NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NPPAN, UNIDO attract €300m investment into Nigeria’s oil palm sector
Agriculture

NPPAN, UNIDO attract €300m investment into Nigeria’s oil palm sector

622 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) says its collaboration with UN Industrial Development Office (UNIDO) will attract 300 million Euro investment in oil palm sector, especially in palm wine production.

Mr Alphonsus Inyang, National President of NPPAN, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Inyang said such investment would focus on palm wine production and packaging for export, palm trunk processing into building materials and furniture, replanting of old plantations and palm oil milling.

The NPPAN boss said that a delegation of investors from Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and Malaysia recently visited Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos States to explore investment in the oil palm sector.

He said the delegation made commitment to invest the said amount in Cross River, Akwa Ibom between 2024 and 2026.

“The commitment is in palm wine production and packaging, utilisation of palm trunk for furniture,replanting of old plantations and  installation of mills of up to 30,000 hectares.

“The palm wine business alone is to create over 100,000 new businesses for tappers while the trunk business will create over 200,000 jobs in the two states”.

He said that two processing factories were to engage at no fewer than 100,000 palm wine tappers and train them on the latest technology.

According to him, the tappers will be enabled to tap their wines and sell to them in the factory, process and bottle them for export.

Inyang explained that the investors would use the palm trunk to produce building materials for European and American markets.

He said that most of the buildings and furniture in those climes were constructed or made from the spent palm trunks.

“We have companies who intended buying palm oil mills effluents, the waste and the sludge.

“They want to buy them from any mill and use such to produce industrial products like biogas and export them to Europe and America and even for the local markets, ” Inyang said.

He said that the palm trunk would provide jobs and engage over 100,000 people.

Inyang said that the beauty of the collaboration was that Malaysian company would engage in the replanting of the plantations that would be depleted.

Acording to him, the company will replant hybrid seeds that that have the capacity of yielding over 40 tonnes of palm frond bunches per hectare.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Chijioke Okoronkwo

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture , Food Security

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture

526 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The University of Plymouth in the UK and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna, have announced a new partnership to advance research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana.

The announcement was made at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. William Blake, the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, stressed the importance of international collaboration toward tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change.

He said “this partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation to address critical issues like sustainable land management and water resources.

“By focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, while adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

According to him, the workshop focuses on strategies to improve soil health and adopt sustainable water management practices to boost agricultural productivity and enhance climate resilience.

Blake also stressed the importance of research that supports CSA at both small and large scales, from farm to river basin, ensuring sustainability across different levels.

He added that “this collaboration is particularly important for West Africa, where shared climate challenges demand locally-adaptable solutions.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address food security while also building resilience to climate change.”

Prof. Kevin Jones, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Plymouth University, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges through practical research.

Jones noted the university’s focus on environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its ongoing work in marine and maritime sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of scientific and technological advances in ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future.

This, he said, include focusing on soil health, ensuring productive crops and knowledge sharing to tackle environmental issues globally.

Jones also identified Nigeria as key partner in these efforts, pointing out the potential for UK-Nigeria collaboration to produce innovative solutions with global applications.

He said “global partnerships are crucial for the future. The challenges we face today are global in nature, and we need to bring together the best expertise from around the world to ensure the planet’s future is in good hands.”

Dr Omogbemi Yaya, the Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, explained that the partnership is supported by the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management.

He said the collaboration would focus on shared priorities, including rural business management, capacity building and sustainable development, with emphasis on research and teaching.

He added that “this strategic partnership between NWRI and the University of Plymouth will leverage the strength of both institutions in water resources and academic research.

“Our goal is to collaborate on research that addresses key challenges faced by rural communities.

“The partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to global collaborations and supports the university’s mission to influence sustainable development.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss strategies toward
tackling food security and climate resilience in West Africa.

The partnership is funded with £30,000 under the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa.

The National Water Resources Institute, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, was established in 1979.

It is tasked with training and retraining water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG
Agriculture , Food Security

Unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses – FG

530 total views today

By Suleiman Shehu

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has advised cocoa farmers to shun unethical practices which have been leading to avoidable losses in cocoa production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the advice during the 60th anniversary of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan on Monday.

Kyari, who was represented by FMAFS South-West Zonal Director, Mrs Olayinka Akeredolu, observed that cocoa farmers cut corners by rushing cocoa’s processing and production stages.

“When cocoa is exported, they are tested and these sharp practices, which our people have done, are discovered.

“The implication of this may be the rejection of our product and, when they are rejected, it is a big loss to farmers, investors and Nigeria in general,” he said.

The minister said Federal Government would prefer that things are done properly to enable farmers gain from the efforts invested in producing the commodity.

He then urged cocoa farmers to seek counsel and interact with research institutes and extension agents whenever they have problems.

The minister further urged the farmers to add value to their production to enjoy better income and gain from their efforts.

“I will encourage them to continue to plant new cocoa when the ones they have are getting old. We have improved varieties in our research institutes, which they can purchase and plant.

“They need to adopt technology in the improvement of their production,” he said.

Kyari commended CRIN for its tremendous contributions and improvement over the years in developing its mandate crops, which include cocoa, kola, cashew, coffee, tea and plant plum.

“The Federal Government rejoices you on your 60th anniversary and encourages you to continue to do more to attain the fulfillment of your mandate and contributions to the country’s GDP,” he said.

Earlier, CRIN Executive Director, Dr Patrick Adebola, had commended the Federal Government as well as the staff of the institute for their support and commitment.

Adebola reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading the charge in agriculture innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihood in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

 

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G
Food Security , Science & Tech

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G

645 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has expressed the agency’s readiness to support farmers with technology to boost food production in the country.

Mustapha said this when the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, a registered faith-based organisation paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, this is an era of technology where nations deploy technology in agriculture to produce their food and cash crops for sustainable growth and development.

“If we do not support our farmers with technology as other countries are doing, what are we going to do?

“Are we going to fold our hands until other countries that use technology to produce their crops for us to go and buy from them?

“The crops that have been commercially released in this country, Tela maize, cowpea and Biotech (Bt) cotton are very essential in terms of development of our nation economically,’’ he said.

The NBRDA boss stated that these genetically modified crops created job opportunities and helped in reducing foreign exchange for food importation.

He added that the climate smart crops were exemplary in the attempt of finding a solution around climate change that was affecting the country and the rest of the world.

Mustapha said that the misinformation about Generically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was being sponsored by people who were trying to bring down the country’s efforts in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

“With the release of Tela maize, a lot has been achieved, we are no longer going to be importing all those GMOs that are being cultivated outside the country,’’ he said.

The D-G said that he requested some farmers to give him an update on their yields in the last planting season.

He said that farmers realised that due to insufficient rainfall, those that planted local seeds did not harvest close to half of what they expected to harvest.

“But those that planted Bt cowpea have harvested fully because it has yielded with the shortest possible time even though the rain did not reach, which is an advantage,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that his agency was ready to deploy science and technology to improve food production and supply in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which also includes food security.

He expressed hope that the club’s visit would open a new chapter of advocacy of using technology in the development of the country, especially technology in agriculture.

Earlier, Hajiya Bola Usman, President of the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, urged lawmakers to pay an oversight visit to agencies under difficult and unfavourable condition for an on-the-spot assessment and proper regulation.

Usman noted that the visit was to enable the club to gather some relevant materials to support its stand on the subject matter relating to GMOs.

“I am not qualified to make a pronouncement as far as research is concerned, neither do I want to make complementary pronouncements on this burning issue.

“But I am appealing to all concerned stakeholders to be cautious in order not to be misled.

“I observe that while government is planning, some people are counter-planning for obvious reasons not far from mischievousness or self-centeredness,’’ Usman said.

She said other Africa countries were making money through crops and that Nigerians should jettison negativity surrounding technology in agriculture.

She said the technologies, condemned by Nigerians locally, were ones that made other countries to advance and compete with developed nations through cooperation and understanding between governments and the governed.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, NBRDA acknowledged the role of faith-based organisation in reaching out to the people at the grassroots with accurate information about biotechnology.

She lauded the organisation for bringing the partnership to support technology in agriculture to enhance food production. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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Agric show: Stakeholders task FG on food security by 2025
Agriculture , Food Security

Agric show: Stakeholders task FG on food security by 2025

509 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria have stated that achieving food security by 2025 will only be possible if farmers’ security is guaranteed.

Speaking at the ongoing 16th National Agricultural Show (NAS) in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa, the stakeholders called on the government to address the various challenges hindering the sector’s progress.

The participants included the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), farmers’ associations, Agricultural Research Institutes, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), and the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), among others.

The 2024 edition of the NAS, held at the National Agricultural Showground along the Abuja-Keffi Road, is themed ‘Incentivising Smallholder Farmers to Scale for the Attainment of Food Security’.

Key challenges highlighted included the high cost of inputs, lack of mechanisation, transportation costs, insecurity, policy implementation failures, and post-harvest losses.

Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAFN and President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), identified insecurity as the greatest threat to food security, followed by climate change.

He called on the government to create an enabling environment for Smallholder Farmers (SHFs) to increase productivity, emphasising the importance of regional staple food production, improved storage systems, and the reduction of post-harvest losses.

“It is exceedingly difficult to achieve food security without identifying regional staple foods and scaling their production, processing, and distribution,” he said.

He also urged the adoption of science, technology, and innovation to transform the food system, describing it as crucial for overcoming the challenges facing the sector.

Ibrahim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for declaring a state of emergency on food security, which he said had motivated SHFs to work towards food sufficiency.

He, however, stressed the need for further support, particularly in the absence of widespread mechanisation.

He also praised the government for signing a memorandum of understanding with Brazil to boost agribusiness, describing it as essential for improving SHFs’ productivity and attracting private sector investments.

“This initiative will generate agribusiness activities in all 774 local government areas, attracting $4.3 billion in private sector investment to agriculture. Such incentives are key to achieving food security,” Ibrahim added.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State called on the Federal Government to prioritise the National Agricultural Show by investing in infrastructure to enhance its annual exhibitions.

Represented by Abubakar Madaki, Chairman of Karu Local Government, Sule emphasised the need to showcase Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources effectively.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the government was implementing measures to address farmers’ challenges and improve the sector’s performance.

Mr Jafar Umar, Director General of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), highlighted the organisation’s commitment to reducing poverty, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of the agricultural economy.

He noted that NABG’s investments span the entire value chain, from inputs and equipment to export markets and consumer food manufacturing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Water, Power ministries sign MOU on 0m irrigation, hydropower project
Agriculture , Food Security

Water, Power ministries sign MOU on $500m irrigation, hydropower project

655 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Power, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project.

The 500 million dollars World Bank SPIN project aims to enhance dam safety and improve water resource management for hydropower and irrigation across 25 states.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said that the joint effort reflects the synergy required to implement transformational projects.

Utsev stated that the ministry’s mandate includes boosting food production, creating jobs for women and youth, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

“Today’s occasion marks another step towards achieving these goals and repositioning the country,” he stated.

He said that the initiative, approved by President BolaTinubu, reflected the administration’s commitment to inter-ministerial collaboration for delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.

Utsev also acknowledged the ongoing support of the World Bank, describing it as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development journey.

He cited initiatives like the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, concluding in January 2025, as foundations for innovative solutions in water and agriculture.

“We are confident that the SPIN project will build on this legacy by boosting food production and meeting the irrigation needs of our growing population,” he added.

As Chairman of the SPIN Preparatory Team, Utsev assured stakeholders of the ministries’ and partners’ full commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

“Our collective efforts have brought us to this significant moment, and I am confident that SPIN will deliver the tangible benefits Nigerians are eagerly anticipating,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, noted the importance of the partnership in achieving sustainable hydropower development and enhancing energy security across Nigeria.

He noted that while Nigeria is rich in water resources across its river basins, only about 2 per cent of the country’s estimated 14 gigawatts of hydropower potential has been harnessed.

“The signing of this MOU is a key step in ensuring Nigeria’s energy future is powered by clean, renewable sources, in line with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.

“We aim to optimise our natural resources, diversify our energy mix, and tackle climate change,” Adelabu said.

He emphasised that fully exploiting this potential could transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and providing sustainable power for millions.

He said under Tinubu’s leadership, the administration has committed to addressing energy challenges by prioritising energy’s vital role in economic growth and job creation.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has introduced several legislative and policy measures, including the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralises the electricity market and allows subnational governments to participate.”

Adelabu also stressed the role of distributed energy systems in enhancing reliability.

“Decentralised power generation enables local governments and private investors to develop embedded energy systems, reducing risks to national grid infrastructure.

“This, alongside our renewable energy potential, especially in solar and hydropower, forms the foundation of our sustainable energy strategy.”

He pointed out that Nigeria’s northern states, with 8 to 12 hours of sunshine daily, offer opportunities for solar power, while hydropower remains key to the energy mix.

Adelabu reaffirmed that harnessing hydropower potential and fostering partnerships would ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 25 states have shown interest in SPIN project; Benue, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Niger, Gombe, Sokoto, Enugu, Bauchi, Cross River, and Nasarawa.

Others are Ekiti, Kebbi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Abia, Kwara, Imo, Taraba, Kano, Delta, Osun, Jigawa, Edo, and Kogi. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Data crucial for agric. mechanisation- Stakeholders
Agriculture

Data crucial for agric. mechanisation- Stakeholders

490 total views today

 

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have emphasised the importance of accurate data in realising the full potential of agricultural mechanisation.

 

This was the central theme of a workshop on Mechanisation in Nigeria, organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Heifer International Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

 

Dr Tobi Lekan, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, noted that data plays a critical role in optimising tractor utilisation and maintenance.

 

“By embracing a data-driven approach, we can maximise the impact of each tractor and ensure the success of Nigeria’s mechanisation journey,” he said.

 

Lekan said that the workshop aimed to discuss strategies for supporting the ownership, deployment, adoption, and use of tractors to make them sustainable.

 

He emphasised that increasing the penetration rate of tractors in Nigeria was crucial, as the country currently had one of the lowest rates in Africa.

 

Mr Mohamed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging youths as drivers of agricultural transformation.

 

“The first phase of the initiative aims to assemble and deploy 2,000 John Deere tractors, creating 2,000 models of mechanisation success stories.”

 

Mr Cornelius Adebayo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), stated that the government was making significant efforts to promote mechanisation through its agencies.

 

According to Adebayo, the government is working on clusterisation to fast-track mechanisation.

 

“We cannot achieve our mechanisation goals without clusterisation, so we have designed national programmes to ensure their success.

 

“These programmes include the Renewed Hope mega farm settlement, which provides thousands of farmers with access to social amenities and enables them to produce and earn a living.

 

“Additionally, the government plans to resettle displaced persons and cluster them in areas where they can farm and earn a living.”

 

Dr Nneka Enwonwu, Hello Tractor’s Country Managing Director, emphasised the crucial role of innovative financing in effective mechanisation.

 

“Our organisation tackles financial and operational hurdles that limit access to mechanisation.

 

“We connect smallholder farmers to mechanized service providers, optimising tractor utilisation and maintenance through data-driven solutions like Pay-As-You-Go models and technology-enabled tracking,”she said.

 

Enwonwu stressed that achieving food security requires mechanising smallholder farmers.

 

“We must provide them with access to mechanised services, tractors, implements, and harvesters to boost productivity and yields.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

L-PRES moves to strengthen animal genetic resources
Agriculture

L-PRES moves to strengthen animal genetic resources

657 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), is advancing efforts to harness animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic development.

The initiative aims to promote the conservation, sustainable use, and development of indigenous genetic resources to enhance livestock productivity and resilience.

Mr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, said this at the stakeholder meeting on the Development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) on Monday.

He noted the importance of the plan, which aligned with the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

“The global framework, adopted by FAO member countries, promotes the sustainable and rational management of AnGR to improve productivity and foster international collaboration.

“The effective management, conservation, and utilisation of our nation’s animal genetic resources are crucial to enhancing productivity and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock sector”.

Abubakar announced that L-PRES has begun groundwork for establishing a national gene bank to preserve the genetic material of indigenous animal breeds.

This initiative, he said, was expected to enhance biodiversity and safeguard valuable traits in local livestock.

He also noted that Nigeria’s commitment to AnGR management was reinforced through its active participation in the recent Global National Coordinators Workshop in Rome.

He stated that the validated document would guide the sustainable management of Nigeria’s animal genetic resources, reduce reliance on imports, and boost the livestock sector’s economic impact.

Earlier, Dr Popoola Mustafa, Project Team Lead, emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening and securing its animal genetic resources, with the aim of ensuring sustainable livestock production and resilience.

“This initiative aligns with the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), which Nigeria signed in 2007 but has not fully implemented.

“The objective is to address the underperformance of the livestock sector, which has the potential to contribute N33 trillion to the economy”.

Popoola identified poor animal identification, genetic diversion from mixing local and foreign breeds, and the uncoordinated management of free-roaming animals as key limitations to the sector.

He proposed solutions such as proper characterisation and cataloguing of local genetic resources, creating breeding programmes for specific outputs like meat or milk, and focusing on the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources.

Popoola also recommended targeted government interventions and institutional support, including guidelines for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development and support from the World Bank.

“The strategy not only focuses on cattle but aims to optimise genetic resources across various species, positioning Nigeria as a leader in animal genetics.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a thriving livestock economy.”

Dr Anthony Okere, Director of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), stated that the organisation oversees both animal and plant genetic resources.

He highlighted NACGRAB’s role in cataloguing local breeds and developing ‘Made in Nigeria’ poultry breeds.

“NACGRAB serves as the Secretariat for the National Variety Release Committee, overseeing the registration, release, and cataloguing of new animal breeds.

“We also maintain Nigeria’s national crop catalogue and are expanding our catalogue of animal breeds,” Okere explained.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would generate innovative ideas and actionable recommendations to guide the Ministry’s work, ensuring the sustainable utilisation of animal genetic resources.

Okere also emphasised the broader national goal of strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector, reducing reliance on foreign genetic material, and enhancing the country’s capacity for genetic research and innovation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Minister advocates water management for food security
Agriculture

Minister advocates water management for food security

522 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged collaborative efforts to harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

Utsev made the call at the Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on the National Action Plan for the newly developed flagship programmes on Thursday in Abuja.

They are; River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA), the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), and the Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO).

He emphasised the importance of tackling the challenges facing the nation through food security.

“Harnessing Nigeria’s abundant water resources can boost food security, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

“President Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda highlights food security and poverty eradication. We must translate these priorities into impactful actions.

“These programmes signify a paradigm shift in managing water resources and agriculture, unlocking our river basins’ potential for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth,” he explained.

He noted that the initiatives were conceived through the ministry’s Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate to transform Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs.

“The RB-SPA prioritises interventions to enhance agricultural productivity, promote inclusive economic growth, and alleviate poverty in river basin areas.

“WEIRPRO and PEIRPRO focus on expanding irrigated agriculture, harnessing water resources to boost yields and livelihoods while driving economic prosperity,” Utsev said.

He stated that presentations at the workshop would address challenges and opportunities in water resources management, including “Harnessing Water Resources for Food Security” and “Expanding Irrigation in Nigeria”.

These, he added aim to provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding water’s role in food security and sustainable development.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, highlighted the global importance of enhancing water resources to support farmers and promote sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that the presentations would address key challenges and opportunities in water resources management.

“The workshop is expected to provide global best practices to meet farmers’ needs and foster sustainable development.

“Considering the calibre of participants here, I have no doubt justice will be done in the presentations and deliberations”.

An expert in the water sector and lead paper presenter, Mr John Ochigbo, called for innovative technologies in the sector to maintain the ecosystem and achieve food security in Nigeria.

He emphasised the need for infrastructure, conservation, and public-private collaboration in water management.

Ochigbo stated that food security requires affordability, accessibility, and nutrition, not just availability.

Mrs Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, emphasised that collaboration and dedication are crucial for advancing water resources development and achieving sustainable goals in the sector.

The workshop included presentations by water resources experts, such as Benson Ajisegiri and Elijah Aderibigbe, focusing on irrigation expansion, water resource management, and the revitalisation of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that participants at the meeting included Managing Directors of River Basin Development Authorities, government agencies, CSOs, and private sector representatives.

The meeting is expected to strengthen partnerships, develop a concrete action plan to implement the flagship programmes and harness water resources for food security and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Water ministry, SON partner to improve irrigation water quality
Agriculture

Water ministry, SON partner to improve irrigation water quality

598 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has partnered with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance the quality of irrigation water in the country.

This was the focus of the Technical Committee on Water Quality meeting for the development of the Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality in Abuja.

The collaboration aims to develop and implement robust irrigation water quality standards that align with global best practices.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the ministry, described the initiative as crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

She added that the partnership aimed to improve water quality, support farmers, and safeguard ecosystems.

“The ministry has been working to raise awareness about water quality by discouraging practices such as washing clothes in irrigation systems and open defecation.

“This is crucial because many food products are consumed raw and unprocessed, making it essential to ensure the availability of quality water for agricultural purposes”.

The director further stated that the ministry would transfer the project to SON while maintaining a supervisory role.

Earlier, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the ministry, emphasised that validating irrigation standards would help tackle key development challenges in Nigeria.

She said the ministry was committed to validating irrigation standards to boost food security, nutrition, productivity, and socio-economic development.

“Since 2022, the committee has been critically reviewing the documents, aiming to develop irrigation water quality standards tailored to Nigeria’s needs for effective agricultural practices”.

Ugoh also stressed the need to address poor monitoring and evaluation and to conduct regular reviews for sustainable progress.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, SON Director General, announced the release of two key documents to enhance national standardisation.

He was represented by the Deputy Director, Food and Agriculture Group, Mrs Nene Obianwu.

“These are the Principles and Procedures for the Development of the Nigerian National Standards (PPDNNS) and the Nigerian National Standardisation Strategy (NNSS).

“These documents provide guidelines aligned with international best practices, with the NNSS outlining a four-year plan to address Nigeria’s environmental and socio-economic priorities,” Okeke said.

He stressed that forming a National Technical Committee was essential for implementing these standards and urged effective discussions to finalise the draft.

“Water is vital for agriculture, directly impacting crop yield, soil health, and food security.

“With challenges like climate change and population growth, improving water management, especially in irrigation, is essential,” he added.

He further emphasised that developing a Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality was key to protect crops from harmful contaminants, which threatened public health and economic growth.

Okeke noted that these efforts supported Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s SDGs and encouraged participants to contribute their expertise in developing a framework for sustainable irrigation water safety.

He also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s support in advancing the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Standard for Irrigation Water Quality outlines the quality requirements, classification, and test methods for irrigation water in Nigeria.

The Standard applies to any water used for irrigation purposes, regardless of its source. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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