News Agency of Nigeria
FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items
Food Security

FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items

Food

By Kingsley Okoye

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a Federal Executive Council committee to further crash prices of food items across the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi stated  this on Wednesday in Abuja, while presenting a paper at a one- day capacity building workshop for journalists covering the Senate.

Abdullahi said the president’s order would be enforced to further crash prices of food items by ensuring the safe passage of products through various routes across the country.

He emphasised that the committee’s action was aimed at realising Tinubu’s vision on food sovereignty.

According to Abdullahi, the Federal Government was fully committed to addressing the high prices of transportation of farm produce in the country.

He said, “I can say it on good authority to you that the president has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it.

” On how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country.

“We are aware, and I’m sure as media, you are also aware, there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered.

“If you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery.

” So, we are working very hard,we are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”

Abdullahi explained that the vision for food sovereignty was within the ambit of food security and food sufficiency which encompassed availability of food, accessibility as well as affordability, and in right nutritional content on a sustainable basis.

According to him, other programmes such as the ‘Farmer Soil Health Scheme and Cooperative Reform’ were also awaiting implementation .

” We are having what you call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme. And that is ready for launch,we are just waiting for the date.

“Mr President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation and to improve the livelihood of members.

“And you know the principle of cooperative is clear, is democratic, yet it is also very productive. And so we are reforming this.

” There is a number of things we are doing there and I will urge you, as a press corps, to consider forming a cooperative,” he said .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, with the theme: “Parliamentary Reporting : Issues , Challenges and Responsibilities also had as resource person the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Sen.Yemi Adaramodu.

Other resource persons included Sen. Ita Enang and Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Bashir Rabe Mani

L-PRES, partners push for livestock regulation reforms
Agriculture

L-PRES, partners push for livestock regulation reforms

By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has intensified efforts to establish an effective regulatory and incentive framework for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.

Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator (NPC) of L-PRES, said this at a two-day workshop titled “Enhancing Regulation and Incentive Frameworks for the Livestock Value Chain in Nigeria,” in Abuja on Tuesday.

Abubakar said the workshop aimed to develop an acceptable framework for all stakeholders, including farmers.

He emphasised the importance of co-creating a clear roadmap for sustainable, inclusive, and competitive livestock development, and building consensus on enforcement, monitoring, rewards, and sanctions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop also reviewed a report titled “Consultancy Award – Understanding of Studies to Improve Selected Livestock Value Chains Regulatory and Incentive Frameworks for L-PRES Projects.”

Abubakar noted that L-PRES had conducted a comprehensive study to assess the existing regulatory and incentive frameworks in light of the challenges facing the sector.

“The findings revealed that while there are numerous opportunities, the sector cannot reach its full potential without deliberate reforms that balance regulation, ensuring food safety, sustainability, and fairness, with incentives that stimulate compliance, innovation, and investment.”

He identified the livestock sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security, employment, and rural livelihoods.

However, he highlighted challenges such as, weak value chain organization, poor enforcement of existing regulations, inadequate compliance with good animal husbandry practices and limited incentives to drive innovation

“These structural bottlenecks have constrained productivity, market access, and competitiveness, both within and beyond our borders,” Abubakar said.

He emphasised that a well-structured regulatory framework should define clear boundaries of engagement for all value chain actors, ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, fair competition, and consumer protection.

Calling on stakeholders to collaborate, Abubakar said: “Nigeria stands at a critical juncture.

“With the right mix of regulatory clarity, incentive alignment, and stakeholder collaboration, our livestock sector can become a driver of national development.”

Stakeholders at the workshop

He added that with sustained efforts, the sector had the potential to become a strong competitor in global markets.

He added that incentive mechanisms such as subsidies, tax breaks, certifications, and carbon credit schemes were essential to encourage innovation, sustainability, and best practices.

These, he said, must be properly aligned, enforced, and regularly reviewed to drive sector transformation.

Prof. Maikano Ari, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Nasarawa State University, gave an overview of the report.

He explained that the consultancy initiative was designed to enhance the regulatory and incentive framework for selected livestock value chains.

Ari said the initiative aimed to integrate: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Minimum Operating Procedures (MOPs), Global best practices, and Biosecurity measures.

He identified weaknesses in the current framework, including lack of legal backing, underfunded enforcement agencies, limited manpower, corruption, absence of SOPs, and weak compliance monitoring.

He said proposed interventions include the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Minimum Operating Procedures (MOPs), as well as the adoption of global best practices.

“Other measures include the implementation of a reward and sanction system and the synchronisation of regulatory bodies.

“Additional interventions involve strengthening enforcement mechanisms, building the capacity of both regulators and farmers, and ensuring direct incentive delivery to genuine farmers.”

Stakeholders at the workshop included representatives from the Ministry of Livestock Development, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).

Also present were officials from the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Other participants included the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), state ministries of agriculture, development partners, as well as farmer and herder associations, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

FCCPC warns food operators against adulteration
Agriculture

FCCPC warns food operators against adulteration

By Isaiah Eka

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned food vendors against adulteration of goods and produce.

The Executive Chairman, Mr Olatunji Bello, said this during a one-day sensitisation campaign on forced ripening of fruits, adulteration of palm oil, contaminated meat and grains, in Uyo.

Represented by Dr Nkechi Mba, the Director of Quality Assurance and Development in the commission, Bello said that any vendor that places profit over public safety would face sanction.

He explained that FCCPC, being the apex consumer protection commission with mandate to protect consumer interest in the country, would continue to ensure fair market practices and prevent endangering of consumers in all sectors of the economy.

Bello added that food adulteration and forced fruits ripening in markets were dangerous to health and urged the vendors to desist from such act.

“Across the country and around the world, there is the need for strict adherence to food regulations as a matter of urgent public interest.

“Unsafe food not only endangers lives, but also undermines trust in markets, disrupts trade and damages the reputation of large and small businesses,’’ he said.

According to him, Food safety is everyone’s responsibility and FCCPC remains firmly committed to working with all stakeholders to build a marketplace that is fair, transparent and safe for consumers.

“Upholding food safety and quality is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty,” Bello said.

Earlier, the Director, Consumer and Business Education, FCCPC, Mr Yahaya Gudan, reminded consumers of their right to good health.

Gudan said that the issue of food adulteration and forced ripening of fruits were issues that affected not only the health and wellbeing but also the integrity of food chain.

He said that the practices posed significant health challenge and undermined consumer trust in the food industry.

“Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and advocate for safer food practices in our communities.

“Together, we can create a safer food environment for everyone,” he said.

In his remarks, the state’s Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr John Naeche, warned that using chemical to ripen fruits was dangerous to health and should be stopped.

Also speaking, a participant, Mrs Nkoyo Etim, said that information learnt at the workshop would be disseminated to other market women to ensure safety of food and avoid adulteration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Bayo Sekoni

Expert canvasses economic diversification, says crude oil-dependent Nigeria faces bleak future
Agriculture

Expert canvasses economic diversification, says crude oil-dependent Nigeria faces bleak future

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof Maxwell Gidado, a constitutional lawyer, has called for the aggressive diversification of Nigeria’s economy away from crude oil to non-oil ventures, saying crude oil-dependent nations face a bleak future.

According to him, the current reality in global demand for, and price of oil, gives credence to this fact.

Gidado, who is also an advocate of restructuring, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that a Nigeria without oil, once considered a myth, was fast becoming a reality.

Gidado said experts across the globe had predicted the imminent end of the glorious era of fossil fuel as the mainstay of national economies.

The United Kingdom and France, for instance, he said, were planning to ban diesel and petrol cars by 2040.

He added that many analysts had also predicted that demand for oil would drop significantly in the years after 2025, when battery-powered cars would go mainstream.

“According to International Energy Agency (IEA), China, the world’s biggest car market, is contemplating a similar move, which would have a significant impact on oil demand,’’ he said.

He said that the IEA also stated that other countries considering the ban were India, Norway and at least 10 other countries.

“The above analysis points to the frightening fact that the future for nations, whose economies are predominantly run on oil revenues, is bleak, except they diversify and engage aggressively in non-oil ventures.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria habitually depends on oil as its major source of revenue for her economy,’’ he said.

Gidado noted, however, that Nigeria is most endowed in agriculture.

He said that the nation’s tomatoes, carrots, cabbages cucumbers, tubers, grains, livestock and dairy feed most Nigerians, in spite of the huge reserve of their unexploited export potentials.

Gidado stressed that Nigeria could become one of the richest countries in the world, if it diversifies and restructures its economy, as well as applies the right agricultural policies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

NBMA vows strict sanctions against unauthorised GMO imports
Agriculture

NBMA vows strict sanctions against unauthorised GMO imports

By Abigael Joshua

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to a strict approval process for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and warned that violators of the law will face sanctions.

Mrs Gloria Ogbaki, Head of Information and Public Relations at the agency, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

She said the agency’s attention had been drawn to ongoing debates surrounding the introduction of GMOs into Nigeria and urged the public to trust the country’s biosafety system.

“No GMO enters or is used in Nigeria without passing through the Agency’s strict, science-based approval process.

“Any importer or producer found to contravene the NBMA Act will face appropriate sanctions, as the Agency will not hesitate to enforce the law to protect Nigerians, the environment and biodiversity,” she said.

Ogbaki explained that NBMA, established under the NBMA Act of 2015 (as amended in 2019), serves as the competent national authority mandated to regulate the safe use of modern biotechnology and its products.

According to her, before any GMO can be imported, produced or commercialised in Nigeria, a detailed application supported by scientific data, risk assessments and safety studies must be submitted.

“Every application undergoes rigorous screening to ensure documents are complete and accurate.

“In keeping with our transparency mandate, the Agency publishes each application in at least two national newspapers and deposits copies at strategic locations for public review.

“This 21-day notice allows Nigerians and stakeholders to raise concerns or provide feedback, after which independent experts are brought into the process,” she said.

She added that the review process is handled by a National Biosafety Committee and a Technical Sub-Committee, comprising scientists from universities, research institutes, professional bodies and relevant government agencies.

Ogbaki said the committees examine molecular biology, toxicology, allergenicity, nutritional impact and potential environmental effects before any decision is made.

“Decisions are made strictly on science. Only GMOs proven to be as safe as their conventional counterparts are approved.

“Where approvals are granted, they are issued under strict conditions, with post-release monitoring and regular inspections to ensure compliance,” she said.

She noted that quarterly surveillance is also conducted and any breach attracts sanctions, including seizure, destruction or repatriation of unauthorised GMOs.

Ogbaki stressed that NBMA aligns its processes with global best practices, including standards set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

“Consumer rights are protected. Labelling of GMOs is mandatory by law to safeguard Nigerians’ freedom of choice.

“Nigeria’s biosafety framework has been recognised across Africa and has served as a model for other countries.

“NBMA assures Nigerians that no GMO is allowed into Nigeria without passing through the world’s most stringent regulatory processes.

“Our duty is to protect Nigerians, and we will continue to discharge this mandate with transparency, firmness and scientific integrity,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

First Lady applauds shea butter export ban
Agriculture

First Lady applauds shea butter export ban

By Joan Nwagwu

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu says the recent ban on exportation of raw shea butter is a timely intervention that will empower local processors and create new opportunities in the agricultural value chain.

Mrs Tinubu applauded the Federal Government’s directive at the closing of a three-day National Workshop on Agro-Value-Chain Capacity Building for Women Farmers on Saturday in Abuja.

Represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, she said the ban is a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s agro-processing sector, particularly for women who dominate the industry.

According to her, women account for over 95 per cent of small-scale shea butter processors across Nigeria.

She added that the ban would reduce exploitation of raw products while stimulating domestic value addition.

“This decision underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting local agro-processing capacity.

“By retaining production within our borders, we are empowering women to scale their businesses, improve household incomes, and contribute to national food security,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the workshop, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), focused on equipping women farmers with modern skills, knowledge, and access to global markets.

NAN also reports that participants were urged to leverage emerging opportunities in the agro-value chain to transform their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.

Delivering her address and closing remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the gathering as a turning point for Nigerian women in agriculture.

She reminded stakeholders that the story of Nigeria agriculture is inseparable from the story of its women.

“Over the past days, we have sharpened knowledge, built capacity, and deepened partnerships.

“But more importantly, we have reaffirmed an undeniable truth: Nigeria’s agricultural transformation will rise or fall on the shoulders of women,” she said.

The minister highlighted the paradox of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, where women constitute nearly 70 per cent of the labour force but remain under-represented in land ownership, credit access, mechanisation, and leadership roles.

She stressed that granting women equal access to resources could raise yields by 20–30 per cent, enough to secure food for millions more Nigerians.

Suleiman-Ibrahim also unveiled the Women Agro Value Expansion (WAVE) Programme, which targets 10 million women across Nigeria.

She said the initiative would equip women with climate-smart technologies, affordable financing, agri-business skills, and access to markets.

“With the right support, our women will not only feed the nation, they will feed Africa,” she declared.

She added that three strong commitments under the Renewed Hope Agenda were to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s agricultural potential, to move women from subsistence to prosperity, and to institutionalise gender equity in agricultural policies and programmes.

Some participants who spoke to NAN commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

A participant, Afiniki Bubmba, who represented the Country Women Association Network (KANET), described the training as life-changing.

She said the practical sessions, especially on greenhouse construction and crop sequencing, has sparked her interest to begin a mini-greenhouse project at home.

She encouraged other women to embrace agriculture and shed the stereotype of farming as “dirty work.”

Another participant, Aisha Burka, also from KANET, said the knowledge gained was immeasurable.

Burka said she was determined to mobilise between 100 and 200 women to benefit from her new knowledge.

According to her, agriculture is not only a tool for food production but also a platform for leadership, wealth creation, and national transformation.

She urged women to start small, even within their backyards, stressing that farming was both economically rewarding and essential for food security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Agro-diagnostic coy advocates adoption of data-driven, science-based agriculture practices
Agriculture

Agro-diagnostic coy advocates adoption of data-driven, science-based agriculture practices

By Mercy Omoike

RID LAB, an agro-diagnostic company, has called for the adoption of data-driven, science-based agriculture practices in the country, saying it will reduce losses in the sector.

Mr Femi Dairo, the Chief Executive Officer and Business Head at RID LAB, made this call at the second edition of its All Farmers Business Meeting 2.0 (AFBM) on Wednesday at Ikorodu, Lagos.

Dairo said it had become necessary for the government to create enabling policies for science-based agriculture practices to thrive in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that RID LABS is an Animal Diagnostic Centre and veterinary facility dedicated to the well-being of animals, providing comprehensive diagnostic services to improve animal health and welfare.

It specialises in accurate and timely diagnostics for all species, from pets to livestock.

Dairo said that one of the enabling policies government should create was making diagnosis first before treatment a rule and not an exception.

He stressed the importance of diagnosis before treatment in animal farming, saying it prevented constant losses in the sector.

“We understand that a system of diagnosis before treatment may sometimes feel like the hours are unending. Farmers usually ask why they need to wait for hours rather than just administering drugs to the livestock.

“Without diagnosis we cannot promote the sustainability we desire and we cannot hold up public health.

“We have seen how difficult it is when we query farmers for information, sometimes they resist, but we can show how farms that trusted diagnosis first, reduced losses.

“And this diagnosis has helped us solve animal health problems sustainably.

“We will show you how together we are protecting our food systems, safeguarding public health and shaping a profitable future.

“However, this vision is not for us to carry alone, we all have a role to play,” Dairo said.

The chief executive expressed the hope that governments would perform their duties towards public health.

He added that regulators like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should guard the standards and stop misuse of antibiotics, and ensure that laboratories remain globally compliant.

“We hope the media becomes the voice of truth, carrying the message to masses that science-driven farming is not a burden, but a lifeline.

“We want farmers to not only receive products, but also the knowledge and diagnosis to use them appropriately.

“Farmers are at the heart of the system, your animals, your decisions and discipline shape the nation’s food systems.

“Diagnosis is not an afterthought but the backbone of modern agriculture,” he said.

In her keynote address, the Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, restated the government’s commitment to promoting data-driven agriculture practices not just for the farmers’ profits but for public health.

Olusanya, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Fisheries, Mr Olorunfemi Oniyide, congratulated and commended the organisers of AFBM 2.0.

She said: “We believe that for the farmers, what we are about to discuss today will move the sector forward.

“Operating this law driven platform where farmers, agriculture scientists, regulators and investors can converge to exchange ideas and chart new pathways for a stronger, more profitable and more sustainable food systems is laudable.

“This year’s theme: “Numbers Don’t Lie: Turning Farm Data to Profits”, is very timely. Successful farming decisions must be driven by facts and figures, not guess work.

“By leveraging data, we can reduce losses, improve productivity, strengthen agribusinesses and secure greater profitability for us,” Olusanya said

She said further: “I am also particularly pleased that this edition of the meeting addresses the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in agriculture.

“The silent yet devastating effect of antibiotic misuse ranging from high mortality in poultry and agriculture, treatments and rising production costs cannot be overlooked.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems recognises the urgent need to address this challenge.

“We are committed to promoting proper diagnosis, responsible use of veterinary medicines, continuous capacity building and the development of some policy frameworks.

“By working together, we can promote farm profitability while also protecting public health,” the commissioner said.

On her part, Mrs Adewunmi Dairo, Managing Director of Rid-Agric. Ltd., an affiliate of RID LAB, restated the importance of data to growth in the agriculture sector.

“Turning data into profit captures the very heart of why we are gathered here today. For too long, farming has been driven by assumptions and guesswork.

“However in today’s world, we declare that the future of agriculture must be built on facts, on data and on truth.

“Because when numbers speak, they don’t just tell the story, they show us the path to profit, sustainability and growth.

“So to our government representatives and regulators, we thank you for your commitment to policies that protect farmers, consumers and public health.

“To our partners, pharmaceutical companies and sponsors, your innovation and investment are critical to moving agriculture forward.

“To our industry associates, you give farmers a united voice and strengthen our collective progress. And to our farmers, the heartbeat of this meeting, you rise every day to feed this nation.

“Your resilience inspires us, and today, we have gathered to honour and equip you. We gather to track a new path together,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Food security: Ondo govt. sets up Sunshine Agricultural company
Agriculture

Food security: Ondo govt. sets up Sunshine Agricultural company

By Segun Giwa

Mr Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to Ondo Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, has disclosed plans to establish an agricultural company for food security and job creation in the state.

Akinsola, who made the remark in an interview with newsmen in Akure on Wednesday, said the government’s plan was to save the state from hunger.

He said that it was high time the state stopped being primary producers of goods, but now, it would venture into production of the farm produce to generate employment for the citizens.

The SSA, who praised the governor for his moves for food sufficiency, said food security was a paramount in the state economy and the people’s wellbeing.

He said that for the state to flourish more, food processing in Agric business was where the profit lied and the government was sensitising the people to start processing their products.

“We need to follow up on food production and make sure that our people can actually benefit. It is from production that you make employment.

“So we are proposing to have a Sunshine agro-company; the company will be run by people that have notable companies and good investors here; they will build the infrastructure here.

”For us to be able to invest into agriculture, we need to build a proper infrastructure for agriculture; we are looking at the tractor zones in the three central districts,’’ he said.

Akinsola said that the project execution would be private and government partnership, adding that once the planned project is achieved, ‘’we can have food security.’’

He said that once the company kicked off, the state would not export its farm produce to other states but worked with the farmers for processing and make market available for them.

According to him, we can produce and process what we need in the state; we are building the infrastructure and we are building the processing of our primary production.

Akinsola said that forests in the state were safe as the military has been deployed to ensure that farmers were safe and also to encourage more youths to go into farming.

“Security personnel are in our forests right now, securing the place for us to be able to take the land back from encroachers.

“So we’re getting investors who have the capacity to move in there and start to clear large areas of land; that will enable other farmers to move in and do work.

“We are improving our electricity; since the governor came, electricity has been working in the southern senatorial district; we are bringing a project to the south and it’s employing 6,000 to 7,000 people.

Akinsola, however, said that off-takers were available for ethanol and they would use about 12,000 hectares of land in the south as they were the major players and would also employ a lot of people. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Tinubu approves 6-month temporary ban on export of sheanuts
Agriculture , Business

Tinubu approves 6-month temporary ban on export of sheanuts

Ban

By Salisu Sani-dris

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw sheanuts to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigeria’s shea industry.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced the president’s directive during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration.

It is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s shea value chain to generate around 300 million dollars annually in the short term.

Shettima explained that the ban was a collective decision involving the sub-nationals and the Federal Government with clear directions for economic transformation in the overall interest of the nation.

He, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement.

The vice-president said the decision was not “an anti-trade policy” but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for  processing factories.

He added that the decision would  enable industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people.

” The decision will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil and other derivatives, ” he said.

Shettima said it was about industrialisation, rural transformation, gender empowerment and expanding Nigeria’s global trade footprint.

On opportunities for job creation and income generation, the vice-president said, “Nigeria produces nearly 40 per cent of the global shea product.

” Yet, we account for only 1% of the market share of 6.5 billion dollars.

“This is unacceptable. We are projected to earn about $300 million annually in the short term, and by 2027, there will be a 10-fold increase. This is our target.”

He stated that the government was not closing doors; but opening opportunities.

” Mr President is currently in Brazil, and both countries have agreed to prioritize access for Nigerian shea butter and oil into the Brazilian market.

”  This process will be completed within the next 3 months,” the vice-president added.

He highlighted the gender dimension of the policy, adding, “by protecting the shea industry, we are protecting livelihoods, dignity and opportunity for millions of our women.

“We are not closing doors, we are opening better ones.

“Today, we plant the seeds of an industry that will yield fruit for decades to come for our women, for our economy, and for Nigeria’s place in global trade.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said that Nigeria was the world’s largest producer of sheanuts, contributing nearly 40 per cent of the global supply.

He, however, said that Nigeria captured less than one per cent of the multi-billion-dollar global shea economy.

Kyari said, ” Nigeria produces an estimated 350,000 metric tonnes of shea annually across 30 states, with the potential to reach nearly 900,000 metric tonnes.

” Yet our share of the 6.5-billion-dollar global market is less than one per cent.

” The Rapid Assessment of the Shea Value Chain, conducted by the the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided the evidence that shaped this Presidential directive.”

The minister said the assessment showed that over 90,000 metric tonnes of raw shea were lost each year in informal cross-border trade.

He added, ” Nigeria’s processors operate at only 35 to 50 per cent capacity despite a national installed capacity of 160,000 metric tonnes.”

Kyari said regional neighbours such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo had already imposed restrictions to protect their industries,.

According to him, Nigeria is vulnerably left “as the outlier and a hotspot for opportunistic and unregulated buying.

While underscoring the enormous potential of the shea trade for Nigeria, the minister said that the shea sector could generate more than $300 million  annually in the short term.

” And position Nigeria to capture a significant share of the projected $9-billion global market by 2030.

“Shea is one of the few commodities where our country holds both a comparative and absolute advantage.

” With over five million hectares of wild-growing shea trees, Nigeria has the natural endowment to dominate not only in production but also in value-added processing.

“Shea is also identified in our Zero Oil Plan as a strategic non-oil export. With a projected global market growth from 6.5 billion dollars today to nine billion dollars by 2030.

” Nigeria can position itself at the heart of this expansion,” Kyari stated.

He said that since 90 per cent of pickers and processors of shea were women, investments in this value chain would directly translate into women’s empowerment, rural job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

This, he said, aligned with the Tinubu administration’s focus on women empowerment.

Kyari said, ” And the pledge by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security “not only to support the rural population but also to create a pathway for national economic development.

” The reasons for this presidential directive are clear.

“Without corrective action, Nigeria risked becoming a raw depot for opportunistic and illicit buyers, undermining our processors’ capacities, disempowering rural women, and forfeiting billions in potential export revenues.

“The Federal Government rapid assessment, which engaged over 2,000 pickers and 65 processors, confirmed the urgent need for action.

”  Informal exports, estimated at 90,000 metric tonnes annually, are draining our domestic supply.”

According to the minister, with neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo already restricting raw exports, Nigeria risked being left as the region’s raw depot.

Kyari said, “The benefits of the temporary ban are equally compelling.

“It will secure domestic supply, enable processors to operate at full capacity, curb informal trade, and lay the foundation for Nigeria to transition from exporting raw kernels to exporting high-value derivatives such as butter, olein, and stearin.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria Agric Expo showcases innovation, inclusivity
Agriculture , Food Security

Nigeria Agric Expo showcases innovation, inclusivity

By Akpan Glory

Mr Abiodun Olaniyi, Project Coordinator of the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo (NIAEXPO 2025), says the annual fair showcases Nigeria’s agricultural potential and builds stronger partnerships across the value chain.

Olaniyi, who is also Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network, said this at the opening of the seventh edition of the expo in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the event attracted participants from Indonesia, China, India, the United States, Canada and several Nigerian states, including Lagos and Rivers.

Olaniyi said the expo provided a platform to showcase Nigeria’s agricultural potential and promote innovations by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“We saw a wide range of innovations from SMEs and MSMEs. International exhibitors also brought unique solutions, including organic farming practices, agroecology models and locally assembled electric vehicles for agro-logistics by firms like Simba.

“These are important steps toward solving challenges in the agricultural value chain,” he said.

Olaniyi said the 2025 edition highlighted Nigeria’s prospects of achieving its 2030 agricultural vision through sustainable practices and inclusive participation.

He explained that the organisers hosted the expo in Abuja to attract policymakers and stakeholders from across the country.

He added: “I don’t believe in problems; I see challenges. For every challenge, there is a solution, and that solution can create business opportunities. With every edition, we learn, adjust and improve”.

Olaniyi said the inclusion of persons with disabilities in this year’s edition showed the organisers’ commitment to inclusivity.

He expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would expand the scope of the expo and deliver greater impact across the value chain.

Earlier, Mr Tony Ifeakandu, Managing Director of Autodex Nigeria Ltd., said his company showcased a locally assembled electric tricycle to provide affordable transport solutions for farmers.

He said the firm would in November host the Farm, Machinery, Food, Agro Technology Expo and Conference (FAMFATEC) to bring together stakeholders in agriculture, finance and export.

“The event will feature AfriExim Bank and U.S. Exim Bank, who will discuss export financing and challenges facing Nigerian products in global markets,” he said.

Ifeakandu said the expo would also address organic farming, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and strategies to revive Nigerian agriculture.

He identified logistics as one of the biggest challenges in the sector, noting that high transport costs push up food prices.

“If we can reduce the cost of moving farm produce to the market, we will reduce food prices. Our goal is to provide alternatives to what already exists in the marketplace,” he said.

Dr Rohit Berry, Chairman of Contec Global Agro Limited (CGAL), said the company was promoting biological products to boost food security and reduce health risks from chemical farming.

Berry said high chemical residues had denied many Nigerian agricultural products access to international markets.

He said CGAL had developed 23 bio-products to fight crop diseases such as rice blight, tuta absoluta, armyworm and black pod disease.

He added that the company had established more than 250,000 demonstration farms across the country, tested the products with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and registered them with NAFDAC.

Berry, whose company has operated in Nigeria for over 40 years, urged the Federal Government to support agro-initiatives that would unlock Nigeria’s vast arable land for sustainable food production.

Also, Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Maiha, reaffirmed government’s commitment to repositioning the livestock sector for global competitiveness.

Maiha, represented by Dr Alike Peter, Director, Technical, at the ministry, described agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing livelihoods, food security and GDP growth.

He said the ministry had developed the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).

“It harmonises existing livestock policies, including the National Livestock Transformation Plan and the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee report”.

He said the NL-GAS set 10 pillars with measurable indicators to grow the livestock sector from 32 billion dollars in 2025 to 74 billion dollars by 2035, driven by private sector investment and subnational government support.

Also speaking, Dr Mohammed Ishaq, Executive Director of the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, said the institute had developed new rice varieties for nationwide adoption.

He urged stakeholders to seek licensing and collaboration, stressing that Nigeria’s rice production still falls short of demand despite government’s self-sufficiency drive.

“We must increase productivity and expand the adoption of improved seeds. NCRI is committed to driving that process,” Ishaq said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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