News Agency of Nigeria
Malaysian envoy says palm oil trade with Nigeria thriving
Agriculture

Malaysian envoy says palm oil trade with Nigeria thriving

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By Sarafina Christopher

The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, says the thriving palm oil trade between Malaysia and Nigeria has enhanced relations between the two countries.

Omar made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He noted that the surge in trade had not only signified a strong commitment to agricultural collaboration but had also increased interest from foreign investors looking to capitalise on Nigeria’s agricultural potential.

According to him, approximately 50 per cent of Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria consist of palm oil, contributing to an export figure of $600 million in 2024.

The high commissioner recalled that during a visit to Calabar in May 2025, he met with members of the Malaysian Diaspora, many of whom were engaged in the palm oil sector.

“There are around 50 Malaysians currently residing and working in Nigeria, with a significant concentration in Lagos and a growing presence in Calabar.

“The Malaysian community in Nigeria is primarily made up of business professionals focused on agriculture, particularly in managing palm oil plantations that are relevant to the country’s trade dynamics,” he said.

Omar also noted that the ongoing collaboration within the agricultural sector aimed to enhance productivity and efficiency for palm oil cultivation; thus, marking a step towards enhancing bilateral trade.

In addition to promoting palm oil exports, Omar pointed out that the Malaysian High Commission was working diligently to facilitate greater foreign investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“With the increasing global demand for palm oil, there are vast opportunities for diversification and investment, which can be of benefit to Malaysia and Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joe Idika

Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo
Food Security

Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo

886 total views today

By Ahmed Dantala

Mr Abubakar Gotomo, founder of Gotomo Farms and Wildlife Services, has urged the youths to explore agro-business as a pathway to sustainable employment.

 

Gotomo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Diko, Niger on Sunday.

 

NAN reports that agriculture offers a significant pathway to sustainable employment in Nigeria, particularly when focusing on sustainable farming practices.

 

These practices, such as crop rotation, agro-forestry, and efficient water management, can boost yields, reduce costs, and improve resilience to climate change.

 

“People should aspire to come into agriculture to pursue such a business that they can be rich within the shortest possible time. When you pursue it, you do it according to the best practice, be rest assure you will make your money.

 

“Here at Gotomo farm, we have about 36 concrete fish ponds, we have over 10 earthen farms for fish production. But I’m just giving a simple example of one pond farm which has the capacity to store 2,500 catfish.

 

‘’2,500 catfish, if well fed, within 100 to 120 days, they can grow to the table size. Three of them can give you one kg, averagely, If you are lucky, two can give you one kg, but three can give you one kg.

 

‘’At a conservative price now, a kg can give you 2,000. Now imagine, as a graduate, you have one pond farm of 2,500 catfish. You manage it in 120 days; you’d be rest assured of going with a profit of two million Naira.’’

 

He added that the agriculture sector remains a veritable means of opportunity, saying the value chain is even more significant.

 

‘’Even if it’s in the service of input, providing input, selling, marketing, transportation, actively performing on the farm. So, I encourage our graduates, don’t wait. You have no time to wait.

 

‘’You are a fresh graduate from the NYSC, come, try to get that orientation. As soon as you finish your NYSC, please go to the farm, the job is there waiting for you.’’

 

Gotomo said that the search for economic independence was his drive and motivation to go into agri-business.

 

“I left the civil service very early because I have been naturally an independent person. And at the civil service I realised that I have a lot of restrictions and limitations and I can’t achieve my aspirations as a civil servant.

 

“With the civil service I discovered that promotion is your limit, you can’t go beyond promotion. Your competency, your experience, your expertise is not enough for you to secure any job.

 

‘’You have still to go and start lobbying here and there. I feel, no, I have to look for something more independent. With food production, people must eat and you have access to market when you produce, people must buy.

 

‘’The fact that you graduate does not mean that you should go and be a servant to anybody. That education should serve as a light that will help you to pursue any venture, so I went into adventure,’’ he said.

 

Gotomo said that contamination of the soil, chemical application, post-harvest management, application of preservatives and pesticides, are factors affecting the quality and health of the food.

 

He said that the Gotomo farm uses organic principles in order to give out products that are healthy enough and safe for human consumption.

 

“We are trying to train people, all the people working here with us, then those coming in to get training, we give them those principles. And with that, gradually, we can scale our food system and ensure food security.

 

“Food security is not just about the availability of food alone. It is also about the quality of that food,’’ he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion
Food Security

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion

486 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Young agriculturists in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have called on the Federal Government to increase support for local food producers to boost livestock farming and reduce dependence on imported animal products.

 

The farmers made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at their integrated livestock and crop farm in Mararaba, as part of a field report on sustainable agriculture and youth participation.

 

Mr Ogese Samuel, an economist and co-manager of the farm, said that the project was set up to promote food security, create employment and demonstrate the profitability of agriculture among young people in Nigeria.

 

“We rear catfish, broilers, local chickens, turkey, rabbit, snail, earthworm and pigs. All are sold locally and the business is very profitable.

 

“Our goal is to support the national food system and create jobs. But we need funds to expand. With the population rising, the demand for protein is increasing daily.”

 

He noted that in spite of the challenges of manpower and capital, the farm continues to grow.

 

He highlighted the need for government-backed loans, youth-targeted grants and access to reliable markets to scale up their impact.

 

“Agriculture has inelastic demand; people must eat every day. What we need is support to grow our capacity”

 

He also emphasised the importance of food safety, saying the farm maintains strict hygiene standards and collaborates with Nasarawa State inspection teams to ensure compliance with health regulations.

 

Miss Maranata Fadawa, a director in the farm, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace agriculture rather than turning to crime or fraud.

 

“Farming is hard work but comes with dignity and reward. We need to stop being lazy and do what will bring us honest income”

 

The experts urged the government and development partners to invest more in training and mentorship programmes that can expose young people to manage modern farming techniques.

 

They added that with the right support, agriculture can become a key driver of youth employment and national economic growth.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use
Food Security

Organic food: Farmers seek FG support on markets, chemical use

478 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Experts in the agriculture sector have urged the Federal Government to prioritise organic farming and reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals, which threatens public health and limit Nigeria’s access to international markets.

 

They made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Karshi, Abuja during a visit to organic farms as part of a field report on sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Mr Adams Peter, Managing Director of Amadam’s Organic Agricultural Company, said Nigeria’s overdependence on chemical-based farming has become a major barrier to global trade.

 

“Our food exports are being rejected in many countries because they are not organic and are contaminated by chemicals,”

 

He explained that most farmers lack proper training on the safe use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers which leads to misuse and unsafe residue levels in food.

 

Peter, whose company has been operating since 2001, said his organisation is focused on organic farming because of its multiple benefits to health, environment and the economy.

 

“Organic agriculture is not only safer for consumers; it also nourishes the soil and protects the ecosystem.

 

“It creates employment, especially for Nigerians and can improve household income.”

 

He noted that in spite of growing awareness about food safety, organic food remains largely inaccessible in many urban centres.

 

“We hardly find organic vegetables or foodstuff in Abuja markets, that is why we are working with our network to set up dedicated organic food markets across the FCT.

 

“Government support for organic farming is still very low. If we’re serious about improving food quality and boosting exports, we must invest in organic agriculture,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Donald Ikenna, Lead Coordinator of the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria, warned about the growing use of highly hazardous chemicals in the country’s food production system.

 

“More than 40 per cent of the chemicals used by farmers in Nigeria are classified as highly hazardous, this puts both farmers and consumers at serious risk.”

 

Ikenna said the widespread use of such chemicals has been linked to an increase in cancer, kidney failure and other chronic diseases.

 

“People are falling ill from what they eat and the economy is also suffering as we lose billions to rejected food exports.”

 

He stressed the need for a national shift to safer and science-backed alternatives, including biopesticides, organic fertilizers and agroecological practices.

 

He called on state governments and lawmakers to ensure constituency projects support organic farming initiatives at the grassroots.

 

“We have the local capacity to produce organic farm inputs in Nigeria. What we need is investment, training and strong political will.

 

“We must stop pumping money into harmful chemicals and start building systems that promote health, sustainability and long-term food security.”

 

NAN reports that organic and agroecological farming is gaining momentum globally as a safer, climate-friendly alternative to conventional agricultural practices.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Climate change: Women farmers express optimism in dry season farming
Agriculture

Climate change: Women farmers express optimism in dry season farming

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By Ibukun Emiola

The Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) has expressed optimism on the viability of the 2025 dry season farming despite the present climate change effects on agriculture.

The Oyo State Coordinator, SWOFON, Mrs Atinuke Akinbade, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ibadan.

Akinbade decried the huge loss caused by irregular rainfall patterns during the onset of the 2025 rainy season.

“Despite the problems faced by farmers, including small scale women farmers, preparations towards the dry season farming has begun.

“Our planting ventures between April and May were all wasted due to cessation of rain. Infact, many farmers didn’t get any substantial or appreciable growth of the crops planted.

“It is now that plantations are starting to do well and we hope that the rains will continue to support all that we planted.

“Government should have started the distributions of seedlings and other inputs to farmers for the dry season farming, especially with the huge losses farmers had already recorded,” Akinbade said.

She highlighted some of the efforts of the association in getting high-yielding seeds from some agricultural institutes due to increased prices of inputs.

The coordinator said that despite the climate change effects on agriculture, small scale women farmers were not relenting in their farming ventures because they had no other means of survival.

“We are going ahead with planting and usually dry season farming starts between August and September.

“But with the climate change effects on agriculture, it is hard to tell what the weather pattern for dry season will be like.

“Regardless, we will do what we can. We will plant and believe God for the best,” she said.

Akinbade, however, called on government at all levels to extend more of its interventions programme to small scale farmers, particularly the women.

“Government support to small scale women farmers are very crucial to the emancipation of women from poverty.

“Women are striving to provide ends meet for their families and they are doing so through various innovations and thrift contributions to support their families.

“These efforts must be recognised by the state and supported so that families can survive the harsh economic situation being witnessed,” the coordinator said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ayodeji Alabi

Shettima inaugurates nutrition 774 board to win battle against malnutrition
Agriculture

Shettima inaugurates nutrition 774 board to win battle against malnutrition

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Strategic Board of the Nutrition 774 Initiative to win the battle against malnutrition in every corner of the country.

While inaugurating the board at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima described it as a decisive step by the President Bola Tinubu administration to curb malnutrition crisis across Nigeria.

He noted that malnutrition is a national emergency that poses both health and security threats to Nigeria and requires immediate, coordinated action across all 774 local government areas.

“This strategic board is not a ceremonial committee; it is a war room, assembled to win the battle against malnutrition in every corner of this country,” he said.

Shettima urged members of the newly inaugurated board to treat their appointment as a call to urgent national duty.

“This is not a tea-drinking exercise. This is a national call to duty. A race against time. A mission to save lives and safeguard our future.

“We are counting on our state governors to drive implementation at scale, and on our local government chairmen who, being closest to the people, hold the keys to reaching the grassroots.”

Shettima said the initiative is the Tinubu administration’s “bold answer to a quiet emergency” that affects homes, schools, hospitals, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the country.

“A nation that neglects the physiological needs of its people, particularly the most vulnerable, flirts with instability. Because a malnourished population is an unproductive one, and an unproductive population drags down the wheels of progress,” he warned.

He also explained that the Nutrition 774 Initiative is designed to harmonise what has been scattered, to end duplication by embracing coordination to build a single, unified framework that allows the country to align, act, and deliver measurable impact.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended the Vice-President for championing the food security and nutrition initiative.

According to Bagudu, the programmes will reduce poverty and enhance social cooperation.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called for more empowerment of women, observing that it is an issue of poverty.

The Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, described the initiative as a right step in the right direction.

Okafor assured that the nutrition programme has all the backing and support of the National Assembly.

“What this initiative is all about is taking it down to the communities, and I want to summarise by saying that you have all the legislative backing at the National Assembly.

“For us, it is an honour to be a part of this initiative, and we will give all our support and everything that needs to be done to ensure that it is a success,” the lawmaker assured.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, Mrs Uju Anwuka, emphasised the need for urgent and sustained intervention.

She pointed out that malnutrition is a national emergency that undermines the nation’s human capital development.

She said that the Nutrition 774 supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu administration “by investing in human capital, ending hunger and poverty, empowering youth and women, and ensuring equitable development.

“By addressing malnutrition, the initiative will strengthen educational outcomes, productivity, and health equity across Nigeria.”

She identified strong leadership, supportive policies, strategic partnerships, and community-driven engagement as strategic pillars to achieve the objectives of Nutrition 774. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Ebonyi pays N150m counterpart fund for Integrated Ranch Project
Agriculture

Ebonyi pays N150m counterpart fund for Integrated Ranch Project

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By Uchenna Ugwu

The Ebonyi Government says it has paid its N150 million counterpart fund for the establishment of the World Bank-funded Automated Integration Ranch System in the state.

Mr Victor Nwite, the Project Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), a World Bank Assisted project, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Saturday.

Nwite said that the state had also provided the enabling environment to ensure that the project was successfully executed.

He said that the project would be situated at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

He also said that the initiative was meant to transform the livestock sector by enhancing value addition and quality service.

He said the move would ensure the sustainable diversification of the state economy through livestock protection.

According to him, the development is part of L-PRES’s goal to improve livestock productivity, build resilience within the sector and promote commercialisation of key value chain.

“The facility is expected to have structures of hospital for animals, veterinary laboratory and cold chain facility, cottage pasture, alongside a smart skills training centre.

“The plan involves establishing infrastructures to take care of pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and processing.

“Everything will be automated and this vision is in collaboration with the World Bank.

“This project gears towards educating farmers on how best to rear their animals in a proper way, using climate smart activity and interventions.

“We are ready to really turn around the livestock industry in the state, led by L-PRES, with support from the governor,” Nwite said.

He further said that the agency had budgeted to support live bird markets in the state and funded a processing unit at the poultry farm to supply day-old chicks to various regions.

He said that about 14,000 livestock farmers were profiled and trained on good animal husbandry practices, to control outbreaks, artificial insemination to improve productivity, among other benefits.

Nwite said that the project had trained veterinary staff, para vets and extension agents for the programme.

He disclosed that the state government had purchased 15 motor bikes for extension agents to attend to farmers in the LGAs of the state.

He said that the project would provide structures that would assist community of farmers with clusters with cold store, solar-powered borehole, among other benefits.

Nwite said the project was expected to introduce an automated standard abattoir, pig market, processing unit and renovation of five slaughter slabs in the state.

He commended the governor for his commitment and collaboration to make significant positive impact with the initiative.

“In other areas of assistance to farmers, L-PRES carried out free Anthrax vaccination across the state to avoid zoonotic diseases among animals,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

Ekiti LG begins sale of 20000 oil palm, cocoa seedlings
Agriculture

Ekiti LG begins sale of 20000 oil palm, cocoa seedlings

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By Adedeji Egbebi

The Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State has begun the sale of 20,000 oil palm and cocoa seedlings to farmers in the area.

The flag off ceremony took place at the local government secretariat in Ikole-Ekiti on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr Bayo Omojola, explained 10,000 oil palm seedlings and 10,000 cocoa seedlings would be sold to farmers at subsidised price.

Omojola said that the decision of the council to invest in palm oil and cocoa seedlings production was to support the food security programme of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

The chairman said that the government’s passion for agricultural development was to empower youths and bring the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

Omojola said that the seedlings would be sold to farmers, residents and individuals at the rate lower than the market price.

He said that the government also has plans to empower farmers with various farm inputs, while the aged women would be empowered with cash gift.

“I am passionate about agricultural development, and it is equally one of the six point agenda of Gov. Oyebanji.

“I want to urge the beneficiaries not to sell the seedlings and farm implements but make judicious use of them in their farms.

“I equally want to encourage the youth to engage in agriculture business, because oil palm and cocoa businesses are profitable now,” he said.

In his remark, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, commended the chairman for his efforts to empower the farmers as well as reducing unemployment among the youth.

Aribasoye, represented by his Chief of Staff, Olumide Aribisala, said the plan of the local government to nurse oil palm and cocoa seedlings to create wealth through agriculture was a laudable initiative.

He assured the local government of his continuous support to enhance agricultural development and empowerment of youths in the area.

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, commended the efforts of the chairman and his management team.

He urged them to invest more in food production and empowerment of youths through agriculture at the grassroots.

Olabode urged the beneficiaries of the farm implements to made judicious use of the items to boost their farm products.

In the same vein, the Head of Administration in the Local Government, Olufemi Olatunji, said the beneficiaries of the empowerment were farmers who are indigenes of the council.

Olatunji said the farmers were selected from various communities and wards based on their commitment to development of agriculture.

He advised the farmers to make good use of the seedlings to create wealth for themselves and their families.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, commended the chairman for his initiative and prayed God to give him wisdom to pilot the affairs of the council.

The News Agency of (NAN) reports that 300 selected farmers were empowered with sprayer machines, herbicides, cutlasses and files, treated maize seedlings and rain boots while 50 selected aged women were given cash gifts at the occasion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Tayo Ikujuni

Eat what you farm for improved health – Expert
Agriculture

Eat what you farm for improved health – Expert

425 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

Dr Zainab Imam, Consultant Adult and Perinatal Psychiatrist and Division Chief of Women’s Mental Health at Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar has urged Nigerians to farm what they eat for improved health benefit.

 

Imam, who is also the CEO of JAMS Organic Farms and Kitchens, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

 

She urged Nigerians to consider the health of their family members by farming what they eat, even if it means having a small backyard farm.

 

She added that studies have shown that exposure to various environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, is associated with increasing prevalence of cases of cancer and solid tumours.

 

She stressed that farming what you eat is a win-win situation as it would minimise the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contaminate human health and the environment.

 

“Well, the reason I chose farming is that farming is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Anywhere I’ve lived, anybody that knows me would always associate Zainab with farming.

 

“My house, even in Qatar, I have my backyard garden where I plant everything. When I was here in Nigeria, before I left the country, I used to raise chickens in my house here in Abuja.

 

“I have nothing less than 1000 heads of corn and other vegetables around. So it’s something I feel very passionate about. I like to eat clean food.’’

 

She said that most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily, and slowly.

 

Imam said that even when people try to use herbs to cure sicknesses they still run into trouble because those herbs are also contaminated.

 

“I’m diabetic, so I’m also passionate about what I put in my mouth and make sure that whatever I’m eating will not add to my chronic illness.

 

“The other thing is that when I’m on the farm, it gives me room to move and exercise.

 

“So my thought is that if I could do this as part of my retirement, it will exercise into my day, and also hopefully I’ll be able to teach people about sustainable and organic farming.”

 

She said that her plan after retirement is to be able to teach people how to be successful in sustainable organic agriculture practices.

 

“The way our farm works, it’s an integrated farm. We have livestock, we have the large animals, and we’re also hoping to have the small animals.

 

“Currently, we have a few chickens, and we only deal with local chickens. We also have sheep and cows, and we are in the process of starting our fish ponds so that we create additional protein.

 

“We also hope that when the farm is standard we would be able to train other people.

 

“I hope that people can come and visit the farm and see what we’re doing, and be able to adopt such sustainable practices in their own farms as well,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Adamawa Govt. begins N2bn agricultural support programme for smallholder farmers
Agriculture

Adamawa Govt. begins N2bn agricultural support programme for smallholder farmers

242 total views today

By Talatu Maiwada

Adamawa Government has commenced the 2025 agricultural support programme targeted at empowering smallholder farmers and boosting food security across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. David Jatau, made this known while briefing newsmen, on Friday, in Yola.

Jatau said Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri had approved N2 billion for the implementation of the initiative aimed at increasing agricultural productivity during the 2025 farming season.

He explained that the programme which has commenced, has subsidised inputs such as fertilisers, improved seeds, and other essential materials to farmers across six local government areas.

According to him, the government would cultivate 300 hectares of farmland in each local government area, with 300 farmers expected to benefit in each council.

“The programme has already commenced in six LGAs, Madagali, Michika, Hong, Maiha, Demsa, and Ganye.

“By next year, during the rainy season, we will extend the programme to the remaining LGAs.

“To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, a committee made up of traditional councils, local government officials, security agencies, youths and women group representatives has been set up.

“We are also equipping extension workers with training to offer farmers guidance on modern agricultural techniques for improved yield,” he said.

Jatau noted that the intervention would not only boost food production but also create jobs, improve rural incomes and support economic stability in communities.

He added that the state was partnering with non-governmental organisations and agricultural bodies, with over 2,700 hectares of farmland pledged for cultivation by development partners.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency and urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Ekemini Ladejobi

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