Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Mallam Adamu Bello became the honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in February 2001. During Mallam Bello’s tenure, the Ministry become a true force in regulating and ensuring the attractiveness of the Nigerian agricultural sector. There has also been the invitation of numerous agricultural experts to improve the operation of the sector in general. The general positive direction of the agricultural sector reinforced President Obasanjo’s renomination of Mallam Bello to retain his position after being re-elected in May 2003.
With the support of the president, also a farmer, Mallam Bello has been able to accomplish many initiatives to better the conditions of the Nigerian farmer. They include cassava, cocoa and many others. The growth rate of the agriculture sector has moved from 4% in 2001 to 14% in 2006. In the area of rural development, the ministry has been able to improve conditions of rural areas, where most of the agriculture occurs. This is through improving their road network to urban markets and also through the provision of water facilities to aid the irrigation of farmlands. This was done independently or sometimes, in conjunction with the Ministry of Water Resources and also with the United Nations.
His effectiveness in his portfolio has made him the longest-serving Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria ever. It has also seen him become the longest-serving member of the Federal Cabinet along with Chief Babalola Borishade and Prof. Turner Isoun.
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