The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, set up by the South-West governments, has resolved to increase agricultural production in the region.

In a statement on its website, the group resolved to ensure that farmers in the South-West are safe, return to their farms and sell their produce without any interference.

“The states have noted with concern seeming threats to the food supply chain but will like to assure the people in the region that adequate measures are being taken to ensure that the people are not adversely affected in the medium to long term,” the statement explained. 

Among the resolutions arrived by the group, securing farmlands was prioritised as farmers leave their farms unattended due to attacks by the herdsmen and kidnappers. 

It added that South-West states agreed to tighten and reinforce the Amotekun security details and involve other security agencies.

The DAWN held a virtual meeting with commissioners and special advisers for agriculture across the states on food security in the region on Tuesday in light of the looming food crisis as food supplies from the North were blocked from getting to markets in the South. 

In February, the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers directed its members to halt food items from the North to the South.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum has expressed concern over the decision in a statement by its National Chairman, Audu Ogbe, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Mr. Ogbe said, “There is no need mounting a blockade by one section of the country against the other.

“We believe that whatever may be the difficulties of their members in operating in other parts of the country, ACF leadership led by me is willing to help solve them.” 

He added, “This extreme measure is not progressive and even counter-productive.

“We, therefore, call on the leadership of the union to put a halt to their embargo and blockade in the interest of peace and unity of the country.”