NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

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By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation
Agriculture , Food Security

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation

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By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government have pledged to transform the country’s food system and create jobs for the populace.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Gov. Dikko Radda, to the Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Radda identified agriculture as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, which provides over 60 per cent of employment for the country’s populace.

He said that the country has no option but to invest in agriculture to position it better to be an export-dependent country, and not import-dependent, as well as be self-sufficient in food production.

“We have no reason to be hungry; we have no reason to be poor. If we can harvest all the potential we have, we will have a great nation, with great people, who will be able to move the nation forward,” he said.


The governor said his visit was to formally congratulate the NADF Executive Secretary on the appointment, as well as see how the state could leverage the fund to transform the food system for the benefit of its populace.

“I pray for this agency to be one of the leading agencies in the country, and also to seek partnership and collaboration with the sub-nationals, especially Katsina State, in transforming agriculture,” he said.

The governor said about 90 per cent of the state population was into agriculture and agricultural value chains, small and medium-scale enterprises from production to processing.

He, however, said that the best investment for any state, especially those in the northern part of the country, was investment in agriculture.

According to him, when one invests in agriculture, the person has invested in the vast majority of the people.

“When you construct a road, it will help in the transportation of agricultural produce, too.

“So, there is nothing we will do to support our people other than to support them in agricultural enterprises.

“But when you invest in agriculture, you are investing in about 90 per cent of your people who are living in abject poverty in the rural areas with no means of livelihood,” he said.

Radda said his administration in 2024 bought over 400,000 bags of fertiliser, which were distributed to every polling unit in the state, considering the impact of agriculture on the livelihood of the large population of the state.

He further said the state distributed solar-powered pumps to rural farmers to reduce the cost of production.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said part of the agency’s mandate was to work with sub-national governments in promoting agricultural development and food security.

According to him, the visit enabled the governor to essentially discuss what the state government was doing and to see how they could leverage its resources.

NADF has a mandate to promote sustainable development and food security by bridging the funding gap, facilitating farmers’ access to finance, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Yakubu Uba

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

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By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves
Agriculture , Food Security

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves

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By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the livestock sector have urged increased investment in pasture development and the revitalisation of grazing reserves.

They said this is essential to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock and help resolve the ongoing farmer-herder crises nationwide.

The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop convened to validate the draft National Animal Feed Policy Document.

Prof. Ari Maikano, President of the Nigerian Food and Fodder Multi-Sector Platform, spoke on the current state of fodder in the country.

He noted that a thorough assessment from the valley regions to the savannah zones reveals the presence of various types of pasture, shrubs, and fodder.

“These reflect our diverse agro-ecological zones. Nigeria is blessed with rich fodder resources that require further development.

“Some countries have sourced their fodder from Nigeria and integrated it into their national agricultural assets.

“Interestingly, we currently have a situation where some areas have abundant fodder production, while others have high utilisation rates.

“One of the strengths of the fodder sector is the potential for robust business-to-business relationships,” he added.

Maikano highlighted the importance of private sector funding in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock industry, emphasising that the sector cannot continue to rely solely on government support.

“It is essential that the sector attracts significant private sector investment. Encouragingly, we are beginning to see data-driven interventions, which are crucial for the growth and development of the sector.

“Historically, the focus has been on feed, but we are now recognising that fodder is a major constraint in Nigeria’s livestock-agriculture system, and it must be prioritised”.

The professor stressed the need for greater engagement with the fodder sector, describing it as central to resolving many of the country’s current security challenges.

He linked the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders to competition over feed resources.

Speaking at the workshop, Maikano said the objective was to appraise and validate the National Animal Feed Policy Document and harmonise ideas on key issues that should be reflected in the final policy.

He identified private sector participation as one of the core themes of the document that would benefit the sector.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the gathering as a significant step in stakeholders’ collective effort to reposition the livestock sector.

He identified the livestock sector as a vital contributor to national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification.

The minister emphasised that animal feed and fodder form the backbone of any sustainable livestock production system.

He acknowledged that the sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate feed and fodder supply, poor quality control, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited private sector engagement.

“These gaps have hampered productivity, profitability, and resilience across our livestock value chains,” he said.

“This policy document, which we are here to validate, offers a strategic and inclusive response to those challenges.

“It provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing feed and fodder production, attracting investment, supporting research and development, ensuring quality standards, and improving stakeholder coordination.

“A structured policy for feed and fodder across production, supply, market access, and investment is essential in driving the Ministry’s goal to double our national herd to 398.9 million heads,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

IWMI unveils strategy to boost water, agriculture innovation
Agriculture , Food Security

IWMI unveils strategy to boost water, agriculture innovation

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By Tosin Kolade

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has introduced its 2024-2030 strategy to drive innovation in water management and agricultural practices in Nigeria.

This announcement was made at the sidelines of the Africa Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday.

IWMI Director General, Dr Mark Smith, presented practical, science-based solutions to Africa’s pressing water challenges.

“The IWMI Strategy 2024-2030 outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security.

“It tackles current and future water management challenges, aiming to advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation.

“The strategy aligns with national and regional priorities and is backed by an action plan to boost partnerships, growth, and impact,” he said.

Smith noted that while Africa’s water challenges are vast, so too are the opportunities.

He emphasised the importance of focusing on practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions.

“At IWMI, we are working to restore watersheds, modernise irrigation, promote water reuse, and empower farmers with tools that enhance productivity and resilience,” he said.

Smith outlined four strategic pathways for agricultural transformation that align with the African Union’s vision: watershed restoration, improved irrigation system performance, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation.

He listed examples of IWMI’s work, such as in Ethiopia’s Yeboa Watershed, where interventions like terracing and contour farming have greatly reduced soil erosion and improved groundwater recharge.

These efforts, he said, have expanded irrigable land fivefold, creating new agricultural and economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

“In Mali, IWMI collaborated with the Office du Niger to co-develop performance indicators for irrigation schemes.

“This data-driven approach has enabled targeted investments and smarter water management, leading to improved efficiency and increased yields.

“IWMI is also promoting the safe reuse of wastewater for agriculture, which reduces pressure on freshwater sources, improves soil fertility, and recovers valuable nutrients.

“Our work in promoting water reuse is not just about alleviating the strain on freshwater systems, but also enhancing agricultural sustainability and supporting a circular economy,” Smith noted.

Dr Funke Cofie, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, emphasised the institute’s broader commitment to sustainability and resilience.

“We generate knowledge and evidence-based solutions to improve water use, ranging from rain-fed systems to full irrigation.

“Our work focuses on environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and preparing communities to manage risks like flooding”.

Cofie highlighted IWMI’s role in developing Nigeria’s flood early warning and anticipatory response system, known as the AWARE platform.

“Using satellite data, the platform helps predict flood events and supports timely, community-level action to mitigate impacts. This approach moves us from reactive disaster management to proactive planning

“We are here to catalyse change. Whether in the arid north or the south, we are committed to turning knowledge into tangible impact and delivering sustainable solutions across Nigeria,” she said.

She said that during the two-day conference, IWMI hosted five technical sessions on key themes such as digital innovations in water management, farmer-led irrigation, and the water-energy-food-environment nexus.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the institute also launched new training tools for irrigated rice production in Africa.

With its new office and strategy now in place, IWMI is set to deepen its engagement in Nigeria, working closely with public institutions, research organisations, and local communities to address region-specific water challenges.

NAN also reports that IWMI has opened its new office at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

FG declares national emergency on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

FG declares national emergency on food security

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By Tosin Kolade

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward”.

Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said

He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

It may be recalled that he had earlier addressed participants at the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference event which gathered emerging leaders in irrigation and water management across Africa.

Arcieri emphasised the role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to the continent’s water challenges.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

L-PRES Coordinator seeks private sector support for livestock growth
Agriculture , Food Security

L-PRES Coordinator seeks private sector support for livestock growth

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has called for collaboration with the private sector to boost commercial livestock farming, increase productivity, and strengthen the resilience of targeted livestock production systems across Nigeria.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, made the call at the Value Chain Enhancement and Infrastructure Clinic for Effective Livestock Supply Chain and Market Orientation on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abubakar identified the Project Development Objective (PDO) as improving productivity, commercialisation, and resilience of targeted production systems in Nigeria, as well as strengthening resilience to climate change, environmental degradation, and farmer/herder conflicts.

“We cannot attain the heights, than to join hands together, cross-fertilise our ideas, tap from your expertise, professionalism through your various mandates in livestock value chain enhancement and agribusiness with the supervision of Ministry of Livestock Development key and World Bank Group.

“L-PRES beneficiaries are being profiled in a water-tight database and mapped in organic clusters/groups identification and formation across the various local governments in the 20 participating states to aid seamless implementation and achieve the PDO.

“The six livestock value chains supported by the project are beef, dairy, piggery, poultry, sheep and goat, hides and skin,” he said.

The national project coordinator noted that the project was deliberate and intentional in the inclusion of youth and women in livestock farming, in order to bridge generational gaps.

Abubakar said the main objective of the L-PRES strategy was to achieve productive alliances, benefit from common facilities and infrastructure, and ensure a well-coordinated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in investment across “our Value Chain Hub (VCHs) and Livestock Service Centres (LSCs)”.

According to him, this approach would further optimise the livestock supply chain, strengthen value chain market linkages, and support market development, among other benefits.

Abubakar described the gathering as important, saying it aimed to address the core concerns of the project, as “necessitated for sustainability by our livestock beneficiaries across the participating states and multiplying effects of the country’s economy as a whole”.

He emphasised that these objectives could be realised through the development of the livestock sector and the achievement of the project’s result framework.

“This stakeholders engagement is sine-qua-non to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and a key ingredient to achieving food security through livestock value chain agribusiness and value addition/processing.

“Also, packaging, cold-chain supply, branding, quality assurance, traceability and export driven to earn much needed foreign exchange.

“L-PRES within its lifespan and stakeholders support is positioned to maximise the opportunities of the African Continental Free-Trade Area (AfCFTA) through industrialisation and will naturally drive food security, food safety, economic growth, job creation among others”.

Mrs Heather-Ronke Akanni, Livestock Value Chain Consultant for L-PRES, said the clinic would support livestock agribusiness across all 20 participating states and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Akanni identified the project’s safety net as threefold: government-supported, demand-driven by beneficiaries, and assured in its sustainability.

She said the orientation aimed to enhance livestock value addition, engage youth and women, improve market opportunities, promote exports, and add value across all project value chains. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy
Agriculture , Food Security

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy

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By Felicia Imohimi

Dr Patricia Ukegbu, Head of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has called for the inclusion of adolescent nutrition considerations in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (NPFN).

Ukegbu, an Associate Professor at the university, stated that such a move would help reduce the long-term burden of stunting and contribute to achieving nutrition security in Nigeria.

She made the recommendation on Tuesday during the first-quarter coordination meeting of the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN) in Auta-balefi, Nasarawa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukegbu is a Policy Fellow of the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP), an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

She delivered a presentation titled “Integrating Gender-Responsive Adolescent Nutrition Considerations into the NPFN”.

She explained that although the current policy acknowledges gender inequalities, it lacks specific provisions to address disparities related to adolescent nutrition.

She identified these inequalities as relating to food and nutrition security, access to healthcare services, educational resources, social protection, and empowerment.

“The NPFN contains no specific national provisions for younger adolescent females (aged 10–14) and males in general (aged 10–19),” she noted.

“The policy rightly focuses on children under five and women of reproductive age. However, it inadequately engages adolescents in interventions designed to meet their distinct nutritional needs”.

Ukegbu advocated for a review of the 2016 NPFN to incorporate gender-responsive strategies on adolescent nutrition, including the promotion of adolescent participation in policymaking processes.

She also recommended the development of clear objectives, targets, and strategies to improve adolescents’ nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours.

According to her, these measures are critical to ensuring adequate nutrition for the nation’s adolescent population.

Ukegbu highlighted the opportunities for strengthening gender-responsive adolescent nutrition in Nigeria, including policy, programme, and legal frameworks.

She cited existing programmes such as school feeding, food fortification, dietary diversity, and biofortification.

The nutrition expert outlined key challenges facing adolescent nutrition, including inadequate diets, malnutrition, food insecurity, and the absence of gender-responsive policies and programmes.

She also mentioned the lack of national age- and gender-disaggregated data on adolescents’ nutritional status, food consumption, and nutrition knowledge.

She noted that most existing programmes targeting adolescents are primarily focused on reproductive health.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, an expert in Community and Public Health and Paediatric Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, advocated for a life-cycle approach to nutrition.

Nnam emphasised the need to prioritise nutrition at every life stage from early childhood through adolescence and into old age.

She said: “Adolescence is a critical developmental phase.

“While most development occurs from conception through the first 1,000 days, the adolescent stage is another key window when substantial physical and cognitive growth takes place.

“If nutrition is properly addressed during adolescence, it can help correct some deficits incurred earlier in life”.

Dr Victor Ajieroh, a nutrition expert and AWARD mentee to Ukegbu, described the advocacy for adolescent nutrition inclusion in the NPFN as timely.

He stressed that such inclusion would allow the country to maximise the benefits of its demographic structure.

Ajieroh maintained that while the nutrition of mothers and children under five must remain a priority, strategic attention should also be paid to adolescents aged 10 to 14.

“The school feeding programme should be expanded to include this age group.

“We must strengthen school-based health, nutrition, and agricultural programmes, especially in secondary schools, to prepare adolescents for their most productive years.

“Once they leave school, they enter the workforce and become part of the nation’s productive population.

“From a reproductive health standpoint, as they transition into early adulthood, many begin to marry and start families.

“If we want future generations of healthy children, we must first ensure that today’s adolescents are well-nourished and healthy.

“We must equip them with the knowledge and habits that promote good nutrition, not only for themselves, but also for their future families, “he added.

NAN reports that participants at the meeting included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, civil society organisations, and development partners. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

New Sokoto river basin MD vows to restore lost glory
Agriculture , Food Security

New Sokoto river basin MD vows to restore lost glory

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By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), officially assumed office on Thursday, pledging to restore its lost glory.

Malam emphasised the grassroots-driven importance of the organisation and urged the management to establish a sustainable synergy to realign its activities with its original mandate.

“Our focus will be on increasing food production, reducing poverty, fostering grassroots development and ensuring sustainable rural investments.

“We will also strive to improve the livelihoods of the people across the four states under our jurisdiction,” Malam stated.

He further highlighted the need to provide a strong impetus for sustainable growth through agricultural investments to enhance the economic fortunes of the people.

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Malam acknowledged that the task before the new SRRBDA management was a daunting one, given the current realities that necessitate the restoration of the organisation’s lost prestige.

“As we take on the responsibility of leading this organisation, I assure you that under my leadership.

“We will strive to improve staff welfare, uphold discipline and work ethics, recognise productivity, and reward excellence to motivate employees for maximum output,” he affirmed.

The managing director also announced plans to develop a comprehensive action plan aligned with the organisation’s mandate.

He said, “This plan will clearly define responsibilities at all levels to facilitate effective assessment and quality control”.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the new SRRBDA Executive Directors, Malam thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Water Resources, and the Governors of Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States for the trust placed in them.

“I wish to extend our profound appreciation to president Bola Tinubu for this opportunity to serve.

“We remain deeply indebted and firmly committed to the president developmental agenda and campaign promises,” he stated.

Malam assured that SRRBDA would complement the president’s initiatives in agriculture, agro-industrial zones, livestock development, rural economic growth, sanitation, and food security.

Additionally, Malam extended a hand of partnership to all federal and state organisations, agencies, and stakeholders, inviting them to collaborate in his mission to make a meaningful impact.

“We are determined to make a difference, and we welcome all stakeholders to join us in this commitment to progress,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project
Agriculture , Food Security

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project

528 total views today

By Ramatu Garba

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has inaugurated the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16 billion and to benefit one million Nigerians nationwide.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote,  made the disclosure during the inaugural ceremony on Thursday in Kano.

Represented by his daughter, Marya, he said the annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, was part of the foundation’s response to the current economic challenges facing the nation.

“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of this foundation.

“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.

“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support projects, which tackle hunger and water supply problems.

“We are also strengthening the quality and scope of health and education, as well as promoting economic empowerment at the community level,” he said

Dangote urged other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that would place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, there’s a need to complement government efforts in fighting hunger and poverty through a public private partnership.

“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.

 I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges. Therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians,” he said.

On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State said the intervention reflected the unwavering commitment of Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo,  he said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating hardship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.

He said the state government had set up a committee made up of relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure transparency in the distribution process.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the commitment of Dangote to continue giving back to the society in various ways, including supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, commended the foundation for the initiative and urged others to emulate Dangote.

He said the board would be actively engaged to ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries. (NAN)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye and Yakubu Uba

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