News Agency of Nigeria
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

FirstBank lauds FG’s robust agriculture agenda
Agriculture , Food Security

FirstBank lauds FG’s robust agriculture agenda

By Mercy Omoike

First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., has applauded the Federal Government’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s agriculture agenda for food sovereignty.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Ltd., Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, said this at the bank’s 2025 Agric & Export Expo on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FirstBank 2025 Agric & Export Expo with the theme: “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy,” is aimed at boosting non-oil exports.

Alebiosu commended the federal government drive in achieving food sovereignty and vowed the bank’s continued commitment in fostering the growth Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to the 2025 edition of the FirstBank Agric & Export Expo.

“Over the years, this gathering has grown into a defining platform, a testament to FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic priorities.

“The expo reflects our shared vision for a stronger, more resilient economy, one anchored on food security, agribusiness, solid minerals, and most critically, the expansion of non-oil exports,’’ he said.

Alebiosu noted that agriculture that was once overlooked was gaining a significant place in the heart of Nigeria’s national development agenda.

“We commend the federal government’s commitment to elevating the sector and reaffirm our role as a steadfast partner in this journey.

“This year’s theme: The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy, could not be timelier.

“As a nation, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our economic journey, one that demands bold diversification beyond oil and the harnessing of the vast opportunities in our non-oil sectors,” Alebiosu said.

He described the expo as a beacon for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“Our history is deeply connected to agriculture and non-oil sectors.

“For more than a century, we have played a defining role in financing industries that are vital not only to Nigeria’s economic progress, but also to the development of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our portfolio spans the full spectrum of agribusiness, from primary production to processing and export.

“Across the country, our dedicated teams deliver sector-focused, client-friendly financial solutions tailored to the distinct needs of agricultural and solid minerals enterprises.

“This is ensuring that they have the resources to thrive and compete on a global scale,” Alebiosu said.

On his part, The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr Ibrahim Alkali, commended the Bank’s commitment in the agriculture sector.

“The fundamentals of building non-oil export driven economy, is not merely an intellectual discussion, it is a survival strategy for our nation.

“Nigeria must no longer live at the mercy of oil marketers, but on the strength of productivity, our creativity and our resilience.

“FirstBank has long has been a pioneer in agricultural financing.

“Its agricultural portfolio has grown by N11.6 billion in recent years, supporting farmer’s processors and exporters.

“Through the commercial agriculture credit scheme, FirstBank has financed more enterprises than any other bank, accounting for over 23 per cent of all participation with dedicated agricultural finance teams,” Kyari said.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the bank while calling for more financing in the agriculture sector.

“We must move away from our dependence and build a resilient economy that is anchored on productivity, value addition and competitiveness in the non-oil sector.

“For over 130 years, FirstBank has stood as a part of Nigeria’s economic story by promoting exports.

“You are not only reaffirming your commitments and culture, but you are also signaling to farmers, to processors, to exporters, that you have a reliable partner in building a truly export driven economy.

“For this, I commend the Managing Director and the management at FirstBank for its leadership role for promoting agro-exports.

“We have to aggressively position agricultural product, we must ensure that we are competitive. We must secure our market share, and we must drive investment into the agro businesses,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Also, the Governor of Niger, Mr Mohammed Bago, commended the bank for tapping into President Tinubu’s Transformation Agenda in the agriculture sector.

“People must be able to feed themselves, and President Tinubu has made this a fundamental principle in this government, so we have scaled in.

“So, there is a need for us to tell our stories ourselves. On behalf of the Government of people of Niger State, I thank FirstBank for this exhibition,” Bago said.

Present at the expo were exhibitors across the various agriculture value chains as well as farmers’ associations. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

German Govt. supports climate-smart rice farming in 3 states
Agriculture

German Govt. supports climate-smart rice farming in 3 states

Rice

By Felicia Imohimi

The German Government has inaugurated the Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions (CORE) Project to support 12,000 smallholder farmers in climate-smart rice production across Benue, Nasarawa, and Kano States.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Annett Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Johannes Lehne, Deputy Head of Mission, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

She said the three-year pilot project, running from 2024 to 2027, aimed to lay the groundwork for a future where farmers could benefit directly from climate action.

Günther added that the project was designed to help carbon markets thrive in a way that genuinely supported sustainable development and empowered smallholder farmers.

She said the project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), would be implemented by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) in collaboration with Olam Agri.

Günther explained that CORE would promote climate-smart rice cultivation practices to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while enhancing innovation, sustainable value chains, and long-term growth in Nigeria’s rice sector.

“There is an urgent need for practical steps to reduce emissions and strengthen the resilience of agriculture, given the escalating impacts of climate change,” she said.

Günther reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to climate finance, noting that in 2023, the German Government contributed 9.94 billion euro, leveraging public funds to attract private climate finance through revolving credit lines, structured funds, and public-private partnerships.

She added that BMZ, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the European Union, had committed 117 million euro to its current agricultural portfolio in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

“The funding aims to transform Nigeria’s agri-food system by boosting food security, employment, inclusive growth, and climate resilience.”

Alexis Brakhan, GIZ Implementation Manager for the CORE Project, explained that the initiative would promote alternate wetting and drying, as well as the use of biochar to improve soil health and reduce emissions.

“CORE is building a high-quality carbon initiative that links sustainable farming to carbon markets. It offers a scalable model for transforming agri-food systems,” he said.

Paul Nicholson, Senior Vice President of Rice at Olam Agri, described the project as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to food security and environmental sustainability.

“Carbon credits give farmers a stake in climate action, rewarding their adoption of climate-smart agriculture,” Nicholson said.

Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting that Nigeria loses around 100 million dollars annually to climate-related flooding.

He also pointed out that rice, the country’s staple crop, was one of the most climate-vulnerable.

Fagbuji stated that agriculture accounted for 25 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP but contributed 33 per cent of national GHG emissions, primarily due to methane from rice paddies.

“Without innovation, the twin challenges of food insecurity and rising emissions will only intensify. That’s why the CORE project is vital,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of alternate wetting and drying, improved seed varieties, and low-emission irrigation methods, which could reduce methane emissions, improve yields, conserve water, and empower rural communities.

Fagbuji urged both public and private stakeholders to invest in climate-smart agriculture and scale the CORE model across Nigeria’s rice-producing regions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production
Agriculture

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production

Partnership

By Doris Esa

The African Union (AU) and Nigeria are collaborating to transform, revitalise agriculture and boost food production across the continent through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative.

CAADP,  a road-map for the continent’s agricultural sector, was adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in 2003 as a continental framework to stimulate accelerated growth and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this on Monday at the validation workshop of the 2022 – 2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2025 – 2027 in Abuja.

He said that the major focus of the validation was to evaluate the performance of Nigeria in achieving the parameters of the African Union.

Ogunbiyi said that CAADP is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising agriculture across the African continent.

He said that the African Union Commission (AUC) had established a standard process to periodically review CAADP.

” The primary focus of the CAADP is to transform African agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth with a commitment of six per cent growth rate and 10 per cent budget allocation to agriculture from the national budget.

“The essence is to boost agricultural productivity, increase public investment in agriculture, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector,” he said.

Ogunbiyi urged stakeholders to embrace CAADP as a blueprint for action and one that empowers farmers, enhances food security, and drives economic growth.

” Together, we can transform agriculture in Africa, making it a pillar of resilience and prosperity,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said that Nigeria had committed substantial investments in the agricultural sector through various initiatives.

”  This is ranging from the launch of the Special Agro-Processing Zones in some states of the federation, namely Kaduna, Cross Rivers and Oyo State.

” These initiatives were designed to increase production and productivity, enhance the commodity value chain,  create jobs, improve livelihood, and reduce post-harvest losses.

” The initiatives also aimed to promote inclusivity and resilient agriculture to foster economic growth and food security in the country,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu, Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, said the workshop aimed to chart a path forward for Nigeria’s Agri-Food System

” As you are aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a critical element in achieving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.

 ”Together, we can identify actionable solutions that will strengthen our agricultural frameworks and improve the livelihood of farmers and communities across the African continent,” Tanimu said.

In a Goodwill message, Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, ActionAid Nigeria, states that the validation workshop is a critical step in strengthening ownership, accountability, and joint action.

She reaffirms ActionAid’s commitment to supporting inclusive agricultural development and ensuring that policies and investment frameworks truly respond to the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

Akhile said the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan is a tool for transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system, in line with the AU Malabo commitments ending in 2025 and the Kampala declaration that would commence in 2026.

“The joint sector review report is key in assessing our progress and to inform future interventions in achieving inclusive food systems transformation in Nigeria.

“We commend the Ministry and partners for driving this process and assure you of our continued collaboration towards building a resilient and sustainable food system for Nigeria,” she said. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner
Agriculture

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 
Agriculture

First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 

By Philip Yatai

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s “Every Home a Garden” project is recording a huge success in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Coordinator, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated this at the close-out of the 2024 cohort of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Every Home a Garden competition, in Abuja.

She said that the event was also organised to celebrate FCT women for queuing into the competition, initiated by the First Lady, which she described as a “huge success.”

She said that the project, under the RHI Agricultural Support Programme has continued to impact the lives of rural women across the FCT.

According to her, the project is not only promoting self-reliance but improving nutrition and economic empowerment through backyard gardens.

She explained that the competition began in July 2023 to encourage women in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to practice home gardening.

She said that the women were encouraged to use traditional and modern gardening methods to create gardens at home.

“This lofty initiative was conceived to enhance immediate and sustainable food supply in the home and the country at large.

“The home garden idea is further aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, improving well-being, ensuring food security, reducing high cost of living and encouraging culture of sharing and communal living.

“On a broader scale, the initiative is targeting at redirecting the consciousness of Nigerians towards developing interest in farming, using any available space within the premises of every home.

“It is a bold attempt to reset Nigeria on the path to revitalising her vast agricultural endowments across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with women leading the way,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that to participate in the competition, the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat inaugurated a committee, who reached out to women in the territory and guided them through the processes.

She said a total of 416 video entries were received and their gardens were also physically inspected by the committee and members of the panel of jurists.

She said that the panel assessed all the entries based on location of garden, variety of vegetables, use of available space, and alternative gardening methods.

Other criteria, she said, included the garden capacity to add value to domestic needs of the family and decency in the garden among others.

The coordinator said that at the end of assessment, Hajiya Hauwa Aminu emerged the winner in FCT, and also emerged among the top three at the national level.

She also said that Mrs Victoria Obiolor and Mrs Pamela Ashiedu came second and third place respectively.

“Today, we are gathered to commend the efforts of these women for participating in the competition. You all gave your best.

“You now belong to the women agro network in FCT, which shall stand as reference for further actions in terms of empowerment and capacity building in farming.

“You would not be abandoned,” she assured the women.

For continuity, the coordinator said that the close of the 2024 competition equally marks the commencement of the 2025 edition of the competition.

“I strongly believe that our gathering here today is a pathway for a better tomorrow for these women seated before us.

“You should, therefore, be ready for further engagements that would put smiles on your faces,” she said.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to grassroots agricultural empowerment.

Abdullahi commended the first lady for the initiative saying, “it is completing the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in repositioning the agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT
Agriculture

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday, promised to allocate lands in satellite towns to farmers for agricultural production to combat food insecurity.

Wike made the promise in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister, who said that the road network had opened up the hitherto locked rural areas to economic activities, particularly agriculture, reaffirmed FCT Administration’s support to farmers.

“Look at the vast area of land and we are talking about food insecurity.

“With these vast lands, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmlands to cultivate.

“This will help us to come out of the food insecurity which the Federal Government is trying to solve,” he said.

Wike, however, said that only real farmers would be considered and not political farmers.

According to him, political farmers will keep the land as speculators and when development comes to the area, they will find ways to sell the lands.

Similarly, Tinubu noted the untap potential of the vast arable land in satellite towns and pledged his administration support to boost agricultural productivity.

“On our way here, we saw opportunities, prosperity, and the need for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of our rural people.

“I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish opportunities for grazing and do what is necessary.

“We will help you. We will work with you.

“We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict and turn it into a means of prosperity,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.
Agriculture

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

By Ikenna Osuoha

An NGO, Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture (UYOTA), has restated its commitment towards empowering Nigerian youths through agriculture.

The Co-Founder of the group, Mr Nnamdi Adigwe made the commitment during a news conference in Abuja.

Adigwe, said that the group would hold a summit on agricultural revolution with the theme: Agriculture, the Key to Economic Empowerment, Sustainable Development and Food Security in Africa.

He explained that the aim was to raise awareness in achieving food sustainability through youths’ engagement in agriculture.

“The Africa youth agri-business summit 2025 seeks to ignite youths’ interest in the agricultural value chain.

“We hope to empower them with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to see agriculture as a viable, profitable and sustainable business venture,” he said.

Adigwe who affirmed the group’s commitment to promoting agro-economy in Africa, said that through building such bridges, agribusiness could stimulate growth in our economy.

He said that the summit would offer opportunities to expand access to finance and investment by creating platforms for meaningful dialogue.

According to him, the summit will also help in tackling climate challenges in agriculture.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Mr Bola Ojo, said that the group would key into President Bola Tinubu vision for agricultural revolution.

Ojo, who commended President Tinubu’s agricultural policies, said that they would collaborate with the government in the area of ensuring food security.

He lauded the Minister of Youth Development and the leadership of the National Assembly for driving innovations and development in the agricultural sector.

Ojo said that the group through synergy with the government had made impacts on the youths at the sub-national levels, especially in understanding the importance of agriculture. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike
General News

FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, said the ongoing road construction in rural communities of the nation’s capital will boost food security.

Wike said this in Abuja on Saturday, after he inspected ongoing projects in the territory in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second anniversary.

Some of the projects included the completed Market and Palace Road in Gwagwalada, completed 15-kilometre A2 to Pai and the ongoing 15.4-km Pai to Gumani in Kwali Area Council.

The minister also inspected the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to Military Checkpoint and War College Roads in Bwari Area Council.

Wike, who marvelled at the vast arable land between Pai to Gumani, said that access roads in rural communities would significantly boost agricultural production and impact food security in the long run.

“When we inaugurated the road project, where we stopped was from A2 to Pai, which has been completed, and then Pai to Gumani which is ongoing.

“But we never saw the expanse of the road because there was no road to drive on. Thank God we were able to go there today, and you can see the vast land.

“We should not be talking about food insecurity in Nigeria – look at the land; look at the water that could be used for irrigation.

“It’s just leadership and I belief with the leadership we have today under Tinubu, you will see what is going to happen in those areas,” he said.

He added that not much was being done in rural areas in terms of agriculture because there was no access road and the lands were not being put to good agricultural use.

He expresses confidence that with the ongoing roads construction in rural communities, more lands would be utilised for mechanise agriculture.

“This will boost agricultural production and significantly impact food security.

“Without roads people that want to invest in mechanised agriculture will not be encouraged,” he said.

Describing roads as the “centrepiece and the cornerstone” of every development anywhere in the world, the minister pointed out that roads attract other development projects.

He said that with roads other things would follow, “you can go and build schools; you can go and build health facilities, but when roads are not there you can do little or nothing”.

To further improve road connectivity in rural areas, the minister revealed that he had directed the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department to extend the Pai to Gumani road project by another 13-killomtre.

He said that the road would be extended to connect Gumani and Yangoje, also in Kwali Area Council.

“The road when completed will be more than 43 kilometres from A2 (Abuja – Lokoja Expressway) to Yangoje.

“We are happy with what we have done and you can see the people are happy.

“This is what development is all about and this is what it means to provide dividends of democracy to the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG to explore biotech innovations to transform agric sector
Science & Tech

FG to explore biotech innovations to transform agric sector

By Sylvester Thompson

The Federal Government said on Monday in Abuja that it would take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to grow the nation’s agriculture sector.

 

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), said this at a public forum it hosted in collaboration with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

 

The forum had as its theme: “Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria.’’

 

Mustapha was represented at the event by Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, NBRDA.

 

He said the Federal Government was conscious of the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.

 

“Biotech innovations hold promise for tackling agricultural challenges such as pandemics, offering solutions, for a better future.

 

“Through the harnessing of science and technology, we can develop resilient crop varieties, improve pest and combat disease resistance in crops.

 

“We can also enhance nutritional content, while ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly,’’ he said.

 

Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, Director, Product Development and Commercialisation, AATF, said agricultural biotechnology, when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offered a powerful set of tools that could help to address food insecurity.

 

“Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent having made significant progress in commercialising biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize and PBR Cowpea.

 

“These innovations are not just scientific milestones, they represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems,’’ Okogbenin said.

 

The AATF Director, who was represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela Programme Manager/Out-Grower Strategy Lead in Nigeria, said it was imperative to acknowledge food security hurdles on the continent.

 

According to him, they included regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public scepticism which he said, had continued to slow adaptation of scientific innovations.

 

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.

 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, said agriculture in Nigeria faced monumental challenges with potential for food insecurity.

 

According to her, some of the challenges are climate change, pest infestations and soil degradation, adding that these factors threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

 

She said that in spite of these challenges, opportunities still existed for innovation, collaboration and transformation.

 

Represented by Prof. Ahmed Dan-Kishiya, Dean, Faculty of Science, Lar expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed to save Nigeria from hunger.

 

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji/Uche Anunne

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