to shaping the nation’s future.

“Food security must be treated as a national security issue,” Kyari said.

“Engineering solutions remain indispensable to mechanise farming, irrigation, agro-processing facilities, logistics, and storage infrastructure. These interventions improve productivity, create jobs, catalyse rural communities, and reduce socio-economic pressures that often drive insecurity.”

The minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises food sufficiency, industrialisation, local manufacturing, and human capital development, with engineering capacity central to achieving these national objectives.

Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, described mechanical and energy engineering as foundational to Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement, particularly in manufacturing, construction, communications, and energy sectors.

He called for alignment between professional objectives and Nigeria’s strategic agenda for energy resilience, innovation, and infrastructure development.

In his inaugural address, Babagana Modu Tela outlined the theme of his administration, “Engineered for Progress: A New Era of Innovation and Inclusion,” emphasising mechanical engineers as engines of industrialisation.

He introduced the “TEAM Agenda” covering Technical Advancement, Empowerment and Mentorship, Advocacy and Policy Influence, and Membership Welfare.

Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Major General Babatunde Alaya, highlighted the role of indigenous engineering and industrial capacity in strengthening national security.

He outlined DICON’s repositioning under the 2023 DICON Act, which enables partnerships, investment attraction, and local production of arms, ammunition, armoured vehicles, drones, and explosives.

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The event underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to integrating engineering solutions across agriculture, industry, and security as part of a broader strategy to improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and foster national stability.