By Felicia Imohimi

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called on the media to step up advocacy for increased investment in inclusive and sustainable food systems to ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerians.

Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of AAN, made the call during a media workshop on Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems Reporting, in Abuja.

Represented by Mrs Suwaiba Dankabo, Deputy Country Director, Mamedu stated that Nigeria’s food system stands at a pivotal crossroads.

He outlined a truly inclusive food system as one that “empowers inclusive nutrition, livelihoods, and the future of millions, especially those engaged in food production”.

Mamedu stressed the media’s role in shifting the narrative, identifying climate change, economic shocks, conflict, and rising inequality as key stressors on the food system.

“Within these challenges lies a powerful opportunity to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient agricultural system. But this can only happen if we act boldly, collaboratively, and with intention,” he said.

Mamedu underscored the role of media professionals as agents of accountability and storytellers who amplify the voices of farmers, highlight their struggles and successes, and influence public discourse.

“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public dialogue and influencing policy, yet there is a gap in specialised reporting on inclusive food systems”.

He emphasised that strengthening media engagement in this area is vital for driving awareness and advocacy, and for ensuring that the voices of smallholder farmers are heard.

“Your work shapes policy, mobilises communities, and brings visibility to critical issues. Yet agricultural and climate reporting in Nigeria remains under-resourced and underrepresented in mainstream media.

“This workshop is designed to address those gaps,” he added.

Mamedu reiterated that an inclusive food system not only guarantees better nutrition and livelihoods, but also secures the future of millions especially women farmers, young people, persons with disabilities, and the most vulnerable.

“It’s about who grows our food, who benefits from the system, and ensuring no one is left out whether in policymaking or in implementation,” he said.

He described ActionAid as an organisation committed to working with vulnerable communities, ensuring that all engagement is respectful, rights-based, and carried out with dignity.

Mamedu said the workshop aims to equip journalists to report effectively on agriculture, climate change, and food systems to inform, educate, and influence policy.

“The Inclusive Food Systems Project is part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is not only sustainable but also inclusive especially for women, youth, and marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower smallholder farmers, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making and policy processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.

“However, this goal cannot be achieved without strong, informed, and supportive communication.

“Together, let us imagine a food system that works for everyone, not just the poor, but rural women and the youth. Let us transform not only how we eat, but how we grow our food,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised under the Inclusive Food Systems Project, funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and implemented by AAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Ibrahim Kado

The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Morris Dankombo, along with other stakeholders on security have resolved to collaboratively tackle the farmer-herder conflicts in the state as the rainy season sets in.

Dankombo said that the stakeholders’ meeting was necessary because of the Police Community Engagement to prevent security breaches in Yola.

He said the meeting was organised to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and to collectively chart a path towards sustaining peace in the state.

According to him, rainy season often witnesses increased tensions between herders and farmers, primarily due to the struggle over land, water, and grazing reserves.

“In the light of this, if not proactively addressed, it can escalate into violence, disrupt livelihoods, and threaten the peace and security we all work hard to preserve,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to remain resolute in promoting peace, security and mutual respect across the state.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri on Peace and Security, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, gave assurance that the 2025 farming season would be different due to the stakeholders’ commitment to ensure peace in the state.

He said that government would also recover all the grazing reserves that were tempered with to enable herders to get space for grazing without conflicts with farmers.

He called on the traditional leaders to support government in addressing the problem of tempering with the grazing reserves through awareness creation.

A representative of the Chairman, Adamawa Concerned Citizens, Alhaji Gambo Nakira, recommended the banning of the underaged from cattle rearing to avoid the destruction of crops and tempering with grazing reserves.

Nakira described the meeting as timely and commended the police for being proactive toward ensuring peace and security in the state.

The representatives of the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Batu and Rev. Victor Sajo, urged the government to promote justice between farmers and herders as well as meet their needs.

“These would help to boost their activity and the economy and ensure peace and security in the state,” they said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Sam Oditah

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project aimed to enhance national food security, water management, and climate resilience.

The project, valued at $500 million and supported by the World Bank, aims to deliver large-scale multi-purpose infrastructure for irrigation and hydropower generation.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who chairs the Steering Committee said the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, the SPIN project builds on the success of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which helped rehabilitate about 32,000 hectares of irrigation schemes and empowered Water Users Associations (WUAs) across the country.

“Nigeria is committed to improving its food, water, and energy security.

“Through this project, we are targeting 500,000 hectares of irrigated agriculture, 30 Gigawatts of sustainable energy, and strengthened resilience to floods, droughts, and climate change.

“The project consists of four key components: Institutional Strengthening, Irrigation Modernisation, Dam Safety and Operational Improvements, and Effective Project Management.

“It will be implemented under two models; Model 1, which focuses on federal government-managed schemes in collaboration with interested states, and Model 2, which supports state-owned irrigation schemes”.

According to him, out of the 34 states that expressed interest in participating in the project, 27 pledged to meet the readiness criteria, and 17 states have been confirmed as qualified.

He said these states satisfied three key requirements: enacting a WUA law at the state level, allocating budgetary provisions for WUA operations and maintenance, and establishing counterpart funding.

The minister commended the SPIN Interim Team for field assessments and preparing key documents, including the Project Appraisal, Implementation Manual, and 18-month work plan.

He noted that the steering committee, composed of Ministers from relevant sectors and Commissioners from participating states, would serve as the apex policy and decision-making body for the project.

Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the SPIN project as timely, noting that it would build on the achievements of the TRIMING initiative to further transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Kyari commended the World Bank for its continued support towards sustainable development across various sectors, but emphasised the need to place greater focus on measuring concrete outcomes.

“In every programme we implement, whether within our ministries or in partnership with international stakeholders, we must ask a fundamental question: What specific results will this project deliver?

“In the case of agricultural production, what measurable outcomes are we targeting? Clarity on such goals ensures that our efforts are meaningful and result-driven.

“While our rapidly growing population is often viewed as a burden, I see it as a powerful opportunity.

“With strategic planning and the right investments, this population can become a major force for innovation and economic growth. Let us not forget that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world”.

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who is the co-chairman reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy through hydropower, outlining it as key to achieving energy and food security.

Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mahmadu Mamman, said the initiative was a major step towards optimising the country’s water resources for long-term development.

He noted that the ministry of power, as a key implementing partner, was responsible for preparing project memos aimed at attracting private sector investment into hydropower development.

“This aligns with the broader national vision that sees energy not just as a commodity, but as the foundation for growth and progress,” he said.

The minister also underscored the role of hydropower in Nigeria’s energy transition, citing its technical advantages such as grid stability, efficiency, and its synergy with other renewable sources like solar and wind.

He urged members of the committee to remain committed to the project’s success, assuring them of the ministry’s readiness to address any challenges that may arise.

SPIN Project Manager, Mr Ipinlaye Olaiya, said the World Bank–International Development Association (IDA) intervention will enhance dam safety and support hydropower and irrigation development in selected areas.

According to him, Nigeria has set a target of 500,000 hectares for irrigated agriculture, underscoring the need for states to support the achievement of this goal.

He urged states to enact Water Users Association (WUA) laws to enable their participation in the project’s implementation.

The World Bank Task Team Leader for the SPIN project, Mr Chinedu Umolu, praised the federal government for its strong commitment to the project’s implementation.

He outlined the leadership shown by the government and its partner ministries as a clear sign of the dedication needed to drive the project to success.

“With this level of commitment, I am confident the federal government will achieve the objectives of the SPIN project,” he said.

Umolu noted that the project team is now fully launched and with sustained support from the ministries, the foundation for progress is in place.

He urged all stakeholders to match the government’s efforts with action to ensure nationwide impact on power and irrigation infrastructure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inaugural meeting fulfils a statutory requirement for activating the World Bank financing arrangement.

The SPIN project is expected to boost Nigeria’s irrigation capacity, ensure dam safety, and revitalise rural economies in line with the country’s long-term development goals. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Peter Uwumarogie

Dr Musa Arab, an expert in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, has praised Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for investing in rural road construction.

Arab gave the commendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of rural roads to food security.

He explained that rural roads are vital for agricultural development, as they serve as crucial links between farmers and urban markets.

According to Arab, the Yahaya-led administration has prioritised rural road construction, which has significantly supported the state’s agriculture sector.

He noted that post-harvest losses have been greatly reduced, and farmers can now access urban markets more easily.

“The rural road construction by this administration has been impressive, positively impacting livelihoods and advancing agricultural growth in the state,” he said.

He added that rural infrastructure contributes to economic activity, food production, market access, and the overall welfare of rural populations.

Arab stated that the new roads have boosted agricultural output and improved rural living standards across various communities.

He said the improved road network has cut transport costs, enhanced market access, and increased availability of farm inputs like fertilisers and seeds.

Arab also said the good roads have helped raise farmers’ incomes by reducing losses and expanding sales opportunities, thus lowering poverty in rural areas.

He recalled that in the past, poor roads made it difficult for farmers to access support, training, and interventions outside their communities.

Arab urged the government to continue constructing roads to link more communities to markets and unlock the state’s vast agricultural potential. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Felicia Imohimi

HortiNigeria, a non-governmental organisation, has announced that it has trained over 70,000 farmers and mobilised £4 million since its inception in 2021 to strengthen Nigeria’s horticulture sector and stimulate economic growth.

Mr Mohammed Idris, Programme Director of HortiNigeria, made this known at the ongoing workshop for financial institutions in collaboration with the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) in Abuja.

The workshop is themed “Unlocking Sustainable Finance for the Horticulture Sector”.

Idris explained that the HortiNigeria programme is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented through a consortium led by the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC).

It has also supported Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with tools to aid their growth.

He emphasised that in spite of agriculture’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth and job creation, the sector receives less than six per cent of total commercial bank lending.

“The horticulture sub-sector, in particular, continues to suffer from neglect due to perceived risks associated with perishability, market volatility, and seasonality,” he said.

He said the four-day workshop aims to equip financial institutions to better understand and invest in horticultural value chains.

“The training is designed to equip financial institutions with practical knowledge on structuring inclusive horticulture financing products, mitigating risk, and unlocking investments for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.

“It is expected to lead to the development of tailored financial products for horticultural enterprises, increased lending and investment in the sector, and stronger partnerships between banks and agricultural actors, all within a de-risked ecosystem supported by NIRSAL’s tools, frameworks, and guarantees,” Idris stated.

Speaking on “De-risking and Funding Mechanisms for a Rewarding and Sustainable Horticulture Sector”, Mr Sa’ad Hamidu, Managing Director of NIRSAL Plc, noted that agriculture remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.

According to him, it employs millions across rural and peri-urban communities.

Hamidu, however, acknowledged that the horticulture sub-sector, in spite its potential for high-value addition and job creation, continues to face limited access to finance, along with the broader agricultural sector.

“Agriculture contributes an estimated 24 per cent to GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2024 report, yet only receives about four per cent of total lending from deposit money banks, as indicated in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Q3 2024 report,” he said.

He added that NIRSAL believes improving financial institutions’ understanding of the horticulture value chain and equipping them with the tools to assess, manage, and mitigate risks is crucial to unlocking capital and fostering growth.

“Our mission is to fix broken agricultural value chains, reduce risks across the agricultural financing spectrum, and stimulate increased bank lending to the sector.

“Through innovative instruments such as the Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG), project structuring, and technical assistance, we aim to make the sector more attractive to lenders.

“Specifically for horticulture, we recognise the need for tailored strategies due to the sector’s unique challenges. We are leveraging tools like value chain mapping and risk profiling, among others.

“Our commitment is to ensure banks approach horticulture financing not with hesitation but with informed confidence.

“By collaborating with initiatives such as HortiNigeria and leveraging NIRSAL’s risk-sharing tools, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable, and rewarding horticultural ecosystem in Nigeria”.

Mr Yusuf Dtamani, Country Director of IFDC, said the capacity-building programme aims to address a gap in Nigeria’s agricultural financing landscape.

He noted that access to formal finance remains a significant barrier, particularly in the horticulture sub-sector, in spite of agriculture’s role in the national economy and employment.

“We believe these challenges can be transformed into opportunities if financial institutions are empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and risk mitigation strategies.

“This training will enable participating institutions to better understand the business operations, dynamics, and opportunities along the horticulture value chain, from production and marketing to aggregation, processing, and logistics.

“Our collaboration with NIRSAL reflects our commitment to facilitating a sustainable flow of finance and investment into agribusiness, particularly in traditionally underserved areas,” Dtamani added.

Ms Foluso Adejoro, Policy Advisor at the Netherlands Embassy, said the Kingdom sees horticulture as a key driver of economic growth, jobs, and better nutrition.

Adejoro, however, stressed that access to finance is key to unlocking the immense potential of the sub-sector.

“Too many farmers, marketers, and entrepreneurs in this sector are working hard but remain invisible to formal finance.

“We believe that change starts with understanding, and that’s what this training is about, building bridges between the financial sector and the horticulture value chain.

“With this, banks can better understand the businesses behind the numbers, the seasons behind the cash flows, and the people behind the produce,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade