The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its collaboration with the Federal Government by partnering with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to boost food security and sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.
The strategic engagements underscore the growing recognition that food security is closely tied to national security, while also highlighting the importance of military-civilian cooperation in national development.
During a visit to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, commended the Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for the achievements recorded since the Ministry’s establishment in 2024.
AVM Gabkwet praised the Ministry’s progress in advancing the National Ranching Policy, its partnerships with Brazil and New Zealand on genetics and dairy production, and the establishment of National Livestock Centres aimed at improving feed and water access across the country.
He noted that NAF’s proposed collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda of enhancing food security, increasing local production, and promoting sustainable livestock management.
Gabkwet also requested access to improved livestock breeds, veterinary support, and specialised training opportunities for NAF personnel and their dependants in modern animal husbandry, farm management, and agricultural technology.
In his response, Minister Maiha described the NAF initiative as strategic and forward-looking, noting that it reflects global best practices linking food production with national security.
He further commended the Air Force for its sustained operations against insecurity across the country, stressing that peace and stability remain critical to agricultural and livestock development.
Similarly, at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, AVM Gabkwet lauded the Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for measures introduced to address rising food prices, expand dry-season farming, and strengthen strategic food reserves.
He appealed for the Ministry’s support in integrating NAF Farms Limited into national agricultural programmes, particularly in the areas of mechanisation, improved seedlings, fertilisers, and modern farming systems.
Responding, Senator Kyari praised the Nigerian Air Force for its contributions to the fight against insurgency, especially in Borno State, and assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with NAF Farms Limited through existing agricultural frameworks and intervention programmes.
Both Ministers confirmed that formal frameworks would be developed to sustain technical cooperation, policy integration, and knowledge sharing with the Nigerian Air Force.
The planned collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors, improve emergency response mechanisms in agricultural crises, and deepen synergy between military institutions and national development programmes.
The NAF delegation included the Managing Director of NAF Farms Limited, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun; the Director of Cooperation and Coordination, Air Vice Marshal Chris Akpa; and other senior officers from the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch.
