In an effort to tackle the growing global food crisis, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has urged Nigerians abroad to use their expertise to help alleviate the impact of rising food prices.
Speaking at the Northern Powerhouse Stakeholders’ Event, organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Manchester, Dr. Abdullahi stressed the significant role of the diaspora in addressing food security issues.
On July 16, Dr. Abdullahi pointed out that many countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, China, Germany, and Nigeria, are experiencing high food inflation, forcing numerous families to change their lifestyles.
He called on Nigerians living overseas to contribute through investments and knowledge-sharing to help navigate the ongoing food crisis.
“Improving human lives and meeting socio-economic needs rely heavily on technological innovations,” Dr. Abdullahi stated. “Engineering transforms scientific outputs into practical technologies, and without it, there is no comfort in our daily activities.”
Dr. Abdullahi commended the Federal Government’s recent initiatives to alleviate the food crisis, including the potential creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development and the approval of a 150-day duty-free window for importing essential grains like maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas. These measures aim to replenish the country’s strategic grain reserves.
Highlighting the significant contributions of diaspora communities to their countries of origin, Dr. Abdullahi cited examples from Japan, China, South Korea, and other Asian Tigers.
He praised Nigerian professionals abroad for their remarkable contributions to nation-building, noting their involvement in various capacities within successive governments.
Dr. Abdullahi outlined several key areas where diaspora Nigerians can make a substantial impact, including:
Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Designing and building irrigation systems, dams, and water management systems to support crop growth and optimize water use.
Farming Mechanization and Automation: Implementing advanced technologies to optimize crop management, irrigation, and harvesting, reducing manual labor, and enhancing sustainability.
Food Processing and Preservation: Developing methods to extend shelf life, improve nutritional value, and ensure food safety, thereby reducing wastage and increasing food availability.
In conclusion, Dr. Abdullahi called for collaboration with Nigerian engineers abroad to drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria, particularly through the integration of renewable energy and agricultural practices.
He highlighted the ECN’s efforts, including the establishment of an Agrisolar pilot demonstration farm and six energy research centers across the country.
“Your contributions will help bridge the infrastructure gap, enhance food production and processing, and promote sustainable agriculture practices,” Dr. Abdullahi concluded.
