NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike
General News

FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike

198 total views today

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 targets irrigation to boost food security
Agriculture , Food Security

FG targets irrigation to boost food security

351 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food security in Nigeria through strategic support for farmers, improved irrigation systems, and climate resilience measures.

Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced plans to commission 11 new projects in 2025.

According to him, these include dams, irrigation schemes, and water supply systems in Benue, Jigawa, and Yobe; key agricultural zones with high food production potential.

Utsev revealed that the ministry was implementing the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project, in collaboration with 20 states, to modernise dam and irrigation infrastructure and develop a national hydropower masterplan.

The states involved are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The minister said the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), the ministry’s implementing agencies, had supported farmers with more than 154,000 hectares of irrigated land.

“In addition, tractors and harvesters have been distributed to enhance mechanised farming. As part of ongoing reforms, over 4,400 hectares of farmland have been leased to commercial farmers to expand food production,” he said.

He noted that investments in human capital were also underway, with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) recently graduating more than 230 postgraduate students in Integrated Water Resources Management.

He added that more than 1,300 young people had been trained in technical fields such as pump installation and drilling technology.

Utsev said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had intensified early flood warning efforts in response to the impact of climate change on farming communities.

“More than 1,200 communities in 30 states have been identified as flood-prone in 2025. In response, the Nigerian National Flood Insurance Programme was launched in April to provide financial protection for vulnerable households and farmers.

“We are proactively addressing climate risks through science-based early warning systems and financial safety nets,” he stated.

The minister explained that the RBDAs were being partially commercialised to attract private sector participation, reclaim encroached farmlands, and improve sustainability and investment in the agriculture sector.


He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and acknowledged the efforts of state governments, development partners, stakeholders, and the media.

“We remain committed to transforming Nigeria’s irrigation landscape, improving access to safe water, creating jobs, and reducing poverty,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Nigeria’s inflation slowed to 2.06 per cent in April, down from 2.18 per cent in March, due to price drops in staple foods like maize flour, rice, and beans.

Idris attributed the progress to strategic government interventions in agriculture, transport, and essential services.

“While we are not yet where we want to be, these numbers give us hope. The tough decisions are starting to yield results,” he said.

Idris highlighted key investments in infrastructure, water, sanitation, and the creative economy, noting the Tinubu administration’s focused on restoring Nigeria’s global prominence.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to people-centred policies aimed at economic stability and called on the media to share the positive developments responsibly and patriotically.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session was also attended by the Ministers of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Works, Sen. David Umahi. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

507 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG declares national emergency on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

FG declares national emergency on food security

629 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared a national emergency on food security, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja.

He was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

He described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward”.

Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate on the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs), farmer management centres, and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister further revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

“This conference is a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective commitment to resolving Africa’s pressing irrigation and water management issues,” he added.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few, we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Zulum said

He appealed to development partners to show greater responsiveness to the challenges of water access and rural farming in Africa.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“This could be a turning point. We’ve celebrated big ideas and set tangible goals to confront the pressing challenges.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Arcieri stated.

It may be recalled that he had earlier addressed participants at the Young Professionals’ Forum, a pre-conference event which gathered emerging leaders in irrigation and water management across Africa.

Arcieri emphasised the role of young professionals in driving sustainable solutions to the continent’s water challenges.

Mr Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security
Agriculture

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security

335 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has started developing its Agricultural Policy and Implementation Plan to guide interventions toward increasing food production in the FCT.

Mr Umar Malamiyo, acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, said this at an event in Gwagwalada on Wednesday, adding that the goal was to enhance food security.

Malamiyo was represented at the event by Mr Agu Igwe, the Deputy Director, Public Private Partnership in the Secretariat.

He said the engagement would help government officials and stakeholders to identify key areas that could help farmers to grow major crops in large quantities.

He pointed out that most farmers in the territory lack basic knowledge on irrigation activities and cultivation of certain food crops.

According to him, the policy, when developed, will help FCT to achieve its aims of ensuring food security through adoption of best agricultural practices in food production.

He expressed optimism that the  policy document, expected to be ready in six months, would offer solutions to all challenges affecting the agricultural sector in the territory.

Malamiyo said that the FCT Administration does not have a specific policy on agriculture to provide a sense of direction towards achieving good security for residents of the territory.

“Therefore, this exercise is geared toward developing a policy that will guide us on how best to support our farmers to boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

One of the resource persons, Prof. Oyinkan Tasie, said that the policy document would capture strategic areas in the FCT agriculture sector.

Tasie added that the move would  deepen the knowledge of farmers in adopting best agricultural practices.

“We are working with the FCT Administration to develop an agriculture policy. This will be the first of its kind since the creation of the FCT.

“Through the policy, the Administration will be able to articulate its vision in the area of agriculture, and in the long run, address hunger and other challenges affecting the attainment of food security” Tasie said.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Food Security: Research firm tasks Nigeria on technology, agro-credit
Science & Tech

Food Security: Research firm tasks Nigeria on technology, agro-credit

324 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

A research and advisory firm, Veriv Africa, has urged Nigeria to embrace new farming technologies, overhaul its agricultural credit system and address farmer-herder clashes to boost its food security aspirations.

This is contained in Veriv Africa, a data-driven and intelligence analysis firm’s food price baseline survey report, 2025.

The document analysed price dynamics in six key crop value chains across the country and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The crops and their areas of abundance are cocoa in Ondo State, Sesame and beans, Kano, rice and corn, Niger, tomato, Kaduna and yam, in Benue.

The study, which was conducted in February, engaged 543 smallholder farmers.

The firm highlighted the importance of technology in farming and post-farming activities.

It said private sector investment demonstrated the potential of modern processing techniques to boost yields and incomes and recommended the revival of Staple Crop Processing Zones.

The zones are the initiative of the African Development Bank.

They seek to transform agriculture by establishing processing hubs in areas where crops are produced, focusing on value addition and reducing reliance on imports.

Some of them are located in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Osun.

The findings also offered critical insights into farmer demographics, sentiments, challenges, and priorities, laying the groundwork for data-driven decision-making and policy formulation.

“The survey on farmer demographics and challenges revealed that 84 per cent of surveyed farmers operate on small landholdings of one to four acres, predominantly relying on family labour.

“Access to finance remains a significant hurdle, with 60 per cent funding their farming activities through personal savings and only 12 per cent accessing formal credit.

“The most pressing challenges identified by farmers are lack of finance 54 per cent, insecurity 21 per cent and post-harvest losses 12 per cent,” it said.

The survey also documented a baseline for crop prices across the surveyed regions, providing a snapshot of market conditions at the time of data collection.

“The recorded prices are cocoa at ₦110,000 per 50kg bag, sesame at ₦102,305.19 per 50kg bag, farm-priced un-milled rice at ₦43,750 per 50kg bag.

“Yam at ₦39,423.08 per 50-tuber group, corn at ₦36,309.52 per 50kg bag, and tomato at ₦12,500 per 50kg basket and the figures offer insight into the challenges and concerns raised by the farmers,’’ it said.

It recommended immediate and decisive action to address farmer-herder conflicts and rural kidnappings, which posed a significant threat to farming activities and livelihoods.

“There is a need to prioritise investments in essential rural infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, electricity supply and storage facilities through public-private partnerships to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

“A comprehensive overhaul of the agricultural credit system is necessary to dismantle barriers related to collateral and residency, enabling smallholder farmers to access much-needed financial resources,’’ it said.

The report also highlighted the success of private-sector investments in produce such as tomatoes.  (NAN) 

Edited by Uche Anunne

NALDA pledges support for displaced farmers
Agriculture

NALDA pledges support for displaced farmers

333 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has pledged to help farmers displaced by farmer-herder conflicts and land encroachment regain their livelihoods and improve food security.

The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, made this commitment during an interactive session with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stated that the initiative would be achieved through the organisation’s project tagged ‘Renewed Hope Restoration’.

Adebayo revealed that over 3.5 million farmers have been displaced across the country as a result of conflicts, encroachment, and other security challenges.

He explained that, through the project, farmers would be grouped into clusters and provided with the necessary inputs, technologies, and support to boost production and increase their income.

“To address recurring farmer-herder conflicts, land encroachment, and security challenges, NALDA is introducing the Renewed Hope Farm Settlements, where smallholder farmers will be clustered in designated areas.

“These settlements will provide farmers with essential inputs, security, and training, while also reducing logistics and monitoring costs.

“By clustering farmers, we ensure their protection, enhance monitoring, and create a more structured agricultural system.   

“Our role at NALDA is not to cultivate but to facilitate an environment where agriculture thrives as a profitable business.

“The goal of the restoration project is to enable displaced individuals to thrive, not just survive.

“This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s food security and economy,” he said.

He added that the project could have a lasting impact on those affected by lowering production costs.

Adebayo, who identified the organisation’s main projects as four in total, said they were designed to boost food and aquaculture production, promote self-sufficiency, and reduce import costs.

He listed other projects, including greenhouse farming and the Aqua Hopeinitiative, among others.

The executive secretary also highlighted Nigeria’s deficit in food and fish supply.

“We are still importing over a million tonnes of fish annually while producing less than 300,000 tonnes.

“We aim to encourage women and youth in coastal and riverine areas to engage in aquaculture, particularly tilapia and catfish farming.

“NALDA will develop fish clusters featuring earth ponds, cage farms, processing centres, packaging hubs, and cold storage facilities.

“This model will create hundreds of entrepreneurs and enhance Nigeria’s capacity for fish export, reducing reliance on imported tilapia.

“Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom have limited arable land, and NALDA will expand its focus on aquaculture in those states”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade 

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system
Agriculture

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system

394 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund (OAF), an international NGO, has called for urgent action from the government, agricultural stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure food system transformation in Nigeria.

Adetola Adegbite, OAF Nigeria Country Director, made the call at the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”.

Adegbite stressed that achieving food security required collective commitment and action, describing collaboration as key to transforming the country’s food system.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing food security challenges, driven by climate change, economic instability, limited access to quality agricultural inputs, and market constraints for smallholder farmers.

“With over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line and nearly 20 per cent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition, based on the 2020 World Bank report, urgent action is needed to build resilient food systems that support both farmers and consumers.

“Nigeria is a nation of 200 million or 220 million people, with smallholder farmers producing nearly 80 per cent of our food supply, yet we face serious food security challenges.

“Good leadership, strong partnerships, and targeted investment will change this trajectory to bridge the gaps with smart solutions.

“We believe that smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of our food system, are key contributors to transforming agriculture in Nigeria.

“By working together to strengthen our agricultural foundation, improving soil health, financing, market access, and value chains, we can build resilience, improve livelihoods through agronomy, and secure the economy of our nation,” he said.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aimed to build a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.

He noted that a farmer’s greatest strength was not just the seeds he planted but the health of the soil, emphasising that partnerships provide the foundation farmers need to thrive.

He further stated that the dialogue offered an opportunity to share insights and develop practical solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria.

Adegbite stressed that collective action from government agencies, agribusinesses, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society was essential in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system.

He said the dialogue aimed to address food security challenges, highlight solutions for smallholder farmers, and promote collaboration across sectors.

“The objective is also to discuss climate adaptation strategies and sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience and food production.

“To shape policy recommendations that strengthen the agricultural sector and improve smallholder farmers’ access to inputs, finance, and markets,” he said.

Adegbite said the theme of the dialogue challenged all stakeholders to address the disconnect in the country’s food system.

“The gap between policies and implementation, how do we ensure government policies effectively support smallholder farmers?

“How do we address the gap between farmers and the market, improve supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and channel resources to areas where they are needed?”

Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, Field Operations/Programme Lead at OAF Nigeria, stated that the dialogue was an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in addressing the challenge of achieving sustainable and inclusive food security.

In his presentation, “One Acre Fund’s Programmes in Nigeria: Contributing to Food Security”, Bamgboye identified achieving sustainable and inclusive food security as one of Nigeria’s most urgent issues.

He explained that the organisation envisions farmers earning more through larger harvests, improved market access, fair prices, and minimised post-harvest losses.

According to him, when farmers thrive, families eat better, children receive education, and rural communities flourish.

“To achieve these and many more in transforming Nigeria’s food security, we must scale up agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and foster climate resilience.

“Revise policies that grant smallholders better access to finance, land, and extension services.

“Invest in infrastructure and value chains so farmers can efficiently store and market their harvests.

“Empower women and youth, the foundational pillars of tomorrow’s agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NGO to host national dialogue on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

NGO to host national dialogue on food security

443 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund, an NGO, has announced that it will host a national dialogue on food security to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Adetola Adegbite, the Country Director of the organisation, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja ahead of the programme, scheduled for March 20.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aims to drive collaborative solutions towards a more food-secure future for the population.

He explained that the event, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”, will bring together key actors across the agricultural value chain, including government agencies, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations.

The country director, who identified smallholder farmers as the backbone of the nation’s food system, however, stressed that systemic challenges continue to limit their productivity and resilience.

“The National Stakeholders Dialogue presents an opportunity to bring all stakeholders to the table to drive real change through innovative policies, strategic investments, and knowledge-sharing.

“Together, we can bridge the gaps and work towards a more food-secure Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s food security landscape faces pressing challenges, including climate change, limited access to quality inputs, weak extension services, market barriers, and financial constraints for smallholder farmers.

“The dialogue will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on these issues, with the goal of fostering strategic partnerships and policy recommendations to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity,” he said.

Adegbite added that the dialogue will feature two high-impact panel discussions, including “State of the Nation – Challenges of Food Security and Climate Change in Nigeria”.

According to him, experts will assess the current food security situation, climate adaptation strategies, and the key policy and investment gaps that require urgent attention.

“One Acre Fund is an NGO supporting smallholder farmers in rural sub-Saharan Africa to build resilient communities by providing them with agricultural resources, financing, and training, enabling them to grow more food and achieve prosperity”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

 

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister
Agriculture

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

453 total views today

 Food

By Ibrahim Bello

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring that every Nigerian citizen has unfettered access to abundant and nutritious food.

Kyari made this known at the launch of 2025 dry season farming and distribution of Ramadan Palliatives to people of Kebbi by Gov. Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi.

“President Tinubu has consistently provided conducive environment and empowerment to farmers to increase yields towards the attainment of food security which is already on the horizon.

“The Federal Government will continue to work together with states and local government councils to bring prosperity through agricultural production.

“I commend the initiative of our amiable and esteemed Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, for placing premium on developing the agricultural sector which witnessed bumper harvests and reduction of food prices.

“The emphasis attached to dry season farming is a portent vehicle for food security,” the minister said.

Kyari expressed delight over the distribution of thousands of water pumping machines, sprayers and power tillers as well as thousands of litres of herbicides, pesticides and organic fertilisers by the present administration.

Launching the distribution exercise, Gov. Idris, said the government was aware of the challenges of dry season farming by farmers that necessitated his administration to provide them with the required agricultural inputs to reduce hardship in cultivation.

“Last year, I launched the KADAGE programme in tandem with the policy of Tinubu administration to revolutionise the agricultural sector towards food sufficiency and improve the wellbeing of farmers and youths.

“The agricultural landscape has witnessed positive changes in Kebbi with the distribution of free fertilisers to farmers, provision of inputs including improved rice seeds as well as pests control that destroy crops, especially millet and rice.

“My administration is fully aware that agriculture is the major platform for economic development of our nation.

“I am thankful to President Tinubu, the Minister of Agriculture and the National Council on Agriculture, for approving the use of residual moisture for Agricultural production in Kebbi for 15,000 farmers affected by flooding last year to mitigate losses incurred,” he said.

On Ramadan Palliatives, Idris, announced that all segments of the society had been considered for allocation.

“Civil Servants, teachers, local government staff, House of Assembly, NLC/TUC, members of the executive council, security services, traditional institutions, army widows, police widows, boards and agencies as well as residents of all the polling units in the state are beneficiaries.

“Commissioners and other top government officials involved in the distribution have been taken care of.

“No commissioner, Adviser or any political appointee should touch anything out of these palliative items.

“Some commissioners or otherwise are reported to be saying that, they are not benefitting from office, but that’s untrue; all rights and privileges of government functionaries are well protected by my administration.

“Whoever feels that he’s not getting enough, should resign from his/her position and vacate the office,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, warned that security agencies had been empowered to arrest any person selling off the agricultural items provided to them.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Ma’azu, recalled that the state started its dry season farming’s drive, sustained and intensified during the tenure of former Governors Adamu Aleiro, Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Atiku Bagudu respectively.

“Kebbi is indeed a hub for agriculture, and agricultural bright  landscape of the country by sustaining and intensifying the initiative by Gov. Idris-led administration,” he said.

Muazu urged the beneficiaries to utilise the gesture to cushion the effects of challenges faced during Ramadan as well as dry season farming in the state. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

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