Agriculture Minister Kyari Lauded for 2000 Tractor Initiative, CSO Partnership to Curb Corruption

The Conference of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability (COCTA) An umbrella body of over CSO,s has commended the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for his commitment to transparency and accountability in revolutionizing farming practices in Nigeria.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting on Tuesday 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

The communiqué, signed by National Coordinator Comrade Olumuyiwa Onlede and Haruna Abdulsalam, Director of Communication & Advocacy , acknowledged the Minister’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the agricultural sector.

A recent fact-finding mission by COCTA uncovered several notable programs, including the strategic acquisition of over 2000 tractors for mechanized farming. This move is poised 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 like 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.

By working together, COCTA and the Ministry can:

• Enhance transparency in agricultural programs and policies
• Promote accountability in the use of resources and funds
• Support data-driven decision-making for improved outcomes
• Amplify the voices of farmers and stakeholders in policy discussions

The strategic partnership also aims 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.

The proposed partnership also seeks to build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable agricultural ecosystem, empowering farmers, securing food supply, and spurring economic growth nationwide.