NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Abia Govt. intensifies farmers verification to curb diversion of agriculture produce
Agriculture

Abia Govt. intensifies farmers verification to curb diversion of agriculture produce

137 total views today
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Abia Government has embarked on a comprehensive statewide enumeration and verification to identify genuine farmers in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, made this known at a media briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting, in Umuahia.
Agbaeze said that the initiative evolved to eliminate the diversion of agricultural interventions.
He said that the state would leverage technology to ensure that only real farmers benefited from any government support.
According to him, data collected from the enumeration process would be uploaded to a cloud-based system, enabling real-time access to farmer information.
“With one touch of a button on my phone, I will be able to know the location of specific farmers.
“In this administration, you are not recognised as a farmer until you have an actual farm.
“We are geo mapping every farm by capturing coordinates and tagging them to individual farmers before any form of intervention is given.”
Agbaeze described the exercise as part of the government’s commitment to ending politically motivated interventions, ensuring that support reached only those actively engaged in farming activities.
He also noted that all participants of the agricultural empowerment programme, facilitated by the government and CSS Farms, were selected from all local government areas.
Agbaeze said that the government had provided direct funding to the beneficiaries.
“We continue to monitor their progress closely, and feedback shows that about 90 per cent or even more of the trained farmers are doing very well,” he added.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the monitoring and verification process as part of efforts to drive agricultural growth and food security across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Enhancing exports: NEPC distributes 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers
Agriculture

Enhancing exports: NEPC distributes 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers

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By Vivian Emoni

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says the council distributed 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers across the country.

Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of the NEPC disclosed this while presenting the First Quarter Progress Report on the Non-oil export performance for 2025.

Ayeni said that in Kogi State, farmers benefited from oil palm seedlings as a start-up seed intervention to boost exports.

“In Akure, over 2,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to farmers for the planting season.

“In Gusau, Zamfara State, groundnut seedlings were distributed to eight communities for cluster farming in the state.

“Also, in Bayelsa State, the council distributed 1,500 hybrid cocoa seedlings,’’ she said.

Ayeni further said that 1,100 coffee seedlings and 100 bags of organic fertiliser were distributed to 148 coffee farmers from Chaha and Vom Communities in Plateau State.

The director-general said that NEPC was committed to ensuring conformity to quality and standards to curb rejects and reduce contract cancellation.

According to her, on this note, the council, working with International Trade Center (ITC) Geneva, has validated the baseline study for sesame and cowpea value chains.

Ayeni said the council was selected as one of four Business Support Organisations in the world and only one in Africa, to implement phase one of the Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.

“This 50-million dollars fund, launched in February 2024 by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will support Women-led Businesses to participate actively in global digital trade.

“Applications have begun in earnest and we encourage every women-led business to apply,” she said.

The D-G said that to facilitate the ease of doing business and seamless documentation processes, the council registered a total of 1,129 new exporters.

She also noted that 16 exit points were used in the period under review to export non-oil products from Nigeria.

She added that approximately 95 per cent of the total non-oil exports were routed through seaports.

According to her, in total, six seaports, three international airports and seven land borders served as exit points for Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

Ayeni said that the council would continue to strengthen its relationship with developmental partners and trade organisations.

 “The council will continue its existing projects as well as new initiatives, all geared toward increasing the volume and value of non-oil export.

“The NEPC will remain to be committed in curbing rejects, promoting value addition, enhancing market access and strengthening partnerships.

“At NEPC, we remain resolute and committed to driving up the volume and value of non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
Expert advises veterinarians on judicious use of antimicrobial resistance
Agriculture

Expert advises veterinarians on judicious use of antimicrobial resistance

163 total views today

By Dorathy Aninge

Veterinarians have been advised to team up with researchers and ensure judicious use of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in livestock production.

The Managing Director of Blueblood Veterinary Limited, Mr Abubakar Muhammad, gave the advice in Makurdi at the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration and N20 million appeal fund organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Benue Chapter.

Muhammad, who was the guest speaker, said the most pressing challenge being faced in animal health is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which also threatens human health and food security, and veterinarians have a pivotal role in ensuring that antimicrobials are used judiciously.

He stated that no single individual could address the multifaceted challenge of animal health alone except through teamwork.

“By working together as a team, we can educate farmers on the use of antimicrobials.

“We can implement best practices by collaborating with researchers and policymakers and also monitor and report by establishing a robust surveillance system for tracking antimicrobial use.

“To also enhance food security, we need to work closely with agricultural extension workers and public health officials, promote best practices and engage communities, as this will give a comprehensive approach to food safety.

“Livestock development is vital for the prosperity of the economy, which is why veterinarians need to invest in research and development, support capacity building and advocate for policy changes.

“These issues can be addressed by utilising available technology, engaging community health workers to enhance proper outreach and building partnerships with non-governmental organisations, government agencies and the private sector to improve the capacity of quality delivery,” he said.

Benue NVMA Chairman, Benue Dr Andrew Amine, said that there was a need for collaboration rather than competition among professionals so that they would not be left behind.

Amine described the World Veterinary Day celebration as one of the biggest events for veterinarians across the world.

“The livestock subsector is laden with untapped potential which needs to be explored, as it is consistently dynamic with some newer methods of farming as well as new equipment and facilities.

“The Benue NVMA under me took time to unite and revamp the association so as to give it a deserved place in the society as we liaised with legends and all members of the profession.

“We have also done investiture for executive committee members, board of advisers and patrons/patronesses of the association, which is the first of any state chapter in Nigeria.

“We also urge veterinarians to register for the NVMA cooperative, which was set up to support the start-up and expansion of business by giving our soft loans to younger veterinarians in the state,” he said.

Amine also called on para-veterinarians that the association has different levels of training and should resist the temptation to do everything and must know their limit and invite veterinarians to step in when their skills end.

“We should ensure that farmers, pet owners and caregivers must put up their best practice, as the era of self-medication is over; we must roll up our sleeves and get to work while collaborating with professionals and sister organisations in the fight against climate change.

“The challenge the association is having at the moment is the issue of mobility, which has hindered operation, which is why we solicit the support of veterinarians and paraprofessionals to purchase a bus for the association,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the programme was the presentation of honorary awards to the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Mathew Adamu.

NAN reports that awards were also presented to the Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Mr David Shehu, and some outstanding members of the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Borno governor calls for boost in irrigated farming
Agriculture

Borno governor calls for boost in irrigated farming

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By: Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to invest heavily in groundwater irrigated farming to boost food security and economic activities.

Zulum made the appeal while receiving the newly constituted CBDA Board, led by its Chairman, Prof. Abdu Dauda Biu, on a courtesy visit to Maiduguri.

Highlighting the agricultural potential along Lake Chad’s shores, the governor named Kirenowa, Marte, Gamborun Ngala, and Baga as areas blessed with groundwater and arable land.

“I wish to draw your kind attention to the presence of considerable groundwater along the shores of Lake Chad. We must not rely solely on surface water,” Zulum said.

He revealed that a fact-finding team he dispatched to Gamborun Ngala confirmed the availability of substantial groundwater, ideal for irrigation farming in the region.

Zulum added that the state government had committed about ₦2 billion to cultivating 1,000 hectares of farmland using a solar-powered irrigation system in Baga.

He noted that an additional ₦1.5 billion was allocated for similar solar-powered irrigation projects in Gamborun Ngala and Marte, which are now nearing completion.

“In our efforts to revitalise the South Chad Irrigation Scheme, we are currently cultivating 1,000 hectares of land under the Baga Polder Irrigation Project.

“We are also developing 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Pump House and another 200,000 hectares at the Gamboru Ladari solar-powered irrigation system,” he said.

Zulum further revealed that about 3,000 tube wells had been drilled in Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area, enabling farming along a 16-kilometre stretch.

He pledged continued collaboration with the CBDA to expand agricultural activities in Ngala, Damasak, and New Marte, supporting returnees and sustainable food production.

Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to reviving the Chad Basin’s Kirenowa pumping station and disclosed efforts to establish a military battalion in the area.

“We are consulting with the President and military hierarchy on establishing a battalion in Kirenowa to safeguard the pumping station,” the governor said.

Earlier, CBDA Board Chairman, Biu, and Managing Director, Alh. Tijjani Tumsa, recalled that the board was constituted on Dec. 13, 2024.

They said the board had inspected key facilities under its jurisdiction, including the Alau Dam, and commended Zulum for his interventions in the authority’s management.

The CBDA leadership pledged collaboration with the state government on irrigation, livestock rearing, and fishing, and sought Zulum’s support for completing the Alau Dam rehabilitation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Post-harvest losses: NSPRI delivers 1,000 hermetic drums to Borno govt.
Agriculture

Post-harvest losses: NSPRI delivers 1,000 hermetic drums to Borno govt.

171 total views today
By Felicia Imohimi
The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) says it has delivered no fewer than 1,000 hermetic drums to smallholder farmers in Borno to reduce the burden of post-harvest losses.
NSPRI said the gesture would as well enhance the source of livelihood of the farmers and ensure food security and sustainability.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of NSPRI, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the second Post-harvest Connect Conference and Exhibition and National Cassava Conference, in Abuja.
Sanni said that the institute had a lot of interventions on post-harvest losses  including tomato crate, hermetic drums and NSPRI Dust (a non-chemical solution).
He identified the institute’s overall mandate as – to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-harvest handling and storage of agricultural commodities, thereby enhancing food security and reducing losses.
“We have quite a lot of interventions that people do not know, like tomato crate for instance, which took us almost one and half decade to get it right.
“NSPRI Dust, a non-chemical solutions for storage, hermetic drums, and we just delivered one thousand of that to Borno State for smallholder farmers,” he said.
According to him, there are quite a lot of solutions from other research institutions.
“What we are trying to do now is how we can harmonise and gather everything to be able to scale up post-harvest solutions,” he said.
Sanni identified post-harvest solutions as a responsibility of all and sundry.
He said the organisation was working with all the agricultural development agencies in each state.
According to him, new players are coming on board, like private extension agents that can also reach the grassroots apart from the state agricultural programme.
He identified private sector as key in addressing the nation’s huge post-harvest challenge, urging private players to come on board with their technology.
NAN reports that NSPRI, a Federal Government institute, has the mandate of conducting research into post-harvest handling and storage problems of agricultural commodities to reduce losses and improve food security.
It develops and fabricates post-harvest handling equipment and storage structures to enhance the quality and safety of agricultural produce.
It also disseminates research findings and technologies to farmers, industrialists, produce handlers and inspectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Folasade Adeniran
Farmers set expectations for new BOA MD, Sotinrin
Agriculture

Farmers set expectations for new BOA MD, Sotinrin

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By Patricia Amogu

Farmers across various regions and sectors have expressed optimism following the appointment of Mr Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

They shared their views during interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

Harirat Yakubu, North Central Coordinator of the Farmers’ Initiative, said Nigerian women in agriculture had long awaited such an appointment and were ready to extend their full cooperation to the new MD.

Yakubu, who also serves as President of the Double Tree Group, said that women farmers were open and willing to collaborate with the new bank leadership to promote food sufficiency across Nigeria.

“This is a welcome development, and we pray that many positive changes will follow, particularly for women in the North Central region, where most farmers are smallholders.

“I urge the new MD to recognise the vital role women can play in agriculture and to involve them in training and sensitisation programmes.

“Women farmers need more advocacy and training to expose them to agricultural technologies that can help unlock their greater potential and skills.

“The world is changing, and many countries are adopting smart agriculture, which we hope to embrace through collaborative engagement with him,” she said.

She also called on women farmers to welcome and support the new leadership and advocated for increased awareness initiatives to encourage women’s participation in industrialised agriculture.

Also speaking, Dr Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), expressed similar optimism on Sotinrin’s appointment.

Rabiu-Mudi said the announcement had generated excitement among farmers, praising Sotinrin’s strong background in agriculture.

“His experience positions him well to understand farmers’ needs and to deliver practical solutions,” he said.

He expressed hope that the new MD’s leadership would bring positive reforms to both the bank and the wider agricultural sector.

“Farmers certainly expect easier access to loans, stronger financial support, and improved training and extension services under the new leadership.

“The ongoing capitalisation of the bank is also expected to strengthen its capacity to support farmers effectively,” he added.

The AFAN leader further urged Sotinrin to prioritise the promotion of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation to ensure the sector’s long-term growth.

In his remarks, Mr Romanus Eze, State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State Chapter, raised concerns over the Bank of Agriculture’s ineffectiveness in the South East.

According to him, farmers in the region are hopeful that the new administration will develop strategies to better include the South East.

“While the bank is operational in some parts of the country, it has failed to function effectively in the South East, despite numerous meetings and discussions aimed at addressing this issue,” he said.

Eze emphasised that agriculture remains Nigeria’s most sustainable path to economic recovery, particularly as more citizens return to farming.

“Our present situation results from an over-dependence on oil. There is an urgent need to refocus on agriculture, which is a universally viable alternative,” he said.

He urged the new MD to appoint regional directors and competent branch managers who understand local contexts.

He stressed that this would enable the Bank of Agriculture to better address region-specific challenges and operate more efficiently nationwide, including in the currently neglected South East.

Eze added that farmers in the region were actively engaged in livestock processing, marketing, and other agricultural value chain activities, all of which require timely financial support.

He noted that the military had also supported agricultural development by providing land banks in Enugu State.

“Over 6,000 farmers have already indicated interest in accessing these lands for farming,” he said.

He stressed the need to organise and mobilise farmers, noting that with proper awareness, grants, and soft loans, many in the South East would embrace the system and boost food sufficiency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute/Tosin Kolade

FG takes step to stabilise food prices
Agriculture

FG takes step to stabilise food prices

187 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government says it will inaugurate the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) to strengthen agricultural productivity and stabilise food prices.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Friday during a meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa.

Shettima said the initiative will align with agricultural efforts across all government tiers through real-time data analytics.

“The Green Imperative Project (GIP) is an idea whose time has come. It has been in the incubation period for several years, and now it is coming to fruition; we have to get it right.

“We have had many interventions in this country in the past. We must make this work, and it is the states that will drive the process,” he said.

Shettima recalled that President Bola Tinubu approved N15 billion for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for floods as the rainy season kicks in.

“This is one of the first proactive decisions by the government to prepare for the flooding season,” the Vice-President noted.

Earlier, Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture, explained that NAPM would address challenges of high food inflation and agricultural yields that lag 60 per cent behind global averages.

Moon, who is also the Executive Secretary of PFSCU, revealed that the pilot survey for NAPM had been completed across 13 states, with a full launch planned for June 2025.

She said NAPM, supported by data analytics partnerships and a digital platform under development, was designed to tackle food inflation, inefficient subsidies, and outdated farming practices.

“This will give the country a unified framework to optimise public spending and drive sustainable rural development.”

On his part, Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, said the initiative would improve food security in the country.

“The aim is to ensure that there is food security in the country. As at today, vital issues that will lead to food security in this country had been discussed.

“The green imperative project is very important and by the time this project comes on board, it will certainly boost agriculture,” he said.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG restates commitment to food security
Agriculture

FG restates commitment to food security

146 total views today
By Doris Esa
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to enhance food and nutrition security in the country.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the inaugural meeting with the Board Chairmen of agencies under his purview in Abuja on Friday.
He urged Research Institutes and Colleges of Agriculture to produce good seeds.
“We know how to make sure research works to the benefit of our country.
“We are heavily challenged today in terms of food security. We have had climate change, for instance, which is a natural phenomenon.
“We have to stay with that and do much about it. One way to adapt to it is to bring good variety of seeds,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism that the chairmen would deliver on the tasks given to them.
Also speaking, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, assured the Board Chairmen of the support of the ministry in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He said that the focus of the Federal Government was to ensure food security for all Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, Mr Alphonsus Eba, Board Chairman, Rubber Research Institute Benin, thanked Tinubu for the appointment of the chairmen.
Eba said they were prepared to work with the heads of the agencies to ensure the success of President Tinubu’s promises to Nigerians on food security.
“We know our task and that which you will add to us. We are prepared to work with them.
“They should also open their hearts to work with us. We are not just coming as politicians. Like I have said, we are coming as farmers with experience.
“We are coming as people that are interested in ensuring the success of Mr President’s promises to Nigerians to deliver on food security, to make us food sovereign,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025
Agriculture

FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has assured Nigerians that sufficient quantities of high-quality and affordable fertilisers will be available nationwide to boost food production and strengthen food security.

Mr Abubakar Kassim, President of FEPSAN, gave this assurance at a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Value Proposition for the 2025 Fertiliser Season”.

He stated that the industry, in collaboration with key government partners, is putting measures in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2025 farming season.

Kassim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its continued support in promoting investment in the sector.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that farmers have timely access to affordable and quality fertilisers to boost productivity and food security.

Kassim stressed that it provides essential nutrients required by the soil to produce sufficient food for the nation, calling it ‘a critical component of agriculture’.

He noted the need for enhanced support to sustain the industry.

“The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) has been the main support system for the industry, helping to catalyse local capacity by supplying production plants with critical raw materials.

“Our stock position for the commencement of the farming season is about 400,000 tonnes of NPK, while available raw materials at various plants across the country currently stand at about 80,000 tonnes.

“We assure Nigerian farmers, all tiers of government, regulators, financial institutions, and stakeholders across the distribution value chain that there will be adequate, high-quality, and cost-effective fertilisers available in the country,” he said.

Kassim noted that Nigeria has greatly expanded its fertiliser production capacity, growing from just seven blending plants about eight years ago to around 92 today.

“Nigeria has moved from having two urea manufacturers to three, increased its capacity to deliver over six million metric tonnes of finished urea fertilisers, and has become a net exporter of urea.

“In terms of other fertiliser blends, we’ve increased production from just one million tonnes to over 12 million tonnes annually.

“This is sufficient to meet the soil nutrition needs of farmers not only in sub-Saharan Africa but also in other parts of the world that import fertiliser, especially urea from Nigeria”.

Kassim noted that three years ago, fertiliser consumption in Nigeria, especially for NPK, ranged between 650,000 and 750,000 tonnes.

“For 2025, the organisation is targeting one million tonnes in production.

“We currently have the necessary raw materials in-country, in the hands of fertiliser blenders, so we will be able to meet all the demands.

“The initial demand for fertiliser this month stands at around 600,000 metric tonnes, and we are confident in our ability to meet that,” he stated.

The FEPSAN president added that the industry, in partnership with research institutions, has made progress in developing special fertiliser blends that are crop-specific, soil-specific, and cost-effective.

“This is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money,” he said.

Kassim explained that the objective of the conference was to inform the public about the current status of the fertiliser industry and to brief the media on FEPSAN’s plans for the 2025 farming season, in support of government initiatives on food security.

“The fundamental issue is to make the public aware that fertiliser will be available in Nigeria and will be delivered in a timely manner, as and when needed by the farming community”.

He described the media as the custodian of information on policies and programmes that can positively impact citizens’ lives.

“It is crucial for the media to have accurate information in order to properly inform and educate the public,” he said.

Mr Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended FEPSAN for its efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable fertilisers across the country.

He, however, urged the organisation to work towards eliminating substandard fertilisers from the market to ensure that agricultural produce remains nutritious and safe for consumption. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Rep. Oseni empowers Oyo farmers with fertilisers
Agriculture

Rep. Oseni empowers Oyo farmers with fertilisers

183 total views today
By Adewale Owoade

Rep. Aderemi Oseni (APC-Oyo) has distributed 5,206 bags of fertilisers to farmers in Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency.

Oseni distributed the fertilisers in Ibadan under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the initiative would boost agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.


Oseni, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the initiative was one of many efforts to support citizens.

“This fertiliser distribution is to fulfil the desired agenda of President Tinubu, in his Renewed Hope Agenda for making life easy for our people, particularly in the area of agriculture.

“Putting an end to poverty, promoting prosperity that is for all as a nation.

“I’m very optimistic that distributing fertiliser to our farmers will bring great success to our people in the area of agriculture.

“Because we have sufficiently educated them on importance of this material and the importance of them putting it into use in the course of their farming activities,” he said.

He urged farmers to use the fertilisers wisely and promised continued advocacy for improved living conditions.

“My advice to the beneficiaries is for them to ensure that it is used as advised and not sold out,” he said.

Dr Florence Omonele, Oyo State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mrs Folake Abdu-Lateef, urged farmers to apply the fertilisers appropriately.

Beneficiaries thanked Oseni, saying the support would ease their challenges and enhance productivity.

APC officials, traditional leaders and community group representatives attended the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sheila Offiong
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