NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

Traders association, consortium empower smallholder farmers in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) says it three-year agricultural intervention project in Niger has empowered 367,000 smallholder farmers.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, National President of NANTS, said on Saturday that the project, implemented under the AGRA/Niger State consortium, surpassed its initial target of 350,000 farmers.

 

According to him, the project is to improve the farmers resilience and upscaling productivity, income and means of livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, National President of NANTS, described the project as a huge success, with smallholder farmers gaining access to profitable markets, leading to higher incomes and improved bargaining power.

 

He said key achievements of the project was the establishment of 2,000 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to provide financial services to farmers.

 

Others, he said, was the training of over 124,000 out of the farmers on improved agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and marketing.

 

Ukaoha said 203,000 smallholders farmers were integrated into supply chains and secured long-term deals with processors and agro-dealers.

 

Ukaoha recommended the use of digital technology to track commodities and improve market access as well as provide more financing options for VSLAs and smallholder farmers.

 

Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, said the workshop was designed to gather feedback from VSLA groups on the project’s impact and to identify areas for future support.

 

“We want to hear from the VSLA groups on what worked well, what didn’t, and what they think we should focus on in the future,” he said.

 

He advised the VSLA groups to find ways to come together, communicate, and share information, ideas, and insights to sustain the project’s gains.

 

Christy Adamu, a beneficiary from Paiko, said the project provided them with Point of Sale (POS) machines.

 

“We used to travel all the way to Minna to deposit our savings and give loans to our members, but with the POS machines, we can now do everything easily and quickly,” she said.

 

She added that the project had enabled her association to save more money by making the process easier and more efficient.

 

Another beneficiary, Mrs Naomi Tsado, from Victory Poultry Farming Cooperative Society, said her cooperative benefited from the training on business development services, VSLA, and conflict resolution.

 

“We also received a grinding machine, which has been generating income for our cooperative and empowered us economically.

 

“We plan to use the income to purchase additional machines, which will add value to our income,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Agriculture

Minister advocates legislation to ensure hygienic abattoir practices

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has called for legislation to ensure that all animals slaughtered in abattoirs are processed under controlled and hygienic conditions to guarantee public health.

Maiha made the call on Friday in Abuja at the 2025 Ministerial News Conference.

He emphasised that such measures would ensure the healthiness of slaughtered animals for consumption and enable the country to fully harness the potential inherent in the livestock sector.

He highlighted the underutilisation of resources in abattoirs, such as cow blood, horns, skin, bones, bone marrow, and bile, which were currently wasted.

Maiha noted that if these resources were fully utilised, the hide and skin alone could create 700,000 jobs and generate about 23 billion dollars in value for the country.

He further explained that economically, if 200 cows were slaughtered in an abattoir, the blood could be channelled to blood banks, with each cow having 30 litres of blood valued at 1,000 Naira per litre.

Maiha said each cow produced 30 kilograms of solid waste after slaughter, which could be used to make biogas to power the abattoir.

He said the bones could be crushed into calcium for animal feed, and the bone marrow could be sent to pharmaceutical companies for drug production.

Maiha attributed the current hike in beef prices to over-dependence on red meat, which constituted 55 per cent of cow meat, while other parts were considered waste.

He assured that the ministry would ensure best practices in abattoirs to create jobs for the masses and enhance the country’s economy.

Maiha emphasised the ministry’s vision to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive livestock sector that drives economic diversification, growth, job opportunities, food and nutrition security, and improved livelihoods.

He added that the mission was to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable public service programmes to address the agricultural sector and ensure that the volume and value of businesses there were unlocked.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the government’s progress and developmental agenda.

It was also in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to all ministers to provide updates on the achievements, policies, and programmes of their respective ministries.

This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective communication with the Nigerian public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agriculture

Taraba Govt. returns 198 stolen cows to owners

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Cows
By Martins Abochol
The Taraba Government on Thursday returned 198 cows recovered from cattle rustlers to their owners in Jalingo.

Dr Aminu Jauro, the Chairman of the Taskforce Committee on Recovery of Stolen Cows to Owners, who handed over the animals in Jalingo, said total recovered cows were 222 and 58 sheep.

Jauro, also the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area and the state’s Chairman of ALGON, said that the feat was achieved through collaboration with security agencies and local hunters.

He said that the committee, after careful screening of 52 cattle owner groups, identified and agreed to return the 198 cows to the owners, remaining 24 cows.
The chairman, who said that the owners of the cows were from Ardo Kola Local Government Area, added that the committee would continue to sensitise the public for owners to come for the remaining cows.

He recalled that the cows were intercepted in Gassol Local Government Area through the efforts of intelligence officers, in collaboration with local hunters.

He listed the committee members to include the local government chairmen of Ardo Kola, Gassol, Jalingo, Lau and Karim Lamido local government areas.

He said representatives of security agencies and MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders were also members of the committee.

In his remark, Alhaji Yau Ibrahim, the Chairman of MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Taraba, commended the state Governor, Agbu Kefas, for the efforts “and for returning the stolen cows to their rightful owners.”

Ibrahim said such efforts would enhance peaceful co-existence.(NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Agriculture

FG backs agricultural research reform

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research system through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

The fund plays an important role in addressing challenges within the sector and driving innovation for sustainable development.

This was stated in a release signed by the Communications Lead of the fund, Nike Babalola, during the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, commended NADF for conducting a comprehensive Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment Study of 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture across the country.

He emphasised that any country that fails to reform its research system is wasting its time.

The minister stressed the need to prioritise continuous improvement in the nation’s agricultural research capabilities.

He noted that the last comprehensive review of Nigeria’s agricultural research system was conducted during the tenure of President Shehu Shagari.

The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the assessment, describing it as a step towards achieving world-class standards in agricultural research.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the fund’s mandate to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

“No nation has ever achieved greatness without investing in knowledge, discovery, and innovation.

“The baseline survey provided critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s agricultural research and training institutions.

“NADF was established to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance the potential of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and food security,” he stated.

Ibrahim described the validation exercise as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“This is not just another meeting; it is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a stronger, more innovative agricultural sector.

“We believe in the power of research and education to transform our agricultural landscape.

“This is a call to action to ignite change and create a future where Nigerian agriculture stands tall on the pillars of knowledge, technology, and innovation,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Sharubutu, reaffirmed NADF’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural research system.

“Today, we have a father and a mother who have come to deliver us from the shackles of inadequate facilities, infrastructure, and resources,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including government officials, researchers, and representatives from agricultural institutions.

The validation exercise marked a step in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural research system and aligning it with national and global priorities.

The survey, conducted by NADF in collaboration with the ARCN aimed to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and constraints within the country’s agricultural research and training ecosystem.

The key findings reveal urgent areas for improvement, including infrastructure, funding, curriculum enhancement, research support, technological integration, and industry linkages. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Agriculture

KDSG, FAO sign agreement to bolster food security

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Agreement

By Hussaina Yakubu

Kaduna State Government and the United Nations have signed a Technical Cooperation Project, through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to address food security and leverage its potentials in agriculture.

The project also seeks to support smallholder farmers to address hunger, malnutrition and stimulate an inclusive socio-economic growth in the state.

The Technical Cooperation Project, titled ‘Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State’, was signed at the Council Chambers of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Thursday.

Speaking earlier, Gov. Uba Sani said the state holds great potential for Nigeria’s food security as the leading producer of many agricultural produce, including ginger, maize, soybeans, tomato and sorghum, among others.

According to the Governor, agriculture accounts for more than 51 per cent of the state’s GDP while it employs more than 70 per cent of its population.

Sani said, “It is mostly youths that make up nearly half of our over 10 million population.

“We are also blessed with favourable climatic conditions that support the production of a vast array of agricultural produce and year-round agricultural activities.

“Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country.

“It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyse our rapid progression toward attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa.”

According to him, the primary source of income for most of the people is agriculture.

He added, “That was why we allocated about N74 billion or 9.3 per cent of our 2025 budget, in our effort towards meeting the 2014 Malabo Declaration of 10 per cent budgetary allocation to agriculture.’’

Sani pointed out that the budgetary allocation to agriculture demonstrated his administration’s commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods, even as a subnational government.

He, however, argued that accelerating agricultural growth and transformation was capital-intensive.

Sani said, “That is why the Kaduna State Government welcomes this opportunity to partner with FAO and enhance our tomato production value chain through sustainable practices.’’

In his remarks, the FAO Country Representative, Koffy Dominique, said that the organisation was committed to strengthening the entire tomato value chain.

According to him, this is with the view to addressing challenges in production, post-harvest and strengthening cooperatives.

He said FOA would focus on enhancing production techniques to improve yields and quality, reduce post-harvest losses through better storage, processing and infrastructure development.

The country representative said that FAO would continuously advocate  agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems in the North-West region and Kaduna State in particular.

“Kaduna State has the capacity to become a powerhouse in agricultural production, value addition and food security, not only for the nation but for the continent.

“This signing ceremony represents more than just an agreement; it is a milestone in our shared journey toward sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,’’ he added.

He also commended Sani for his visionary leadership in fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Agriculture , Food Security

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mr Vincent Egbe, Managing Director, GB Foods, has called on the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of the National Tomato Policy to enhance development of the tomato ecosystem and support its competitiveness.

Egbe made the call during a three-day industrial tour by the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Tomato Policy (2022–2026) is designed to cut down on post-harvest losses.

It will also curb import of tomato concentrates through increased import tariff from five per cent to 50 per cent and an additional $1,500 levy per metric tonne.

The GB Foods Managing Director said that Nigeria had a shortfall in tomatoes supply in spite of being the 13th largest producer of tomatoes in the world.

He said that, to be fully self-sufficient, Nigeria should be producing a total 10 to 12 million metric tonnes of tomato annually.

Egbe said the company would continue to embrace innovations targeted at celebrating local tomato flavours.

He, however, noted some shortfalls that had plagued the tomatoes industry, such as low production levels, poor infrastructure, weak market linkage and poor access to finance.

He emphasised the need to address the sector’s key challenges and secure essential support for its progress.

This, he said, could be achieved by stopping disruptions from regulatory authorities, providing incentives and fiscal support for local manufacturers and infrastructure support.

“One hundred per cent of everything done in Nigeria is manufactured in Nigeria with 55 per cent local sourcing of Nigerian ingredients.

“We would continue to invest to feed the consuming population, seeing that government is looking to grow the production base of manufacturing.

“We would continue to key into the agenda of government to accelerate contributions to the country’s economy,” he said.

Egbe also revealed the company’s plan to establish Nigeria as an industrial hub for West African markets with ongoing tomatoes distribution and logistics investments, and tomato processing expansion.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability by fostering right nutrition, preserving environmental balance and investing in local communities’ prosperity.

“We see Nigeria as the future driver of a prosperous Africa, and so we are investing here on a rate of 7:3 i.e. seven here in Nigeria and 3 in other parts of Africa.

“What we are doing in Nigeria is consistent with who we are and we would continue investing in tomatoes backward integration to develop the tomatoes ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.

Responding, the minister said that the company occupied a critical space in the food industry.

He said that while Nigeria might be passing through a phase, it still had opportunities.

Enoh assured that the Federal Government would continue to support local manufacturers and made in Nigeria goods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Agriculture

Niger Govt. to crash food prices during Ramadan

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Ramadan

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Niger State Government says it will provide incentives that will crash prices of food items during the Ramadan season.

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago disclosed this on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the Gates Foundation on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Minna.

The governor said the move is to ensure that foodstuffs are made available and affordable to the people.

He disclosed that the state had harvested more than one million metric tons of maize, adding that through Niger Foods, the state government had stabilised the price of food items.

Umaru-Bago re-assured the Gates Foundation of his administration’s continued partnership.

He called on the Foundation to strengthen its relationship with the state on crops, livestock production, aquaculture and housing.

The governor, who disclosed that the state planned to move from one cropping season to three cropping seasons annually, said the partnership with the foundation would change the fortunes of the people.

He also emphasised on the need to have collaborative venture in irrigation to boost crop production and address climate change.

Obai Khalifa, the leader of agricultural development work in Gates Foundation, said since the inception of the foundation 25 years ago, it has been committed to the mission of adding value to lives.

He described agriculture as vital, not just in the security point of view, but also from the nutritional value.

Khalifa identified the challenges of underfunding and climate change as major factors affecting agriculture in Africa.

He pointed out that the Foundation was out to address those challenges and be part of Nigeria’s drive in agriculture transformation.

Also speaking, Mr Audu Grema, the Senior Programme Officer, Agric Development, Gates Foundation in Africa, applauded Gov. Umaru-Bago for his investment in the agricultural sector.

Chairman, Niger Foods, Sammy Adigun, in his remarks, described the partnership with Gates Foundation as a key factor in the agricultural transformation of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

 

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari
Agriculture

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others

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Veterinary

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) veterinary clinic, fish pond and stores for improved animal, public health and reduced over reliance on importation of aquatic foods.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security while unveiling the projects in Abuja, described them as significant milestone in the council’s continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

Kyari said the council’s efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“The event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“This facilities inaugurated are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive,” he said.

Kyari specifically said that the veterinary clinic was significant as it underscores the nation’s  commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of the livestock sector.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN said the projects, which started in December 2023, would not
have been completed in due time without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the ministry.

Sharubutu said the projects were conceived to better position the council to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to promote food security and increase visibility of the agricultural research system.

The executive secretary said that the veterinary centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and a surgery room was equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.

“The clinic is also supported with ambulatory services to address diseases beyond the confines of the centre, thereby enabling greater reach and access to veterinary services,”he said.

He commended the project management team of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)  for supporting the council in equipping the veterinary centre.

Sharubutu said the council also establish fish production facility in order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration and technologies dissemination.

According to him, the facility is a concrete water circulatory system equipped with culture, solid waste removal and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank and ultraviolet light.

He said the projects would strengthen the council’s coordination with international research partners among others.

“The projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates of the council to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the national agricultural research institutes and the federal colleges of agriculture in the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Agriculture

Nestlé invests N1.8bn to support FCT pastoralists

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By Felicia Imohimi

Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N1.8 billion to enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, announced this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm under its Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP).

Elhusseini explained that the NLDP, implemented in collaboration with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE since 2019, is structured around three pillars: better milk, better feed (fodder), and resilient communities.

“The NLDP project has invested N1,858,000,000 and currently aggregates an average of 6,000 litres of fresh milk per day from 1,600 dairy households.

“The project ambition is to aggregate 30,000 litres of milk per day by November 2027 by improving local breeds and applying best dairy farming practices,” he said.

He noted that milk producers participating in the programme had seen an increase in their household monthly income, from N70,000 to N250,000 between 2021 and 2024.

This growth, he said, was driven by improved dairy practices and the provision of enabling infrastructure within the community.

He added that milk collection at the Paikon Kore centre had increased from an initial 200 litres on 1 June 2021 to an average of 6,000 litres.

“To date, the project has aggregated over one million litres of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.

“This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2,000 pastoralists in dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water.

“We are establishing a practical model for implementing best dairy practices that will further consolidate and sustain the success of the NLDP, fostering sustainable prosperity for our community of milk producers, aggregators, and farmers,” he added.

Elhusseini stated that the initiative had significantly improved milk quality, reducing rejection rates from 12 per cent in 2021 to five per cent in 2024.

He reaffirmed the company’s goal to achieve a critical mass of 30,000 litres of milk production per day by November 2027 across the FCT and its adjoining dairy farm clusters.

He emphasised that this effort would make a huge contribution to regional food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, commended Nestlé for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

He described the dairy farm as a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards food security, economic growth, and sustainable livestock development.

Maiha identified the project’s benefits, including enhanced productivity through climate-smart sustainable practices, capacity-building for local farmers, and a reliable source of income for thousands of rural families via the Paikon Kore milk collection hub.

He, however, pledged the ministry’s commitment to tackling major industry challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, and the need for improved veterinary services.

Olusoji Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of CBI Innovations Ltd (CBIIL), described the unveiling as the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s dairy industry, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Apampa said the dairy farm serves as a testament to “our dedication to sustainable milk use and quality, supported by robust herd health practices, effective livestock management, and breed improvement.

“It is enhanced by technology to minimise the impact on production economies while nurturing the environment and bolstering the local economy”.

He revealed that the animal population on the farm had increased from 20 to 71 cattle over the past year and eight months.

“By employing artificial insemination, we have ensured that our use of technology improves livestock well-being, enhances operational efficiency, and elevates the quality of milk production.

“From automated well, semi-automated—milking systems to sustainable waste management practices and improved animal feed, we have left no stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence,” he said.

Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development at the FCTA, stated that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster economic growth and national development. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Agriculture

Water Resources, Blue Economy ministries partner to boost food production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministries of Water Resources and the Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate to enhance food production in Nigeria.

This partnership aims at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja.

Both ministers stressed the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in improving water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Utsev noted the collaboration’s importance following the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation’s emphasis on both ministries’ roles in sustaining Nigeria’s water bodies.

He emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are vital for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.

He outlined the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

“These departments oversee initiatives such as providing clean and reliable water supply, developing and managing irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.

“These efforts are crucial for food security and economic resilience,” he said.

Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.

He further announced that a joint committee would be established by both ministries to develop a working document with a clear framework to guide their collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, Oyetola revealed the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.

He noted that fish production in Nigeria would be enhanced through stronger collaboration between the two ministries.

Oyetola highlighted the ministry’s role in sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention.

He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the water resources and sanitation ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for collaboration to optimise Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.

He noted that sustainable water resource management would improve livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with directors and senior officials from both ministries. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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