President Muhammadu Buhari has approved members for the National Food Security Council which he will inaugurate on Monday.

The council, which he will personally chair, has governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta states as members.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, other members of the council are Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Chief of Staff to the President; National Security Adviser; and seven ministers.

The ministers to be represented are that of Agriculture and Rural Development; Finance; Interior; Industry, Trade and Investment; Water Resources; Environment; and Budget and National Planning.

Shehu said the council would also have as members Chief of Defence Staff; Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria; Directors-General of Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency; as well as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The statement read, “The broad objectives of the council will include, developing sustainable solutions to farmers-herdsmen clashes; climate change and desertification and their impact on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta fishing communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling.

“The Council will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria.”

Punch