The Adamawa Government on Wednesday, inaugurated a $525,000 World Bank agricultural intervention project to support farmers, enhance food security and mitigate climate change.
Speaking at the ceremony in Yola, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri said that the initiative aimed to reduce vulnerability and build resilience across communities in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor said that the intervention would establish a continuous cycle of business activities, creating an economic safety net for communities and the state.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting World Bank projects through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative.
Fintiri assured stakeholders of close monitoring, evaluation and control of the project’s processes to ensure its success.
He also called on the Federal Government to embark on the desilting of River Benue to enhance international water transport, irrigation and other economic activities.
Earlier, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the partnership between the federal government and Adamawa State under ACReSAL was aimed at boosting food security.
Abdullahi explained that the project covered all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country, with each council benefiting based on its comparative and competitive advantages.
“Farmers will receive support in cultivating high-yield crops which reduces production costs.
“Modern technology will also be available to ensure that food produced meets required nutritional standards,” Abdullahi said.
In the same vein, Dr Ibrahim Chinda, ACReSAL State Coordinator, said the initiative would promote sustainability in natural resource management.
He said that the project would focus on addressing climate change challenges as well as deforestation across communities.
Meanwhile Malam Raji Isa, a beneficiary and farmer from Saminaka Cooperative Society, commended the intervention, saying it would improve livelihoods and boost businesses. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) has called on the government to subsidise agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and make food more affordable for the public.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President of FACAN, Sheriff Balogun, expressed concern over the steep rise in the cost of agricultural inputs.
He commended the reduction in prices of some commodities across the country but stressed that this should be complemented by government subsidies for agricultural inputs.
Balogun noted that farmers spent significant amounts on inputs during the previous farming season and warned that many would stop farming if the government and other stakeholders failed to provide subsidised inputs.
He highlighted key inputs, including fertiliser, pesticides, agrochemicals, and improved seedlings.
“As much as we are fighting inflation and want food prices to decrease for affordability, the cost of inputs must also go down, or the government should provide subsidised inputs for farmers,” he said.
He stressed the importance of food security, acknowledging the challenges of expensive inputs.
While expressing satisfaction with the falling prices of some commodities, he pointed out that the high cost of inputs remained a major concern.
Balogun cautioned that if prices drop in 2025 below farmers’ investments, a crisis could arise in 2026, as many farmers would not be able to afford to continue farming.
In addition to high input costs, Balogun identified other challenges faced by farmers, including inadequate infrastructure, poor transportation, limited access to export opportunities, and insufficient extension services.
He also called for the establishment of warehouses at farm gates to help farmers store their produce and reduce the significant post-harvest losses currently experienced. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Cross River Council on Privatisation has disclosed that neglect by past administrations and communal disputes have led to the decline of oil palm estates in the state.
Mr Bassey Okon, Director General of the Council, revealed this during the bid opening event for the privatisation of the Erei Farm Settlement in Calabar.
The Erei Farm Settlement comprises the Ikun, Urugbam, and Egbor Oil Palm Estates, all located in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two investors, El-Darl Farms Limited and Bella Van Baass Limited, have expressed interest in acquiring the estates.
The DG highlighted the government’s commitment to economic growth via strategic private-sector partnerships, adding that efforts were underway to revive old agro-allied estates.
“We are here to open technical bids for the estates, established in 1961 under the Eastern Nigerian Development Corporation, and due for revitalisation,” Okon said.
He noted that years of neglect, reinvestment failure, and communal disputes had led to the estates’ decline and loss of productive potential over time.
“These estates have not been replanted in decades, despite best agricultural practices recommending regular replanting for long-term productivity,” he stated.
Okon said Gov. Bassey Otu’s people-first agenda ensures that all initiatives prioritise job creation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for the benefit of residents.
He explained that the bidding process was a critical stage, enabling technically competent and financially sound firms to take over estate operations effectively and efficiently.
Ms Cecilia Adie, from the Due Process and Intelligence Office, urged the evaluation team to ensure a transparent and credible process throughout the selection exercise.
“Put sentiments aside and give your best. This process is vital for repositioning Cross River’s agricultural sector, and due diligence must be observed,” Adie stressed.
Also speaking, Itafa Ogar, legal representative of Eldar Farms Ltd., praised the government’s privatisation move as a bold effort to revitalise the agricultural economy.
He stated that Cross River possesses immense agricultural potential, and this initiative is crucial for unlocking it. Eldar Farms is proud to participate in the process.
NAN further reports that the technical bid opening marks the first phase. Successful firms will undergo financial and operational assessments before final selection. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria and Brazil have signed the commercial phase of the 1.1 billion dollars Green Imperative Project (GIP) to boost agriculture productivity and enhance private-sector investment in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GIP is the largest agricultural project in Africa which priotises the development of sustainable, low-carbon agriculture.
It aims to develop structural conditions to boost food production in Nigeria in an efficient and competitive manner.
NAN recalls that the MoU for the 1.1 billion dollars GIP 1 was signed in 2018, while the 4.3 billion dollars phase 2 of the project and the $2.5 billion JBS were signed in Brazil during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to that country in 2024.
Speaking during the signing of the commercial phase of the GIP 1, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said it was part of ongoing efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhance food security.
Shettima said the GIP would leverage on strategic opportunities to drive the nation’s economic growth and boost investors’ confidence.
“As this administration addresses the food security challenges, it is also delivering the 8-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“It is imperative for us to synergise and use existing initiatives such as the GIP for the purposes of policy continuity, utilising or leveraging on strategic opportunities to drive our economic growth.
“This is with a view to enhancing investors’ confidence,” he said.
Shettima noted that while the GIP aligned with all the policies and programmes of the Tinubu’s administration, it would link small-scale farmers with all the agricultural value chains in the country.
“We have been battling with low agricultural productivity for decades, and as I have always said, entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the very psyche of the average Nigerian.
“What our people are lacking is the wherewithal to be placed on the first ladder of development.
“This GIP is a wonderful opportunity because it seamlessly aligns with all the policies and programmes of this government.
“It’s a private sector driven initiative that targets the small-scale farmers and links them up with all the agricultural value chains,” Shettima said.
He added: “To me, today, is a highpoint of our leadership in this country. Yes, we have started seven years behind, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step.
“2025, as rightly captured by His Excellency, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, is a milestone year in our journey towards food security and diversification of our nation’s economy.”
The Vice-President commended the Ministers of Agriculture, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Foreign Affairs, Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, among others, for the success of the project.
The Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, said it was a great honour for Brazil to associate with the GIP.
“Over the past seven years, there has been negotiation with the Nigerian government to obtain the necessary funds from private and regional development banks to finance this ambitious project, which is worth approximately 1.1billion dollars,” he said.
Garcete noted that the project would allow for the importation of agricultural equipment such as tractors, spare parts while assembling of the machines will be done in Nigeria with the Nigerian labour.
Garcete stressed, “in the event of breakdown of any tractor, it will be possible to carry out any repairs here in Nigeria by the personnel who will be trained by GIP.”
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, expressed delight over the signing of the agreement noting, “for us at the sub-national, it is a very important day for us because agriculture plays important role in the economy of the country.”
He noted that the signing of the agreement underscored the high level commitment of the Tinubu’s administration in improving and transforming agriculture in Nigeria.
“This commitment is demonstrated from the highest level, from the President to the Vice-President and I think those of us at the sub-national have nothing to do except to toe the line,” he said.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue, said the state, being the food basket of the nation, is the happiest among the sub-nationals to witness the signing of the agreement.
He assured that the state government would give full support to the success of the project.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said the agreement is a good example of the South-South Cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.
He said both countries are very passionate about the project, considering what Brazil had achieved and how it turned a barren savannah into one of the prolific agriculture sites in the world. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Oyo State government has begun training of 660 youths, women, and retirees on mushroom cultivation across all zones of the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made this known on Friday while speaking with newsmen.
According to Olaleye who spoke through the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, the training of 660 in mushrooms cultivation is part of government’s efforts in ensuring food security.
He said that 1,290 farmers were equally receiving training in other agricultural programmes such as pasture establishment, management, conservation, and artificial insemination techniques.
“We are also training people on climate-smart agriculture, focusing on high-value crop production and effective weed management strategies.
“Training on Beekeeping practices; Shea butter production techniques, and training on Locust bean processing methods,” he said.
The commissioner said the training programme would enhance creation of a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that would boost food production in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mushroom is the fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground.
Mushrooms are a nutritious food source, rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Some mushrooms have equally been found to have potential medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor effects.
Mushroom cultivation provides a source of income for farmers, as it is in high demand globally, providing export opportunities and foreign exchange earnings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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)
The Federal Government has partnered with United Kingdom’s Zander Corporation Ltd., to transform agricultural practices and restore degraded lands in the country’s most vulnerable ecological zones.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this on Thursday during a meeting with the management of the bio-technology company, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that management of the company was led by Lord Raymond Benedict Asquith, the Third Earl of Oxford, and Asquith OBE, a member of the UK House of Lords.
The Zander Corporation donated £250,000 worth of afforestation technology products to Nigeria.
Shettima expressed the commitment of the Federal government to afforestation as a key strategy in combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
“There is a critical intersection between innovative technology and efforts at combating desertification and agricultural transformation in this country.
“As a nation committed to afforestation and sustainable land use, we recognise the value of partnerships that introduce cutting-edge technologies like those from Zander Corporation,” he said.
Shettima noted the need to maximise the potential of the five-hectare pilot project, suggesting diversification into vegetable production and tree crops such as cashew, which has a high global demand.
“We are in a unique position to take advantage of this opportunity. I want to assure you and your team of the federal government’s support.
“Sokoto State has already demonstrated commitment, and I believe that Borno and Katsina governments will also embrace this initiative.”
Shettima acknowledged Lord Oxford’s commitment to training Nigerian agronomists in best practices for implementing the technology.
He added that “there is an incestuous relationship between ecology and economy in the northern part of this country.
“This innovative technology by Zander Corporation can be our saving grace.”
Earlier, Lord Oxford reaffirmed the corporation’s dedication to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, adding that the company has been in the country for over 12 years.
“We have made a donation of our products to Nigeria for deployment in several northern states to demonstrate our capabilities and the remarkable results that can be achieved in agricultural and environmental projects.”
He explained that the corporation had recorded successes in desert states such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, and Southern Spain.
Also, the Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing Zander Corporation’s technology.
“We have established a committee to oversee the implementation of these products, which have proven highly effective in building resilience during the pilot programme.
“We are piloting this project in Katsina, Borno and Sokoto States, with five hectares of land already prepared for deployment.
“We are committed to ensuring that the initiative directly benefits the communities affected by desertification with a view to building resilience and sustainability in agriculture and management of the dry land in the north.
Also, Mr Rupert Bevan, Director, Zander Corporation Ltd., said that he was impressed with the commitment of the Federal Government to the project.
He reiterated the commitment of the corporation to support Nigeria to combat desertification and land degradation.
“We have spent a lot of time in Nigeria where we are trying to offer technology for the betterment of the problems facing the Nigerian people for the construction of the great green wall.
“We believe we have some very important things to offer which shall be of considerable use in getting the great green wall finished.
“We are able to plant important trees but later on we will be able to plant various crops either permanent ones or cereal and real crops to give a lot of employment to people up here.
“And to make the whole project self-sufficient,” he said. (NAN)
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has trained and empowered women farmers in Nasarawa State with N26 million.
The Wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, who performed the symbolic presentation on Wednesday in Lafia, enjoined the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the cash to enhance food security.
Sule, who was represented by the Wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Tosin Sheila Akabe, said that the beneficiaries were women farmers groups, selected across the 13 local government areas of the state.
She said that Nasarawa State was blessed with fertile land and a rich agricultural heritage, noting that women and youth were the key to unlocking the potential and ensuring a sustainable future for the state.
“It is an honour to stand before you, as we launch this vital agricultural support programme, under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“We are gathered here to celebrate potential, ignite ambition and reaffirm unwavering belief in the power of youth and women, particularly in the critical area of food, nutrition and security.
“This agricultural support programme is not just about providing tools and resources, it is about investing in youths and women, to become leaders in the agriculture sector for sustainable livelihoods,” Sule said.
She enjoined the beneficiaries to embrace opportunities for growth, in spite of the challenges ahead, and to build a stronger and more prosperous Nasarawa State.
Princess Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, thanked the Federal Government and the governor’s wife for the initiative.
Elayo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Yonah, said that the empowerment would boost women’s agro-businesses.
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Tanko Tunga, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Planning and Research, Mrs Chinyere Nwaosuocha, applauded the First Lady for the initiative.
He charged the beneficiaries to utilise the training and the resources judiciously.
Prof. Ibrahim Haruna, a Resource Person at the training, emphasised the need to embrace homegrown gardens and to maintain them using organic manure, animal dung and nets to prevent animals from entering the garden.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries comprised of one women group each from the 13 local government areas of the state.
Each group got N2 million to support their farming activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
No fewer than 100 women are currently making brisk business from Akpu production at the Cassava/Fufu Processing Centre in Sheda, FCT.
Mrs Justina Ibrahim, Leader of the centre, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sheda.
Ibrahim explained that Akpu business had helped them feed their families and achieve financial independence.
She revealed that the centre was built by the Kwali Area Council Chairman in collaboration with the Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) FCT Project Implementation Unit.
She noted that the business had helped the women to become self-sufficient as well as take care of their respective families.
“When we started, we were not this many. But as time went by and people saw the viability of the business, more people joined us, now we have 100 registered members,” she said.
Ibrahim disclosed that to become a member and participate in the Akpu business, a newcomer was expected to pay a ₦10,000 registration fee.
She also disclosed that members source their cassava mainly from Kogi and the FCT, adding that a pickup truck of cassava cost between N400,000 and N500, 000.
She, however, lamented the absence of sufficient reliable water supply at the centre, and appealed to the government to provide more for the centre.
She also called for the provision of a machine that would help in peeling and washing of the cassava, thereby reducing the labour involved in the process.
A member who spoke with NAN said that since joining the centre, she has made huge profit.
Mrs Joy Jalo, a member of the Akpu association, said that she joined the business five years ago with a capital of N100,000, which has now grown to N500, 000.
She said that she had been earning a living from proceeds of the business, which has improved her family’s livelihood.
Jalo said that the business had enabled her to send her children to school and also trained two of her siblings.
She, however, said that the business was not what it used to be in the past due to a significant decline in sales.
”The business used to be vibrant, but these days, with the current economic situation in the country, everything is increasing, and people are struggling to survive.
”In spite of this, we still thank God for everything, at least for being able to provide food and shelter for our families.
”This is because in cassava processing, nothing goes to waste, the cassava peel is used to feed cow and pig, while the fibre is also used as food,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has warned that Nigeria could spend 110 billion dollars on food imports in 2025, if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.
Dr Godwin Atser, SAA’s Country Director, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services”.
Atser identified extension and advisory services as key to agricultural transformation, stressing that continuous spending on food imports is unsustainable.
“If we continue to do that, it means we are exporting jobs, and that will further affect our economy.
“However, if we are importing food and our productivity continues to remain low, one of the things that is going to happen is that climate change, which is one of the controls, will further worsen the situation”.
Atser called for immediate stakeholder intervention to address the existing gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, urging a shift in approach.
He noted that while there are innovations capable of transforming agriculture, the country’s extension system remains weak.
“In some states at the moment, there is no extension service at all, We have seen consistently that economies that make progress in agricultural transformation are those that place strong emphasis on technology transfer”.
Speaking on the workshop theme, Atser noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population use mobile phones, with internet penetration growing rapidly across Africa.
He stressed the need to harness these opportunities to deliver timely and high-quality information to farmers, improving their livelihoods.
“Harnessing the power of digital solutions will be a very good instrument that will help us succeed in our agricultural transformation.
“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionising how we deliver our extension and advisory services.
“It entails bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most, be it in agriculture, health, education, or business.
“Digital tools enable us to provide real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, ultimately enhancing decision-making and productivity”.
Atser also noted the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global agriculture, stating that AI-driven tools can predict various factors affecting the sector through computer-based analysis.
He emphasised that stakeholders must leverage digital tools to transform agriculture, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving agricultural productivity.
“The key to addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture and making digital solutions effective is collaboration,” Atser added. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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