Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said that the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government plans to combat food insecurity through rural empowerment, science-driven farming, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Tuggar spoke on Sunday during a community engagement programme in Udobo, Gamawa, Bauchi State, where he assured farmers and pastoralists of the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding land rights while boosting agricultural productivity.

This was disclosed in a statement by his spokesman, Alkasasim Abdulkadir.

Between the 1960s and 1970s, Udobo was a hub of Nigeria’s agricultural output.

However, the community had been largely neglected by the state government for decades, as floods and climate change continued to impact lives and harvests.

Praising the community’s enduring potential, Tuggar said, “This land fed nations. We aim to revive that legacy without displacing those who till it.”

The minister detailed Tinubu’s strategy for Udobo and similar communities, promising to protect farmers’ lands.

“No one will lose their land. Grow what you eat first; we’ll help you sell the surplus,” Tuggar pledged.

He added that the Federal Government, with support from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, would optimise water access via Udobo’s fadama wetlands and introduce climate-smart tools to enhance agricultural output and improve the lives of the community.

The minister also highlighted the various measures he had taken as Minister of Foreign Affairs to assist victims of last year’s floods, which devastated many communities in the local government area, including Udobo.

“Following devastating floods which caused havoc in the community and other parts of Bauchi State, ECOWAS and federal agencies will fund the provision of resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact,” he said.

Hajiya Aisha, one of the beneficiaries of the support, thanked the minister for not abandoning them. She said the community had been neglected by the state for decades without any tangible measures to help them combat climate change, which worsens flooding.

“We are very grateful to Tuggar for his support to our community. I am sure the fertilisers he gave us will help a lot of farmers during the upcoming rainy season,” she said.

Youth leader Musa Adamu Udobo urged the minister to curb urban migration by increasing support for farmers.

“Empowerment must reach young farmers to curb urban migration. We are grateful to the minister for his diplomatic efforts to bring sustainable development to our community. He has fulfilled his promise to support us, and we will not forget this massive support,” the youth leader said.

At the event, Tuggar relayed Tinubu’s vow to cushion the impact of economic reforms. “Pain is temporary; progress is permanent. Microcredit schemes and subsidised machinery will soon follow,” he said.

“Food security is national security. Udobo’s revival symbolises our resolve: a Nigeria where no farmer fears progress.”