Nigeria's Food Security: ECN Boss, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Charges Diaspora Nigerians to Provide Expertise and Knowledge

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) calls on Nigerians in the diaspora to lend their expertise to address the global food crisis. Speaking at the Northern Powerhouse Stakeholders' Event organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Manchester Chapter, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of ECN, emphasized the vital role of diaspora engagement in overcoming food security challenges.

Dr. Abdullahi highlighted recent government initiatives, such as the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development and a 150-day duty-free window for key agricultural imports, as measures to stabilize food supply. He underscored the importance of technology in enhancing agricultural productivity and urged Nigerian engineers abroad to contribute through innovation and knowledge sharing.

"In improving human lives and meeting socio-economic needs, technological innovations are central. Engineers transform scientific outputs into practical technologies that improve our daily activities," stated Dr. Abdullahi.

He praised Nigerian educational institutions for producing talented individuals who excel globally and noted the significant contributions of diaspora communities to their home countries, citing examples from Japan, China, and South Korea.

Dr. Abdullahi outlined specific areas for diaspora intervention, including: Agricultural Infrastructure Development: Designing and building irrigation systems and water management to increase crop yields. Dr Abdullahi also mentioned Farming Mechanization and Automation: Implementing technologies to optimize crop management and reduce manual labor, as well as Food Processing and Preservation: Enhancing food safety, nutritional value, and reducing waste through advanced processing techniques.

He further highlighted the potential of integrating renewable energy with agricultural practices, a research area being explored by the National Centre for Energy Research and Development at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a research centre of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

“As the Director-General/CEO of ECN, I invite Nigerian Engineers in diaspora to collaborate in driving agricultural transformation in Nigeria, particularly in Agrisolar. Your contributions will help bridge infrastructure gaps, enhance food production, and promote sustainability," Dr. Abdullahi concluded.

The Director General Energy Commission of Nigeria Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, making his presentation at the Northern Powerhouse Stakeholders' Event Organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Manchester Branch in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The DG ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi taking a photograph with the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Mrs Margaret Oguntala, after the former’s presentation

The DG ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi receiving an award from Engr Patrick Obidoyin, Chairman of NSE Manchester Branch.

Dignitaries and the DG, ECN in a Group Photograph

Dignitaries and all participants including the DG, ECN in a Group Photograph.