News Agency of Nigeria
MOFI to sustain strategic reforms for sustained fertiliser supply
Agriculture

MOFI to sustain strategic reforms for sustained fertiliser supply

By Nana Hauwa Musa

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) says it will sustain implementation of strategic reforms for the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) 3.0, with a focus on year-round nationwide operations.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang, said this in a statement by the Executive Director, Portfolio, Mr Tajudeen Ahmed, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Takang said that the reforms would enhance availability, cost efficiency and stronger traceability to curb hoarding and diversion.

He said that the key priority was accelerating local sourcing, with a clear push to increase the proportion of inputs produced domestically over the coming years.

He said that the shift would strengthen the country’s agro-industrial base and reduce reliance on unpredictable imports.

According to him, MOFI is set to take over operational management from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) by November 2025.

“This transition is expected to strengthen governance and provide seamless continuity as the programme enters its next, more ambitious phase.

“The central mission of the PFI 3.0 remains providing Nigerian farmers with timely, affordable and reliable access to fertiliser.

“The system is now more resilient and dependable, giving farmers confidence in consistent supply,” he said.

He said that the focus of PFI extended beyond mere volumes.

“We are meticulously building a system that can insulate farmers from global market shocks and instil the confidence needed for long-term agricultural planning.

“We see the PFI as a prime example of public–private collaboration that can solve complex national challenges, and its future is a testament to Nigeria’s capacity for strategic reform.

“This strategic inflow has enabled consistent local production, with over 4.5 million metric tonnes of finished fertiliser produced between 2021 and 2024.

“Cumulatively, since its inception, the PFI has facilitated the production of over 128 million bags of fertiliser, delivered directly to farmers across the country,” Takang said.

He said that the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) confirmed that a growing network of blending plants is key to this sustained output.

“They have witnessed significant improvement in productive capacity since the PFI’s inception.

“The number of operational blending plants has increased to over 90 across the country, giving us a total blending capacity of up to 13 million metric tonnes.

“This capacity is a critical asset in ensuring fertiliser is consistently available for our farmers, bringing it closer to their farms and reducing transportation costs,” he said.

He said that the supply was robust, as industry leaders acknowledged farmers’ concerns regarding rising prices in recent seasons.

According to him, the industry leaders clarify that these pressures are a direct result of foreign exchange volatility and global raw material costs, and not local scarcity.

“To address these external pressures, the PFI is preparing for its third phase, PFI 3.0, which was endorsed at the August stakeholder roundtable in Abuja,” he said.

Takang said that between 2022 and 2025, 48 distinct vessels delivered critical raw materials for fertiliser blending under the PFI.

He said that in 2025 ten vessels had already discharged, accounting for more than 560,000 metric tonnes of inputs received at Nigerian ports.

He said that the steady inflow was laying the foundation for robust production and ensuring continuity of supply and stability across Nigeria’s fertiliser value chain.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PFI is a flagship programme of the Federal Government designed to provide farmers with reliable and affordable access to high-quality fertiliser. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Stakeholders urge LASG to build warehouses, hubs for preserving produce
Agriculture

Stakeholders urge LASG to build warehouses, hubs for preserving produce

By Reporters

Some stakeholders in farm produce in Lagos State  on Tuesday,  urged the government  to build warehouses and hubs  to preserve  their produce  and reduce wastage.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in interviews in Lagos that lack of preservation of farm produce has resulted in huge wastes and  losses.
NAN recalls that the United Nations General Assembly in 2018,  designated Sept. 29 as International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, to promote solutions aimed at ending the challenge.
The day also sought to mobilise global efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3, which aimed to halve per capital global food waste and reduce food losses along production and supply chains by 2030.
Mr Hafiz Tiamiyu, the Chairman, Tomato Dadi Louis Community, Iworo, Badagry, said provision of tomato hub and seedlings would help to stop  wastes and losses.
Tiamiyu said the community lost over N20 million to  farm produce waste in 2023,  due to lack of preservation.
He said the seedlings hub would give the farmers opportunity to get tomato seedlings for planting instead of going to the state capital and other areas to look for it.
Mr Sunday Ajilo, a Fish Market Leader in Epe,  said  the menace of post-harvest losses, especially in fisheries, had continued to affect the income of traders and fishermen in the community.
Mrs Iyabo Adegoke, the Iyaloja of Aiyetoro Market, Epe, stressed the need for more storage  facilities, adding that poor storage remained one of the major causes of wastage of perishable goods.
Mr Tunde Hunpatin, the Coordinator, Agbalata Coconut Market, Badagry,  urged the government to construct preservation machines and warehouses  for Coconut in the market.
Agbalata coconut Market in Badagry
According to him, this will help to bring out the sweetness in the coconut and reduce waste of the product.
“They use the machine to preserve coconut in Ghana and this is why the coconut is sweeter  than ours in Badagry,” he said.
Mr Akinloye Oladejo, the Baba Oja of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said the annual wastage affected  their profits in the market.
Oladejo urged the government to provide facilities to enhance the food live span to avoid perishing within short periods of time.
Truck loaded with coconut in Badagry market.

Mr Muideen Azeez, the Welfare Officer, Idi Oro Alamutu Market in Mushin said that unstable electricity supply remained  one of the major factors affecting the preservation of food and farm produce.

Azeez said the new modern market was still under construction in Idi- Oro Market with facilities to ensure adequate food and fruit preservations.
The market leader also appealed to the government to establish a  multi-functional cold  room which would accommodate various types of foods and fruits for effective preservation.
“Inconsistent power supply has multiple negative effects on  some of the perishable foods and fruits in the market.
“We also beg the state government to expedite construction of the ultramodern market in Mushin,  which would accommodate facilities for food preservations.
Coconut Market in Badagry
“The cost of transportation is on the high side and seeing the food perishing within days is not encouraging.
“Two out of 12 dozens of plantain bunch perish due to lack of preservation  facilities,” he said.
Azeez urged the government to assist the traders to establish facilities to reduce  wastage of produce  in the market.
A nutritionist, Mrs Tinuola Bakare, advised consumers to cultivate responsible eating habits, stressing that buying food in excess often led to waste.
She noted that ending food loss and waste would not only strengthen food security but also enhance the livelihood of farmers and traders across the country.
Alhaji Abdul Mohammed, General Secretary, Mile 12, Market, Lagos, said that the lack of storage facilities  and preservation  remained  the major cause of food wastes in market
“Presently, the price of food in the market is high due to the rainy season.
“We lack the facility to store and preserve our farm produce.”
He added that farmers still used the old methods of storage and preservation, which did  not last long.
He noted that It was time they began to employ modern ways of preserving foods, which are beyond what farmers could do on their own.
NAN check reveals that a  few metres from the building serving as secretariat of the traders’ union in the Mile 12 market,  is a truck loaded with onions.
Passersby could barely walk past without holding their breath, due to the stench of decaying onions.
“That truck was  seen  queuing to be offloaded and half of the onions were already spoilt.”
According to Mohammed,   Borno government bought the  onions from farmers through their agriculture projects .
“Imagine if this was not a government scheme, the loss would have been borne by the farmers.
Tomato market in Mile 12, Lagos.
According to him, agriculture business is rewarding but greatly unpredictable.
“One of the factors causing food wastage is weather. Whether it is potato, tomato, or onion, fruits cannot be preserved for long. Secondly, transport problem adds to about 30 per cent of food spoilage.
“In the past, tomatoes were not transported in trucks; they were transported in trains and coaches. With modern trains, you can spend not more than five hours from Kano to Lagos but spending a whole day on the road is not the best way to transport perishable goods.
“The problem of transportation is compounded by bad roads. Each time trucks jump into the thousands of potholes on the roads, it causes more damage to the goods.
“Sometimes, trucks are stuck  or fell due to bad roads, wasting  thousands of tons of food.”(NAN)
Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma
FG trains 300 tractor operators, mechanics to address food shortage
Agriculture

FG trains 300 tractor operators, mechanics to address food shortage

By Alaba Olusola Oke
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Monday trained over 300 tractor operators and mechanics on mechanised farming to address food shortage in the country.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, at the training which took place at Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Centre (AMMOTRAC), Ilado-Elemo, Akure, said that the Renewed Hope Initiative was aimed to boost food security.
Kyari, represented by the South-West Regional Head of the ministry, Mrs Temitope Alao, said the beneficiaries were invited across the South-West, South-South and South-East states of the country.
He said the southern part of the country with 70 million hectares of arable land and favourable climate conditions could not only feed the nation, but contribute significantly to global food security.
The minister said that realisation of the potentials hinged on the ability to modernise farming activities and embrace mechanisation.
Kyari said that productivity in the sector remained the constraint due to continued traditional farming practices.
According to him, an average Nigerian farmer cultivates less than one and half hectares of land using traditional farming tools.
“Only mechanised system can drive agricultural success in developed nations, hence, the need for stakeholders in the country to support the Federal Government to enhance mechanisation.
“Youths in the country should embrace modern farming as a vocation, because they are the architects of modern farming in the country.
“Beneficiaries should also appreciate the training which will transform the sector in the country,” he said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunjobi, said the initiative was a commitment to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Ogunjobi stated that to ensure food security in the country, there was need to move from subsistence farming to modern, efficient, and competitive agriculture.
The permanent secretary said the transmission was impossible without mechanisation because tractors and their implements were the workhorses of the revolution.
“This is why this training is not just another programme; it is a strategic investment in human capacity, which is the most critical factor for success.
“This comprehensive manual you have before you has been meticulously designed to equip you with more than just basic skills.
“It will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience required to operate and maintain tractors safely, efficiently, and profitably,” he said.
Ogunjobi stated that the goals of the training aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the agricultural sector to enhance productivity, create jobs for the teeming youths, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ayodeji Alabi
Rabies Day: Nigeria requires 70% vaccination of its dogs to contain transmission
Agriculture

Rabies Day: Nigeria requires 70% vaccination of its dogs to contain transmission

By Felicia Imohimi

Livestock Management Services (LMS) says that interrupting rabies transmission requires 70 per cent of vaccination of dog population across the country because persistent gaps in coverage sustain outbreaks of the disease.

Dr Bala Muhammed, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LMS, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, in commemoration of the ‘World Rabies Day’.

NAN reports that World Rabies Day is commemorated annually on September 28 and the theme for 2025 is “Act Now: You, Me, Community”.

The day is celebrated to raise awareness about rabies prevention, and highlighting the importance of vaccination, as well as promote access to timely treatment.

It is also to commemorate Louis Pasteur who developed the first vaccine for rabies.

Muhammed said that over 99 per cent of human rabies infections were from hunting and free-roaming community dogs that contact wildlife and end up spreading rabies to domestic animals and people.

He emphasised that targeted vaccination of hunting and community dogs was therefore essential to mitigate outbreak of rabies.

He advocates for resource mobilisation by government, NGOs, community leaders, donors to fund free mass vaccination, mobile clinics, subsidise training of local vaccinators and map dog populations.

The CEO further called for school and neighbourhood education, enforcement of registration, as well as ensure accessibility to Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to save lives and ensure protection of children.

According to him, globally, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies annually; 99 per cent of human cases are dog-mediated. Africa accounts for roughly 21,000 deaths.

“In Nigeria, estimates range from 1,000 to 2,000 human deaths each year, with tens of thousands more dog-bite exposures recorded; children under 15 are disproportionately affected.

“Because more than 99 per cent of human rabies infections are from hunting and free-roaming community dogs, targeted vaccination of hunting and community dogs is therefore essential.”

Speaking on the theme for the year, Muhammed called for collective responsibility across Nigeria, where rabies remaines endemic.

He called for responsible pet ownership, including registration, confinement, and annual vaccination to protect families and livestock.

He noted that timely wound washing and rapid referral for PEP would save lives.

He added that PEP could be costly and logistically out of reach, but vaccinating dogs would prevent human suffering and reduce expensive PEP needed.

“This commemoration calls on dog owners to vaccinate and contain animals; on health and veterinary services to coordinate Integrated Bite Case Management (IBCM) and PEP access.

“Policymakers should fund mass vaccination and surveillance, community education, reporting and local mobilisation so that every neighbourhood is made aware of the hazards of unvaccinated dogs.

“The health workers and veterinary services must coordinate surveillance, IBCM and education so that every bite is treated seriously,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Lagos registers farmers under ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme  
Agriculture

Lagos registers farmers under ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

 

The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems says it has started registering farmers in the state under its ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme.

 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

 

She said the programme is aimed at increasing food production for the Lagos market through structured agreements where farmers could sell directly to the state at guaranteed prices.

 

According to her, with a population of over 24 million people, Lagos is the single largest consumer of food in Nigeria.

 

Olusanya said the initiative would give farmers direct access to a secured market, reduce risks of waste, promote stable food prices, and improve farmers’ earnings.

 

She added that the programme would also support agricultural trade between Lagos and other states, improve food distribution, and strengthen the overall food supply chain.

 

The commissioner said the programme focused on food production within Lagos and also building partnerships with farmers in major food-producing states across the country.

 

“By registering, farmers will be part of a central database that will help the state plan, give interventions, and deliver support services,” she said.

 

She urged farmers to register through the official link or through the ministry’s official platforms.

 

She said that more details and updates on the programme would be released through these channels.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe/Chioma Ugboma

World Bank lauds Nigeria’s ACReSAL project as huge success
Agriculture

World Bank lauds Nigeria’s ACReSAL project as huge success

By Angela Atabo

The World Bank has ranked Nigeria’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project among its most successful and a model for Africa.

The Bank’s Practice Manager for Environment in West Africa and the Sahel, Ms Ellysa Baroudy, gave the commendation during a visit to Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Thursday.

Baroudy said the initiative was one of the Bank’s most successful interventions in recent years, noting that it had combined climate action, landscape restoration and livelihood support in a way that delivered tangible results.

“We’ve only been the financiers and don’t always have successful projects, but this is a successful project. You knew how to deploy the resources and they are really there to make a difference to people’s lives,” she said.

She explained that the project exceeded expectations by tackling land degradation, empowering women, boosting food production and transforming vulnerable communities into active participants in climate resilience.

“I am truly amazed by the diversity of the cultures, the diversity of agricultural practices and the diversity of the states. I was touched by the women’s voices and hearing how this project had made a change to their livelihoods.

“I was impressed with seeing before and after photos of the changes in the landscape and the reduction in the gullies. So I know that you’ve all done a tremendous amount of work,” she added.

Baroudy thanked the ‘ACReSAL family’ for their efforts, saying the warm reception in Kwali was a reflection of strong community ownership of the project.

The Task Team Leader of ACReSAL, Dr Joy Agene, said the visit underscored the World Bank’s commitment to mobilising resources for climate resilience, water resources, forestry and environmental sustainability.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Mr Abdullahi Ango, described the project as a “game-changer” in addressing land degradation, population pressure and declining agricultural productivity.

Ango said the territory was already witnessing the transformative impact of the project through the provision of machinery, inputs for farmers, solar-powered boreholes and a Community Revolving Fund, among others.

Earlier, the FCT Project Coordinator, Mrs Caroline Opara, said Kwali had become “the heart” of ACReSAL’s intervention, with every component of the project implemented there.

She attributed the successes recorded in the area to the leadership of the Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, whose personal involvement had strengthened community ownership and participation.

In his remarks, Nizassan commended the World Bank for investing in the lives of the people and pledged the community’s commitment to sustaining the project beyond its current life cycle.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ACReSAL, supported by the World Bank, is being implemented across 19 northern states and the FCT to address environmental degradation, promote climate resilience and improve livelihoods in semi-arid regions of Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

IITA honours 2025 African Food prize laureate Diebiru-Ojo
Agriculture

IITA honours 2025 African Food prize laureate Diebiru-Ojo

By Felicia Imohimi

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has honoured one of its staff Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo, for emerging the 2025 Africa Food Prize Laureate, for her groundbreaking work in cassava and yam seed systems.

Diebiru-Ojo, a scientist, adopted the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology.

Dr Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA said at a news conference in Abuja that the celebration was a landmark achievement in African agricultural innovation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango from Kenya and Diebiru-Ojo from Nigeria, emerged winners of the 2025 Africa Food Prize at the recently held Africa Food System Forum in Dakar.

According to him, the conference is to avail the media an opportunity to engage with the African laureate, key stakeholders and explore the impact of SAH on food security, and highlight the role of African-led science in transforming agriculture.

Ehui said that the opportunity would help amplify the story of African innovation and the transformative power of agricultural research.

“The prize, regarded as the continent’s foremost recognition for agricultural innovation, carries a US$100,000 award split between the two honourees.

“Diebiru-Ojo leadership has been pivotal in advancing SAH to cultivate cassava and yam which are two of Africa’s important staples.’’

The D-G identified SAH as a clean nursery-based method that rapidly multiplies disease-free plants at scale, lowering and shortening time to field and shortening seed system end-to-end.

He further said that SAH as an approachable breakthrough was at the moment deployed with partners to move and improve varieties faster and more reliably to farmers..

He said the award was important to Africa due to the speed and impacts of SAH.

“SAH accelerates the pipeline from laboratory to the field, helping countries respond faster to pests, diseases, and climate shocks with clean and high-performing varieties.

“The second reason is food security at scale. When cassava and yam planting material is clean and abundant, yields rise, losses decrease, and household resilience improves which is tangible nutrition and income for millions.

“The third reason is that SAH is a model of partnership. This success is built with national research systems, seed companies, farmer organisations and donors.”

Diebiru-Ojo embodies the best of IITA scientific rigor, entrepreneurial drive, and deep commitment to farmer impact.”

Ehui, said that beyond her research and system work at IITA, Diebiru-Ojo has championed early-generation seed enterprises and partnerships that made quality multi-materials available on time, at volume, and affordable price to farmers.

He said the prize committee decision to honour two women innovators this year was a powerful message about the future IITA is building.

Ehui who commended the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) and others for their research development and production, pledged that the SAH technology would be scaled up in turmeric, ginger, sweet potato among others.

According to him, this is an opportunity to expand the collaboration between IITA and other research institutes or centres that work on roots and tuber crops like seed.

Earlier, Diebiru-Ojo appreciated the IITA D-G for availing her the opportunity to attain the exalted position.

She dedicated the award to the institute, the country and the continent, describing it as a win for all.

The awardee said they were able to win the prize for being the first to adopt the technology from a company in the U.S. on cassava.

“‘The first crop we adapted was cassava, and we moved to yam. We started using it in a small laboratory, and the essence of the technology was to provide planting materials for cassava.

“One of the major reasons this technology gained recognition is because it is scalable and replicable. It is no longer just in Nigeria; it is being used in over 15 African countries.

Many of these countries depend on cassava as a staple food, and with the pressures of climate change and food security concerns, cassava is seen as a resilient crop.

“There is huge interest in technology. We have already deployed it to several countries, with more coming on board.

“This drew the attention of the award organisers, who saw the real-life impact of the technology on farmers, producers, industry, and even governments,”she said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Group backs call to end open grazing, warns of food security risks
Agriculture

Group backs call to end open grazing, warns of food security risks

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security and Development Group (NSDG), an NGO, has thrown its weight behind Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, over his repeated advocacy to end open grazing nationwide.

The Secretary of the group, Mr Chuks Oyema, made the declaration while briefing newsmen on the national security challenges, in Abuja.

Oyema said the defence chief had shown sincerity and courage by highlighting the dangers open grazing poses to lives, property, and national stability.

According to him, history will remember Gen. Musa for his sincerity on this issue.

“He has spoken truth to power and offered a clear solution to one of Nigeria’s deadliest conflicts.

“Open grazing has fuelled violent clashes between herders and farmers, leaving thousands dead and worsening food insecurity,” he said.

Citing data from Nextier’s Violent Conflict Database, Oyema said that 2,349 people were killed in 359 incidents linked to open grazing between 2020 and 2024.

He added that the statistics showed that 61 incidents left 467 people dead in 2024 alone with no fewer than 2,800 lives lost in the last five years to related violence.

Oyema also pointed to the International Crisis Group’s findings, which described herder-farmer clashes as escalating into “premeditated scorched-earth campaigns” against rural communities.

He added that the CDS’ call aligned with earlier positions by Sen. Mohammed Sani, Northern Governors, civil society groups like ASCAB, and security analysts who have all urged Nigeria to adopt ranching.

The group’s scribe noted that both the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, have called for legislation and sensitisation to drive ranching as a viable alternative.

He urged the National Assembly to urgently enact laws banning open grazing nationwide and to strengthen enforcement of existing state-level legislation.

“Food security is being undermined when herders destroy farmlands. Farmers are abandoning their livelihood in Nigeria.

“The result is hunger, job losses, and insecurity.

“We must do the right thing now. Ranching is the way forward – for peace, for security, and for food sustainability,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NADF lauds efforts to reduce post-harvest losses
Agriculture

NADF lauds efforts to reduce post-harvest losses

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commended the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders for their commitment to invest in reducing post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s food system.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, made this known during an interactive session with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

He recalled that the recent Africa Food Systems Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, provided a platform to highlight the challenges facing food systems across the region, with post-harvest losses identified as a common problem.

“Post-harvest losses remain one of the major challenges we face in the country, accounting for as high as 60 per cent in some value chains,” he said.

Ibrahim noted that investors at the forum had shown optimism and interest in investing in Nigeria’s post-harvest system, stressing that addressing the menace was key to strengthening the nation’s food security.

He explained that governments across Africa had taken steps to reduce underinvestment in agriculture, but more needed to be done to attract private capital.

“What we are trying to achieve now is to identify the risk factors that need to be mitigated and the enabling environment that must be put in place to drive private investment into the sector,” he said.

The executive secretary said NADF was established to provide holistic funding to the agricultural sector, with a focus on farmer productivity and profitability.

He added that Nigeria was blessed agriculturally across various regions and demographics, but emphasised the need to harness its potential for sustainable growth.

“Funding is critical in every sector that seeks to grow and achieve its potential. Our mandate cuts across the entire agricultural value chain, including research, to ensure we create an environment where funding flows,” Ibrahim said.

According to him, NADF is deploying blended finance, guarantees, concessionary loans and targeted funding to catalyse agricultural and industrial growth.

He listed access to land, markets and skills as key building blocks to enhance farmers’ productivity, noting that these approaches validated NADF’s current interventions. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG unveils modern Kawu grazing reserve
Agriculture

FG unveils modern Kawu grazing reserve

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the modernisation of Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, including the sinking of boreholes.

The projects aim to enhance livestock productivity and mitigate farmer-herder conflicts.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, at the event said the grazing reserve, which occupies 9,000 hectares, is designed to accommodate about 30,000 cattle and 10,000 households.

He noted that the initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the livestock sector.

Maiha explained that the reserve includes a dam to provide water for dry season pasture cultivation, and five to six motorised boreholes for domestic and livestock use.

He added that practical seed and pasture cultivation would also be demonstrated on-site.

The minister said the ministry had partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to supply solar-powered energy to the reserve.

It is also collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Board and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to establish primary schools and healthcare centres for residents.

He added that security agencies are engaged to safeguard lives and property.

Maiha noted that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) would execute key projects, including functional veterinary clinics, across the grazing reserves nationwide to ensure sustainable livestock production.

Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Coordinator of L-PRES, said the initiative aims to stabilise pastoralists’ livelihoods, reduce seasonal migration, mitigate herder-farmer conflicts, and boost livestock productivity while unlocking economic opportunities in rural areas.

Abubakar added that the modernised grazing reserves would be refurbished into serviced mini-towns featuring solar-powered electricity, schools, healthcare centres, veterinary clinics, abattoirs, markets, road networks, irrigation systems, and clean water.

He emphasised that addressing water and pasture challenges is key to reducing conflicts between herders and farmers.

He said the unveiling of Kawu Grazing Reserve was a milestone under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at transforming grazing reserves nationwide into modern livestock villages. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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