FG Inaugurates Soil Science Governing Council To Boost Food Production

The federal government has inaugurated the reconstituted Governing Council of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) to promote soil extension services across Nigeria.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Sabo Nanono, during the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday said that the inauguration is in line with the ministry’s mandate to turn Nigeria into a global powerhouse for food production.

According to him, the council will work with a view to enhancing the quality of soil data generation for appropriate analysis, validation, reporting, monitoring and integration with other related intra and inter-sectoral linkages through effective harmonization of methods, measurement and indicators.

He called on the members of the newly reconstituted Governing Council of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) to brace up towards the development of the agricultural sector by encouraging technical cooperation on soil extension services in the nation.

“These appointments are clear indication of the hard work, dedication, expertise and experience which will be brought to bear in the discharge of duties in improving the Institute.

“The five year strategic action plan launched by the Institute in March 2020 is being implemented along the objective of managing and protecting soil resources as well as encouraging technical cooperation on soil extension services.

“These appointment in whatever capacity, is a clarion call to action, to transform the agriculture sector of our country,” he said.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Department in the Ministry, Abba Abdullahi, said that the strategic plan of the Council synchronises with the emerging framework of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Plan 2021-2015.

The plan focuses on enhancing agricultural research system, rural infrastructure development, private driven mechanisation, and agro-allied cluster expansion.

Chairman of the Governing Council, Ayoade Ogunkunle in his remarks said that the Council has worked assiduously in pursuing the mission of the Institute.

He enumerated the achievements of the Council during its first tenure to include development and implementation of a 5-year strategic action plan, establishment of zonal offices for ease of monitoring the activities at the grassroots among others.

He assured that the Council under his chairmanship will adhere strictly to the mandate for the benefits of smallholders’ farmers at the grassroots.