News Agency of Nigeria
NNPC Foundation trains over 3,000 farmers on climate-smart
Agriculture

NNPC Foundation trains over 3,000 farmers on climate-smart

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Foundation has trained more than 3,000 farmers in the Southern part of Nigeria in climate-smart and other model agriculture techniques.

The Foundation disclosed this at the closing session of the Southwest pilot training on Friday at Ikorodu Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the NNPC Ltd. focused on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

It was incorporated in February 2023 to manage NNPC’s CSR initiatives.

Speaking on the focus of the training , the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said it aimed at empowering local farmers for increased agro-productivity.

“Today marks the formal conclusion of the first phase of a national journey that speaks to resilience, food security, and economic empowerment.

“What began as a bold decision to support small holder farmers has translated into tangible action across three geopolitical zones (South-East, South-South, and South-West) in Southern Nigeria.

“Across 10 locations in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, we trained over 3,860 vulnerable farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices.

“This achievement is not just a number, but a milestone in the lives of real people and real communities. We were able to strengthen farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.

“Through the training, we were able to improve access to markets, promote inclusive agriculture and especially gender representation. We also trained them on enhancing food production through sustainable techniques,” Arukwe said.

She also assured the continuity of the training in other geopolitical zones of the country to enhance food security.

“This is only Phase One. We will now turn our focus to the North-West, North-Central, and North-East zones. What we have achieved in the South will inform and strengthen our next steps.

“The NNPC Foundation will continue this mission, to support livelihoods, build resilience, and empower the hands that feed our families and beyond.

“We have decided that most times you get a lot of requests from people asking us to give them palliatives and all kinds of things to help them.

“But we think it is much better to teach people to fish than just give them fish so they can continue,” she said.

On his part, the Chairman Ikorodu Local Government Area, Mr Wasiu Adesina, urged the trained farmers to use the opportunity to increase their productivity and profitability.

 

Adesina appreciate the NNPC Foundation for coming up with the initiative of equipping the farmers.

“As we all know, agriculture is the bedrock of any nation, without agriculture, there will not be a nation, because there will be no food to eat.

“It is the farmers that produces our food, and it is important that we train our farmers with new techniques in agriculture, and that is exactly what the NNPC Foundation is doing.

“To the farmers, you have to take advantage of this training and face the farming squarely. In some great countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, farmers are the most richest people in those countries.

“This is because they make a lot of money from farming. We need to inculcate that habit in Nigeria and develop ideas in farming.

“Even after my tenure, I am going back to farming, so, maybe I will ask the NNPC Foundation to train me so that I also join you to be a farmer,” he said.

He, however, urged the foundation to empower the farmers to start up something worthwhile after the training.

“If the farmers have land for farming, I believe the foundation will provide financial aid to keep their farms running,” Adesina said.

Also, the Lagos Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Director of Fisheries, Mrs Osunkoya Daisi, commended the foundation for its efforts in boosting food security in the country.

“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to NNPC Foundation for training our farmers and for training all the farmers all over the country.

“Definitely, the training will help improve food production, we can see the impact of climate change effects in agriculture.

“I am sure farmers have been equipped with climate-smart agriculture techniques to improve production,” Olusanya said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Group seeks stronger protection of parrots in Nigeria
Agriculture

Group seeks stronger protection of parrots in Nigeria

By Fabian Ekeruche

The Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust have called for stronger protection of parrots in Nigeria, as the world celebrates the World Parrot Day.

This is contained in a statement jointly issued by the Nigeria Representatives of the Group on Saturday in Lagos.

The statement said the call had become expedient amid the continued illegal trade of different parrot species.

“The World Parrot Day reminds us of parrots’ crucial role in ecosystems and the need to protect their habitats.

“Originating from various regions across the globe, parrots play a vital role in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds and helping forests regenerate,” it said.

The group said parrots, especially the African Grey Parrot that was once common in Nigeria’s forests, are quickly disappearing due to decades of trapping and trafficking.

The statement said in spite of the national and international laws protecting parrots, weak enforcement and exotic pet trade had continued to drive illegal activities.

It noted that over 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots entered international trade in four decades.

The statement said 40-60 per cent die during capture and transport.

“It is estimated that the total number could be as high as three million,” said the statement.

It said that in recent months, Nigeria has recorded positive developments in its fight against the illegal trade of parrots.

“In March 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted over 300 parrot heads, drawing national and international attention to the brutality of the trade.

“In early May, officials from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service (NPS) arrested three suspected wildlife traffickers in Abuja, who were found with live African grey parrots as well as other species.

“Meanwhile, in April, Nigeria Special Wildlife Officers seized 12 live grey parrots that were being transported via bus between Kaduna and Lagos. The rescued parrots are being rehabilitated at Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch,” the statement said.

The statement quoted Dr Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson as saying that parrots are keystone species.

“Parrots are keystone species, intelligent, social, and ecologically crucial. Their decline reflects the health of entire ecosystems.

“Parrots are more than just brilliant colours and clever mimicry—they are vital ambassadors of our planet’s wild places.

“On the World Parrot Day, let’s honour their intelligence and resilience by protecting the forests they call home and the freedom they deserve.  May we listen, love, and never let their voices fade into silence,” Ofua said.

The statement also quoted Mr Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Nigeria Country Coordinator, World Parrot Trust, as saying that grey parrots are in serious trouble in Nigeria.

“Our research shows that grey parrots in Nigeria are in serious trouble. It’s enormously encouraging to see the intensified efforts by NESREA, NCS, and NPS to stop illegal trade and protect the remaining populations of parrots in the wild.

“However, sadly, many people are still unaware of how the exploitation of parrots is destroying our natural heritage,” he said.

The group noted that Nigeria had taken significant steps to combat the illegal trade of parrots and other protected species by introducing the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill.

It called for the quick passage of the bill to support the ongoing law enforcement efforts.
“In addition, more public education is needed to reduce the demand for parrots as pets.
“Both Wild Africa and World Parrot Trust will continue to advocate stronger conservation policies and initiatives that safeguard Nigeria’s parrots using a combination of radio, TV, billboards, and newspaper publications.

“Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust call on governments, businesses, and individuals to come together and take meaningful action to protect parrots before it’s too late,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Gombe introduces locally made food supplement- ‘Garin Inuwa’ for malnutrition
Agriculture

Gombe introduces locally made food supplement- ‘Garin Inuwa’ for malnutrition

By Hajara Leman

The Gombe State Government has introduced the distribution of “Garin Inuwa”, a locally produced complementary food supplement aimed at nourishing thousands of undernourished children across the state.

The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, while flagging off the initiative on Saturday in Gombe, expressed optimism that it would go a long way in reducing the number of malnourished children in the state.

“The birth of Garin Inuwa is both a response and a resolve.

“It is a product developed from locally sourced ingredients and certified by NAFDAC, representing a significant milestone in our Human Capital Development agenda.

“This programme is not only a testament to the vision of His Excellency, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, but also proof that sustainable, homegrown solutions can address our most pressing health challenges,” he said.

He highlighted the alarming statistics confronting the state: a stunting rate of 50.6 per cent, wasting rate of 8.8 per cent, and no fewer than 94,000 children classified as severely malnourished.

He explained that the initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education; Science, Technology and Innovation, and Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN).

“Over 1,000 students from selected schools were trained in preparing nutritious food, while trained women were empowered to produce and distribute the supplements—laying the groundwork for entrepreneurial opportunities and broader community impact.

“No solid building stands on a weak foundation; good nutrition is that foundation and today, we’ve begun to rebuild it, one child at a time,” he said.

In her remarks, Prof. Aishatu Maigari, Commissioner for Education, stated that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation was responsible for producing the complementary foods, while the Ministry of Education trained women and students on how to prepare them.

According to her, 200 women and 300 secondary school students have so far been trained in the production of the foods to prevent malnutrition, enabling them to collectively contribute to ending child malnutrition in the state,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NIFST seeks FG collaboration for enhanced food production
Agriculture

NIFST seeks FG collaboration for enhanced food production

By Sylvester Thompson

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has urged the Federal Government to accelerate collaborations with it to enhance food production through modern technologies.

The President of NIFST, Dr Bola Osinowo, said this in Abuja at the investiture of Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as a trustee of the institute.

Osinowo said advancements in food processing technologies were transforming the food industry all over the world.

He said the institute was well positioned to explore new methodologies that enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability in food production in Nigeria.

“Rising food prices, climate change and other challenges are what the NIFST is strongly positioned to address which can significantly impact food security and livelihoods.

“It is pertinent to note that the current global food crisis, characterised by food scarcity, hunger and starvation is significantly impacting developing countries particularly those reliant on food imports,” he said.

The NIFST President said the country was at crossroads in food security, adding that the role of NIFST to ameliorate this challenge could not be underestimated.

He said food science and technology plays a crucial role in addressing the crisis by offering solutions for increased food production, sustainable farming practices and food preservation.

He assured that Kukah would bring his wealth of experience and deep passion for the advancement of food science in Nigeria.

Kukah, in his response, promised to use the vehicle provided by the institute to contribute his quota towards the efforts to guarantee food security in the country.

NIFST is a registered non-profit making body representing food professionals drawn from the academia, industry, government and research organisations in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

NADF, GIZ pledge commitment to gender-inclusive, climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture

NADF, GIZ pledge commitment to gender-inclusive, climate-smart agriculture

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and German Development Cooperation (GIZ) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through gender-inclusive and climate-smart financing models.

The two organisations made the commitment at the Validation Workshop on Climate-Smart and Gender-Inclusive Financing in Abuja.

The workshop, which featured key stakeholders, was to finalise a financing framework aimed at providing millions of women and youths with access to agricultural support systems tailored to meet their unique needs.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the initiative was more than just documentation but embodiment of a commitment to fostering resilience, inclusivity and prosperity within our food systems.

He stressed the importance of integrating digital tools and financial literacy to reach underserved groups.

“Inclusion demands that we think beyond traditional financial instruments.

“We must explore innovative approaches; leveraging digital platforms that can provide tailored financial products that meet the unique needs of these groups.

“Our pursuit of food security is intrinsically linked to our capacity to provide farmers with the necessary tools and resources to adapt to climate-induced challenges,” he said.

Kyari, in reference to recent flood disasters, emphasised that there was urgency of integrating risk management and anticipatory action into agricultural systems.

The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said their mission was to unlock and deploy financing that worked for every Nigerian farmer, irrespective of where they are or barriers they face.

The workshop, according to him, builds on a previous session held in November where stakeholders helped craft the initial draft of the financing model.

“This second phase is focused on validation, product refinement and setting clear steps for implementation.

“This is more than validation, it is co-creation of a financing model that meets farmers where they are and takes them to where they deserve to be.

“I call on stakeholders to imagine new delivery models.

“Can we bundle financing, insurance, and mechanisation into one service—pay-as-you-plant? Can digital platforms deliver microloans to women via mobile wallets?.

“I call on all participants to take ownership of the process,” he said.

In her keynote address, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called for urgent and inclusive financial systems to empower women and build resilience against growing impacts of climate change.

“Women constitute between 70 per cent to 75 per cent of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce.

“They produce about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the nation’s food, yet they receive only a small fraction of credit and land allocated to small-scale farmers.

“We must collectively work to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically hindered women’s full participation and ensure a level playing field where their contributions are recognised and supported,” she said.

Dr Andrea Ruediger, GIZ representative, reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria in agricultural transformation, identified food systems as the backbone of livelihoods, economies and environment.

“I urge stakeholders to implement the recommendations outlined in the newly validated framework.

“These include developing targeted financial products, increasing access to non-collateralised loans, enhancing institutional coordination and promoting climate-smart agriculture,” she said.

Sen. Saliu Mustapha, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture Production and Rural Development, identified technology as key to food sustainability.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, called for urgent attention to Nigeria’s most vulnerable groups, particularly displaced persons, in national development policies.

“We have over five million Nigerians displaced across the country, which is more than the population of most states. Yet, they are rarely at the centre of our national discourse,” he said.

The framework, jointly developed by NADF and GIZ, seeks to shift agricultural financing from traditional credit systems to a holistic approach that includes mechanisation, extension services, digital tools, advisory support, and risk-sharing mechanisms. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Plateau Govt. releases N2bn counterpart funds to boost agro-business
Agriculture

Plateau Govt. releases N2bn counterpart funds to boost agro-business

By Polycarp Auta

The Plateau Government has released N2 billion as counterpart funds for the implementation of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in the state.

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang disclosed this at the inauguration of the construction of three Agro-Logistic Centres in the state on Monday in Jos.

The governor said that the move aimed at boosting agro-business and rural infrastructure in the state.

Mutfwang explained that the agro-logistic centres would be domiciled at Mangu, Shendam and Bassa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

“It took us quite a lot of financial engineering to be able to put these funds together.

“It is not easy to just release N2 billion with the current scarce resources.

“But because of the importance and impact of the project to our people, we took the bold step and released the funds.

“Let me say that this is a project that commenced in 2021 and by the time we came in in 2023 nothing had been done and we started afresh,” he said.

The governor said that his administration had enacted some laws and created some special agencies that would enable the smooth running of the project in the state.

He called on the chairmen, traditional rulers and the people of the benefiting LGAs to take ownership of the project by ensuring that the contractors deliver quality jobs.

“Local government chairmen and traditional rulers must take responsibility for these projects; you have the right to let us know if any of these projects are not being properly implemented.

“We can not spend huge money and not get value for money; I will never agree to any contractor to cut corners.

“We want to build roads that will last, and since this project is rural based, aimed at harnessing the abundant resources found on the Plateau, we will continue to support it in order to achieve the desired objectives,” he said.

The governor further assured the people of the state of his commitment to serving them with diligence and accountability.

“Let me assure my people of Plateau that I’m here as your governor to serve you and will do everything with all due diligence and sincerity to meet your aspirations.

“This I will, and do not mind political affiliations or religious inclinations, but in line with our desire to bring development to all sectors of the economy,” Mutfwang promised.

In his remarks, Mr Aminu Mohammad, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, commended Plateau Government for its commitment towards the implementation of the project in the state.

Mohammed, represented by Mr Salisu Abubakar, explained that the project is implemented in 19 states with the support of the World Bank and the Agence Frabcaise De Development (AFD).

He said that the project, particularly the agro centres, would improve service delivery to farmers and agro processors in the state.

He particularly said that Plateau was rated first among the benefitting states in the area of implementation.

“This is a bold declaration of our shared commitment to improving the livelihood of smallholder farmers, strengthening the agricultural value chain and promoting rural economic growth.

“The agro-logistic centres are integral component of agro project, with the strategic objective to enhance market access through both infrastructure development and market system.

“RAAMP has come to stay and we are expecting additional funding of over 575 million dollars for another phase,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Daniel Temsen, RAAMP Coordinator in the state, said that the project had constructed 331 kilometre roads and 45 drainages across rural communities in the state.

Temsen, who thanked the governor for releasing the counterpart funds, called on the contractors to deliver the projects within specifications. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

C’ River boosts coffee farming with 1m Arabica, Robusta coffee species
Agriculture

C’ River boosts coffee farming with 1m Arabica, Robusta coffee species

By Christian Njoku

Cross River State Government says it will distribute 1 million high-yielding Arabica and Robusta coffee species to farmers at a subsidised rate of N1, 000 per seedling.

Mr Johnson Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, said this while briefing journalists on Monday at the Ministry of Agriculture in Calabar.

The briefing was on the introduction of coffee as an economic plant to be cultivated in the state in addition to cocoa wheat and some other cash crops.

He said that the state had entered an agreement with a French Coffee Firm, JR Farms to develop and strengthen the coffee value chain.

Ebokpo said the initiative was to provide farmers access to high quality and high yielding seedlings and an opportunity to earn alternative income during the off-peak season.

He said it would also help the state to earn foreign exchange as well as create jobs for its teeming population.

“An allocation model based on elevation, climate, and soil quality was developed to ensure an equitable distribution of the seedlings across the 18 local government areas.

“This is because the Arabica species grow optimally in highland areas, while the Robusta species grow well in lowlands.

“Consequently, a team of 56 enumerators are currently being trained to profile prospective farmers and organise them into cooperatives,” Ebokpo said.

The commissioner said that enumeration exercise would commence from May 26 to June 9, adding that within the period, the enumerators would conduct a door-to-door profiling exercise.

He appealed to political stakeholders, religious and civil society organisations to mobilise local farmers to take advantage of the opportunity to get enumerated and purchase subsidised hybrid coffee seedlings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Chidi Opara

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister
Agriculture

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister

Projects

By Tosin Kolade
The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Utsev explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.

”These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development”.

He also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.

”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.

He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.

The minister further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara States, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.

He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.

”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.

”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.

Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deborah Coker

Employment: Entrepreneur tasks youths on hydroponic farming
Agriculture

Employment: Entrepreneur tasks youths on hydroponic farming

By Esenvosa Izah

Hydroponic farming provides immense opportunities to meaningfully engage the youth, reduce unemployment and drive a positive change, an entrepreneur, Mr Daniel Okpata, has said.

Okpata, the Founder of Farmstead Hydroponic Farm, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the level of unemployment globally had become worrisome and required collective efforts to tackle.

Okpata said that youths could explore opportunities in agriculture and other sectors to beat unemployment.

He said that he would implement precision farming techniques by the first quarter of 2026 to advance his business.

The entrepreneur said that the implementation would create opportunities for employment of skilled labour in his farm.

According to him, hydroponic farming is a soilless method of farming.

He said it would eliminate issues such as soil erosion, degradation, and soil-borne diseases.

‘’On the implementation of precision farming techniques, we will be acquiring equipment that require dedicated personnel to monitor anomalies in plant moisture content, PH level and nutrient content, among others.

‘’With increased yields, effected by these techniques, comes the need for manpower for product sorting, packaging and distribution.

‘’We grew from 30 to 60 substrates to almost 400 substrates; this created job opportunities for artisans and salesmen.

‘’Also, the entire supply chain that facilitated distribution across more than 100 families in three communities in Ojo/Amuwo-Odofin areas of Lagos State benefitted,” he said.

He advised the youth to take advantage of emerging technologies to develop their potential and contribute to societal development.

Okpata said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) presented opportunities for ground-breaking inventions in diverse fields.

He urged that AI should be properly harnessed.

“Generative AI and agents have shown the most penetration in the Nigerian context, and it is up to the youth and information technology stakeholders to dig in.

“I leverage my entrepreneurial acumen and tech know-how to create avenues for problem solving and ease the burden of unemployment.

‘’I urge other stakeholders to find solutions to close the gap of unemployment in Nigeria,” Okpata, also the Founder of Citiflo Solutions, an app-based logistics solution, said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Waivers, smuggling threaten Nigeria’s rice industry- Stakeholders
Agriculture , Food Security

Waivers, smuggling threaten Nigeria’s rice industry- Stakeholders

By Akpan Glory

The Competitive African Rice Forum (CARF-FSD Nigeria) has expressed concern that policy inconsistencies, selective import duty waivers, and the unchecked smuggling of rice are threatening the viability of Nigeria’s rice industry.

The group, a coalition of rice farmers, millers, processors, marketers, NGOs and development partners, warned that over two decades of investments in the sector risk being eroded if urgent corrective measures are not taken.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the forum said Nigeria has built a domestic milling capacity of over 13 million metric tonnes, a figure sufficient to meet, and even exceed national demand.

It however said this capacity is reportedly underutilised due to the influx of imported and smuggled rice, which has flooded the market in recent months.

The group linked the downturn in the industry to a 180-day duty waiver granted by the Federal Government in July 2024, which included husked brown rice among essential food items.

Although the measure was introduced to address rising food prices and discourage hoarding, stakeholders say it has had unintended and damaging effects on local production.

According to CARF-FSD Nigeria, the waiver has led to a collapse in demand for paddy rice, leaving farmers with unsold harvests and forcing many rice mills to shut down or scale back operations.

This is due to their inability to compete with cheaper, subsidised imports.

The impact, it said, has been pronounced in key rice-producing states such as Kebbi, Kano, Ebonyi, Plateau, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Ekiti, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Adamawa, where job losses across the value chain continue to mount.

“The rice value chain has been a major source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians, especially in rural communities.

“What we are seeing now is a systemic disruption that threatens not only employment but also national food security, “said Peter Dama, Chairman of CARF-FSD Nigeria’s Board of Trustees.

The Forum also raised alarm over the continued smuggling of substandard rice through Nigeria’s porous borders, saying it had made legitimate operators uncompetitive, compromised food safety, and emboldened criminal trade networks in border communities.

With general elections approaching in 2027, stakeholders warned that the collapse of the industry could have wider socio-economic consequences.

They pointed to rising rural-urban migration, growing youth disillusionment, and the risk of unrest in agricultural communities as potential flashpoints.

CARF-FSD Nigeria therefore called on the Federal Government to act swiftly to safeguard the sector and stabilise the market.

It urged an end to selective waivers on rice and related commodities, the designation of rice as a strategic crop, and the strengthening of customs operations to tackle smuggling at critical border points.

The group also recommended the establishment of a national rice buffer stock and offtake mechanism to regulate prices during harvest cycles.

Other measures proposed include improved access to irrigation, affordable farm inputs, mechanisation, and low-interest financing for farmers and processors.

In addition, the Forum called for a national campaign to promote Nigerian rice, with a focus on quality, traceability, and consumer confidence.

“The rice industry is not responsible for food inflation, It is one of the most scalable and inclusive solutions Nigeria has.

“If properly supported, it can reduce import dependency, generate employment, and anchor rural development”.

The forum reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the government in efforts to build a rice-secure and economically resilient nation. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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