Farmers hail northern govs’ move to tackle insecurity

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria on Monday commended the Northern Governors’ Forum for establishing the Northern Security Trust Fund and pledging N1bn monthly to tackle insecurity across the region.

The association said the initiative would improve security in farming communities, encourage increased agricultural production, and strengthen national food security.

In a statement signed by its National President, Muhammad Gettado, AFAN also praised the inauguration of the fund’s management board, describing its members as individuals with proven integrity and the capacity to manage the resources transparently.

According to Gettado, the governors had demonstrated a commitment to addressing the security challenges which continued to affect farming activities and livelihoods across northern Nigeria.

“We warmly commend the Northern Governors’ Forum for its decisive and visionary step in establishing the Northern Security Trust Fund to tackle the persistent insecurity plaguing the region,” he said.

He added, “We particularly applaud the inauguration of the fund’s management board, which comprises individuals of impeccable character, proven track records, and high integrity.

“This strategic appointment inspires confidence that the resources allocated will be managed transparently, accountably, and effectively to achieve lasting peace.”

AFAN also lauded the governors’ decision to contribute N1bn every month to finance security interventions.

“This unprecedented commitment underscores the governors’ shared determination to confront insecurity head-on and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people,” Gettado said.

The AFAN president expressed optimism that the initiative would restore confidence among farmers, reduce attacks on agricultural communities, and increase food production.

“This robust intervention will drastically improve the security situation across the northern states, thus creating a safe and enabling environment for farming activities to thrive once again.

“By restoring safety to the agricultural belt, the fund will directly boost crop production, stabilise food prices, and guarantee national food security,” he stated.

He urged farmers, cooperative societies, and AFAN chapters across the North to support the initiative by working closely with security agencies and providing useful information to help curb criminal activities.

“We call on all regional chapters, cooperative unions, and individual farmers across the northern region to offer their unalloyed support and maximum cooperation to the governors and the newly inaugurated board.

“Farmers should remain vigilant, collaborate with local security agencies, and provide actionable information that will aid the successful implementation of this security master plan,” Gettado added.

He reaffirmed AFAN’s commitment to partnering with governments and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable food production in a peaceful and secure environment across Nigeria.