Transformative Support: Hadejia Basin MD Backs Tinubu’s Food Security Policy with Solutions for Farmers

Hadejia Basin MD Backs Tinubu’s Food Security Policy with Solutions for Farmers

Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), has voiced unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security policy. Bichi described the initiative as a timely and crucial step towards tackling food insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking in Kano, Bichi reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to supporting both regional and national food security efforts. He emphasised that with proper collaboration among stakeholders, HJRBDA can play a significant role in resolving the country’s persistent food challenges.

During a condolence visit from the Apex Fadama Farmers Association leadership following the loss of his brother, Bichi commended Tinubu’s administration for its proactive distribution of fertilisers to farmers. He noted that this support for dry-season farming was critical in improving agricultural output and ensuring food availability.

While expressing gratitude for the president’s interventions, the farmers used the opportunity to highlight their pressing challenges. Chief among these was the issue of multiple taxation during the transportation of farm produce. They revealed that travelling from Kano to Lagos involves passing through 39 roadblocks, each imposing additional taxes. This, they explained, significantly increases the cost of food, placing undue financial strain on farmers and consumers alike.

Bichi, who formerly served as the Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), expressed concern about the burden of excessive taxation on farmers. He pledged to engage relevant stakeholders and taxation experts to address these issues, aiming to create a more favourable environment for agricultural productivity.

“Our farmers face overwhelming challenges that require immediate attention,” Bichi stated. “We are committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their burdens eased through strategic interventions.”

By leveraging the resources and influence of HJRBDA, Bichi aims to mitigate the barriers hindering farmers from reaching their full potential. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government bodies and private organisations in addressing systemic problems such as roadblock taxation and infrastructure deficits.

President Tinubu’s food security policy has been widely lauded as a pivotal move in revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By addressing core issues such as fertiliser availability and taxation, the administration seeks to create a sustainable framework for food production and distribution.

For farmers, the support from HJRBDA and other stakeholders comes as a ray of hope. Many have expressed optimism that these efforts will lead to tangible improvements in their livelihoods and the overall stability of the agricultural industry.