ECN DG asks Nigerians in diaspora to contribute quota to address food crisis

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute their quota to address the food crisis in the country through investment and knowledge-sharing.

Mustapha Abdullahi, the director-general and chief executive officer (CEO) of the ECN, spoke on Tuesday at the northern powerhouse stakeholders’ event in the United Kingdom, organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Manchester chapter.

“The call has gone out on the need for Nigerians in the diaspora to bring their expertise to bear in addressing the current food crisis ravaging the globe. Countries across the world are facing one form of skyrocketing food inflation or the other,” he said.

“The United Kingdom, the United States of America, China, Germany, among others including Nigeria have in recent times experienced high food inflation that has forced several families to adjust their lifestyles.”

Abdullahi said the federal government, in addressing the situation, made a pronouncement on the possibility of creating the ministry of livestock development.

He said the government also announced the approval of 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas that would be subjected to the recommended retail price (RRP), into the country.

According to the energy expert, this is in addition to the planned importation of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize to fill the depleted strategic grain reserve.

The energy commission boss said the role of technology cannot be overemphasized in improving human lives.

“In improving human lives and meeting man’s socio-economic needs, the roles of technological innovations are central. Technologies are science-based and engineering is the vehicle that transforms sciences into technologies,” Abdullahi said.

“Without engineering, scientific outputs will be prisoners in the laboratories and workshops.

“No engineering, no technology, and no comfort in our daily activities. An Engineer is an inventor, and a nation builder. Other professions depend on engineers for their working tools.”

In addressing the food crisis, Abdullahi stressed the need for diaspora Nigerians to engage the government to increase their participation and contributions.

He listed the areas of diaspora intervention to include agricultural infrastructure development, including irrigation systems, dams, and water management systems, to support crop growth, optimise water use, and increase yields.

He said other areas include farming mechanisation and automation to optimise crop management, reduce manual labour, improve working conditions, and enhance sustainability, while also promoting food processing and preservation.