The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to bolster food security across the nation. This collaboration, announced in a statement on Thursday, represents a deliberate effort to align national defense objectives with Nigeria's agricultural transformation agenda.
Expanding Non-Kinetic Operations
According to the NAF statement, the engagement marks an expansion of the Air Force's non-kinetic operations, recognizing that food security is integral to national security. The partnership aims to advance the goals of NAF Farms Limited, the Air Force's flagship agricultural initiative.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, led the delegation representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. The team included the Managing Director of NAF Farms Limited, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun, and other senior officers from the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch.
Engagement with Livestock Development Ministry
At the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the CAS commended Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha for progress in implementing the National Ranching Policy, livestock partnerships, and National Livestock Centres. The CAS noted that collaboration would support the expansion of modern NAF livestock farms through improved breeds, veterinary services, and specialized training in animal husbandry and agrotechnology.
Minister Maiha described the initiative as strategic and forward-looking, praising the NAF's contributions to national security and stability.
Engagement with Agriculture Ministry
Similarly, at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the CAS lauded Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari for interventions stabilizing food prices, expanding dry-season farming, and strengthening food reserves. The CAS sought support for integrating NAF Farms Limited into national agricultural programs, particularly in mechanized farming, improved seedlings, and fertilizer access.
Senator Kyari assured the delegation of the ministry's support. Both ministries confirmed plans for technical cooperation and policy integration to position NAF Farms Limited as a strategic non-kinetic platform for boosting food production, supporting livelihoods, and complementing counter-insurgency efforts through sustainable national development.
