By Mercy Omoike
The Lagos State Government said it recorded N918 million sales within 40 market days of its premier food hub at the Mushin area.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was organised to enlighten residents on the initiatives introduced by the state government to ameliorate the current food crisis.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in December 2023 inaugurated the newly constructed middle-level food agro-hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.

It was introduced to proffer a new way of food distribution in the state and tackle rising food costs as well as address post-harvest losses.

According to the commissioner, the impact of the Mushin food hub is still being felt, as a means of discounting food items by the state government.

“The Mushin food hub is one of many that we should have in the state. The impact of the hub is still being felt up to now.

“We started off with only Saturdays as the market days and subsequently in the month of March we added Wednesdays. We have 339 registered vendors working with us in multiple food items.

“In this 40 days of the market’s operation, we have recorded food transactions of almost N1 billion, precisely, N918 million transactions at the Mushin hub with the 339 vendors,” Olusanya said.

She said that over 180,000kg of rice had been sold within the period.

“Over 26,000kg of garri, over 18,318 kilos of poultry meats, and over 55,000 crates of eggs have been sold in this one facility, as well as many other food items but these are just the ones we felt were critically not to mention.

“And considering the fact that the Lagos State Government has not charged any vendor to operate in this vicinity, in last six months no vendor has been charged.

“When you consider the volume of transactions and scale of what is happening at the hub, it is a form of subsidising food prices for Lagos residents.

“You can only imagine what it costs to keep the hub running but due to our role in ensuring that food prices stabilises and is kept down, we can continue the operations of the hub.

“The Mushin Food Hub is just one of many as you can see that for the first time, we can give data around the quantity of specific food items coming into the market,” Olusanya said.

She also noted the food hub gives an opportunity to get data of food pricing system and cushion the costs of prices.(NAN) 

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of living in the country.

The president gave the reassurance at the public presentation of Chief Olusegun Osoba’s book titled: “My Life in the Public Eye” held in Lagos.

A statement on the president speech at the event was made available to State House correspondent by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Nkwocha said the president represented by Shettima, noted that the decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential food items were short-term measures to address the rising food prices across the country.

“We are taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items,” the president stated.

He noted that the measures were specifically aimed at tackling food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.

Tinubu also stressed that the action was part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance living conditions of Nigerians.

While addressing short-term challenges, the president also reiterated the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency.

”We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he added.

The president further emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it a vital lesson for the nation, particularly during challenging times.

“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” Tinubu said.

He urged Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.

The president commended Chief Osoba, whom he referred to as “Aremo 1,” for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.

Specifically, the president extolled his contribution to nation building as a two-time governor of Ogun as well as his important involvement in the activities of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in restoring democracy to the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Bosede Olufunmi

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), says it will partner with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) and Harvest Plus to develop framework for National Seed Policy.

The Acting Director of the Council, Dr Isaq Khalid, stated this at a two-day national seed policy implementation framework development workshop on Wednesday in Kano.

Khalid said that it was imperative to prioritise policy that drive the system in view of the new technologies in agriculture.

Khalid said the seed industry was still evolving and being a critical input in enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria.

“The new 2022 seed policy was put in place to support Nigeria’s agribusiness investment activity to feed the future project.

“The policy statement is aimed at achieving a robust National Seed System that enhances private sector participation in seed industry, and also define roles for public and private sector.

“This include liberalisation of Foundation Seed (FS) production and marketing by private seed accredited enterprise,” he said.

According to Khalid, affixation of seed codex label in addition to the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) certification are tag to every seed package as a quality authentication tool.

He said the council has expanded its operations by deploying modern technologies, procurement of modern equipment, human and infrastructural capacity development as well as strengthened cooperation’s with relevant bodies.

The council, he said, encouraged youths and women participation in seed value chain from breeding to marketing.

Also speaking, the President of the NABG, Mr Kabir Ibrahim, said quality seeds lead to better yields, enhance food security and income for farmers.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Muhammadu Abubakar, said the NABG was fully committed to support implementation of the policy to foster growth and sustainability.

“We believe in transformative power of good policies and will continue to champion and support initiatives that promise to make a lasting positive impact on our agriculture and agribusiness sector,” he said.

On his part, Dr Yusuf Fua’d, Country Manager Harvest Plus, said the framework would strengthened the role of private sector and inter-agency collaboration for seamless seed policy implementation in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani Alli

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to address obstacles to agricultural productivity.

The president inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja and appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman of the Committee.

Tinubu said the livestock reform would open up new opportunities to benefit farmers, herders, processors and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He emphasised that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members of the committee, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors and others.

“From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.

“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives,” the President said.

He thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for his efforts in assembling experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.

Tinubu stated that a Ministry of Livestock Development would be created to further explore the potential in the area.

“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?

“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings,” said Tinubu.

He said that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which included state governments, in order to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The president said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) would ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani would provide support with automation.

“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it.

“Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualisation of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,” the President stated.

He also said the reforms would be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.

“We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics, which collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages.

“We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands.

“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter,” he said.

He added that efficient cold-chain logistics was crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of the perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.

“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, Ganduje, the former Chairman of the committee, thanked the President for taking further action, following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on Sept. 28, 2023.

“We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians. Once again, we thank the President,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

NSE President,Mrs Margaret Oguntala (L) with Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security during the courtesy visit in Abuja

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Friday sought partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to harness opportunities to boost food security.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this when the NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, led a delegation to visit the Minister, in Abuja.

Kyari said that the Ministry was elated to partner NSE as the country’s frontline professional body on initiatives to boost food security in Nigeria.

“NSE is a blue-chip society with huge knowledge resources and the ministry will leverage on their capacity to deliver on government set goals on food security.

“The effort at developing sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s food systems is a priority area for the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Nigeria has faced challenges in food production for far too long due to the difficulty that families are facing,” he said.

Kyari emphasised that some occurrences like the pandemic, perennial flooding, insecurity and the currency redesign which stiffened money circulation, forced food production to nose dive.

“A new strategy is required to reverse this trend. That is why on assumption of office, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security,“ he said

The minister, however, said that a partnership with NSE would help in exploring the initiatives presented to him by NSE to boost food production.

According to the NSE president, food security is essential for growth, poverty reduction, and human well-being.

Oguntala stated that the entire idea required pragmatic and proactive measures, hence the need for both NSE and the ministry to work together to address the challenges.

She reiterated her organisation’s commitment to supporting food security initiatives in the country and the ministry to deliver on its mandate to increase food production.

“NSE has thrown its weight behind the ministry for the quick realisation of the initiative in the interest of all citizens.

“NSE is also determined to join forces with both the ministry and other private organisations on the effort in developing sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s food systems.”

Oguntala informed the Minister of the society’s upcoming 2024 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting with the theme, “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change”.

She said the theme was carefully chosen to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the determination of his administration to ensure food security in the country.

Oguntala added that NSE would like to partner the ministry on some of its programmes like the Agriculture Entrepreneurial Development.

She listed other strategic agenda to include: Entrepreneurship Development designed to enhance the agricultural sector’s productivity and innovation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

By Joy Akinsanya

HortiNigeria, a horticulture programme funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, says it has trained no fewer than 62,000 smallholder and entrepreneurial farmers on best agricultural practices.

HortiNigeria Programme Director, Mr Mohammed Salasi-Idris, disclosed this in Abeokuta on Thursday during a two-day event aimed at sharing success stories and challenges of farmers, including the way forward.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is themed: “The Journey So Far in Transforming the Horticulture Sector”.

Salasi-Idris, represented by Abdullahi Umar, said HortiNigeria trained 60,000 smallholder farmers in the North and 2,000 entrepreneurial farmers in the South-West of Nigeria.

According to the programme director, the 60,000 smallholder farmers are made up of 40 per cent women and 50 per cent youth.

He said HortiNigeria piloted innovative technologies among the 2,000 entrepreneurial farmers.

According to him, the HortiNigeria initiative has led efforts to develop a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector to enhance food and nutrition, including food security in Nigeria.

He said the programme, implemented in four states – Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo — focused on essential crops like onion, pepper, okra, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, and sweetcorn.

He explained that since the inception of the programme, it had effectively utilised digital platforms and social media to extend its reach, engaging over 70,000 farmers with vital agricultural knowledge and updates.

“The programme is aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security in line with both Dutch and Nigerian objectives.

“Since November 2021, HortiNigeria has launched several initiatives across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo States, spanning ten value chains within the horticulture sector: cabbage, cucumber, okra, onions, pepper, sweetcorn, tomato, and watermelon.

“Notably in Ogun and Oyo states, we have forged partnerships to pilot innovative production systems that bolster entrepreneurial farmers and promote regional crop diversification.

“Additionally, we are actively engaging with financial institutions and enhancing sector coordination and business linkages through collaborations with public and private entities.

“As HortiNigeria moves into its last year of implementation in 2025, the programme is set to expand its reach and continue its vital work in enhancing the capabilities of smallholder farmers, agro-entrepreneurs, and financial institutions.

“Future efforts will focus on scaling successful innovations, increasing access to finance, and continuing to build robust systems for sustainable agricultural development,” he said.

The programme director said the progress recorded in the past years showed the commitment of the consortium partners and the resilience of various commodity value chain players.

He, however, urged stakeholders, including government officials, potential donors, and the media to support by publishing the initiative’s efforts to ensure a sustainable future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Mr Elijah Mwashayenyi, the African Director, East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT), noted that HortiNigeria had helped farmers and agro-input suppliers to imbibe the knowledge of accessing good quality seeds.

Mwashayenyi said the programme had also promoted marketing connectivity by linking farmers with the market, thus assisting them to sell their produce as well as helping them in production planning.

A beneficiary from Ogun, Mrs Adetola Taiwo, appreciated HortiNigeria for its kind gesture and support to women and youth farmers.

She added that they had been exposed to best agro practices, thereby increasing their innovation and productivity.

Another beneficiary from Oyo State, Mrs Omolola Balogun, said HortiNigeria had assisted farmers in building capacity and supported them with input technology, making it easier for farmers to farm all year round.

NAN reports that the four-year programme, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria and implemented by consortiums, began in 2021.

The consortiums include the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), EWS-KT, Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and KIT Institute (KIT), which has shared significant advancements in the Nigerian horticulture sector over the years.

NAN reports the programme included a stakeholders’ tour to Soiless Farm Lab at Awowo and FUNAAB Farm Hubs in Abeokuta, to expose them to some of HortiNigeria’s success stories.

In addition, HortiNigeria donated Eco Efficient Solution to FUNAAB Hub and Waste to Wealth Bin at Soiless Farm Lab. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke

By Justina Auta

The AYuTe Africa Challenge in Nigeria, an enterprise programme, has awarded 40,000 dollars in grants to three young agric-tech innovators to use technology in improving farming methods and food production in Nigeria.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer International, made this known at the  grand finale of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Tobe said that the initiative would encourage innovators to leverage technology to achieve transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“Leveraging youth and technology presents an opportunity for the transformation of agriculture, ensuring food security, youth employment, and economic development.

“It is technology that is helping us to close the yield gap, and create sustainable value chains, reduce post-harvest loss, and increase fertiliser, water and soil use efficiency.

“It also helps smallholder farmers to be better organised and to build improved strength to engage with the market,” he said.

According to him, the competition serves as a springboard for identifying and supporting outstanding young agritech innovators for visibility, growth and increased productivity for smallholder farmers.

He added that through a regional competition, Heifer International awarded 1.5 million dollars annually to leading agritech innovators across Africa.

Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, emphasised the role of youths in leveraging technology to transform the agriculture system in the country.

“We all need to rejuvenate agriculture to where it belongs.

“Each and every one of you can key into any agricultural products and business by using various technologies.

“A technology like the mobile phone can be used  to promote productivity and address some of the challenges affecting smallholder farmers in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, Daniel Bature, Director, Technical Services, Nasarawa State Agricultural Development, urged youths to utilise technology and create innovations that would develop Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

Femi Oluwagbemi, Special Adviser to the Minister of Labour and Employment, said that with agriculture, young people could easily get into the process of job creation, self employment and organise themselves into cooperatives.

“By doing so, they will have the chance to access funding from programmes such as this,” he said.

Manir Umar, Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Youth and Agric. Business, said that collaboration with stakeholders would ensure the implementation of policies in Nigeria.

“The government can create policies, but cannot be the implementers. So, we try to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efforts like this are being strengthened.

“Youths are the drivers of the agricultural revolution. So, the ministry is giving a lot of focus to the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries include: Ruth Ede of Scratop Nigeria Ltd., who was awarded 20,000 dollars grants for her innovation in converting bio waste into nutrients-rich bio fertilisers.

Akpem Shadrach of Vet Konect, a digital animal health company,  secured 12,000 dollars for his innovation in providing comprehensive care for livestock farmers across Africa via mobile devices using AI tools to boost productivity.

Also, Chinasu Stephanie -Meltus of Scarecrow Green Eden’s 4th industrial revolution, got 8,000 dollars for using technology in combating climate change effects and increasing farming efficiency for smallholder farmers.

Ede, the highest beneficiary, told NAN she would use the grant to improve access to nutrients-rich bio-fertiliser for farmers to boost their production. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Folasade Adeniran