NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Niger assembly passes 2025 budget of N1.5trn for assent

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger House of Assembly has passed the 2025 budget estimate of N1.5trillion to the governor for assent.

 

Zubairu Ismaila, Chairman, House Committee on Planning and Appropriation, presented the report during plenary in Minna on Thursday.

 

Ismaila said that the committee made some adjustments to the budget to ensure balance and priority of government and the people.

 

He said that the adjustments did not affect the overall budget size, but rather re-allocated funds to various sectors.

 

He said the committee observed that the submission of the budget was late, resulting in hasty scrutiny to ensure speedy passage.

 

He urged the executive arm to submit the budget to the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny and timely passage.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Umaru Bago presented the proposal to the House on Dec. 12. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Agriculture

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have received grain processing machines for their outstanding performance in the promotion of agriculture in Niger state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Niger state/Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa(AGRA).

 

VSLAs is mainly women farmer groups, which specialised in raising funds for agric processors.

 

The project is tagged:Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income and livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains in Niger state.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, said that VSLA had demonstrated exceptional ability in administrative prowess and for putting funds together for the promotion of agric value chain.

 

“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.

 

“We are impressed by the performance of the VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.

 

He noted that the recognition was to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.

 

According to him, the project, which started three years ago, had created over 2,000 VSLAs in the state.

 

He commended the state government for providing enabling environment for the project to thrive.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger, commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project and urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.

 

Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping to improve their means of livelihood.

 

“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

General News

Sasakawa, AGRA distribute inputs to farmers in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria in partnership with AGRA, has distributed farm inputs to 7,400 farmers in Niger state to support dry season farming.

 

Dr Godwin Atser, Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria, said in Minna on Friday that the distribution was the first phase.

 

Atser, represented by Dr Abdulhamid Gambo, Deputy Country Director, said the items distributed included four solar pumps.

 

Other items are 15 petrol water pumps, three parboiling pots, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.

 

He said the distribution would benefit farmers’ groups to engage in dry season farming and reduce cost of production.

 

“This will support 7,400 farmers across clusters in 17 local government areas to engage in irrigation farming,” he said.

 

He noted that the items would improve farmers’ productivity through good agronomic practices, adding that farmers had been trained on major farm operations.

 

“We are also supporting women farmers in rice production and processing, providing them with false bottom parboiling pots to promote hygienic parboiling practices,” he added.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Aguyi, Programme Officer for AGRA, said the inputs would increase farmers’ productivity and income, enables farmers to practice two seasons per year, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

 

“We are going green, and since we now have technology that can help farmers without depending on high-cost fuel, it is good for us to begin to encourage people to adopt this kind of equipment,” he said.

 

According to him, with the high cost of fuel, solar-based irrigation pumps will provide relief to farmers and promote environmental sustainability.

 

In their separate remarks, Mrs Cecilia Usman from Ebosoko Women Society Group, Mokwa, and Isah Ladan, appreciated Sasakawa and AGRA for the inputs.

 

They said the inputs would help them multiply their yields and cut production cost, adding that the equipment came at the right time.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention was under Agra-Niger State Consortium Project.

 

It is tagged “Improving Farmers Resilience and Upscaling Productivity Incomes and Livelihood in Rice, Maize, Soyabean, Cowpea, Onion value chains” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger First Lady tasks vulnerable groups on unity, love

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By Rita Iliya

Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger Governor, on Friday in Minna, met with about 40 vulnerable groups to discuss unity and love in the state.

 

She also solicited their collaboration and support towards the success of the Bago-led administration agenda.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the meeting, the governor’s wife also distributed food items to the groups.

 

She said the essence of the meeting was to reach out to every group to ensure that everyone was carried along in governance.

 

“Those at the local government level will also be carried along,” she said.

 

Bago said the move was aimed at promoting inclusivity and unity among the people of the state.

 

She added that the food items was part of her efforts to support vulnerable groups and promote the well-being of citizens.

 

Malam Mohammed Safiyanu, Branch C Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Owners Repairs Association of Nigeria (ACOMORA), lauded the gesture of the governor’s wife.

 

He said the food items would go a long way in assisting members of the association and prayed for God’s guidance for the Bago-led administration.

 

Similarly, Mrs Justina Yakubu, President of the National Council of Women Society in Niger, commended the governor’s wife for her continuous support.

 

“We can’t quantify what this government has been doing for us since its inception,” she said.

 

Yakubu assured that the gesture would assist members in need and ensure that the food items reach those who need them most.

 

NAN reports that each group received 50 bags of 25kg rice and 10 cartons of packaged varieties of food such as semovita, vegetable oil, sugar, indomie among others.(NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/ Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger Govt, HarvestPlus partner on micronutrient deficiencies

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government in collaboration with HarvestPlus on Wednesday hosted the 10th edition of Nutritious Food Fair, aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies in the state.

 

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said at the event in Minna that the state had made significant strides in agriculture by harvesting over 1 million metric tonnes of corn across the state.

 

He said to further support the production of nutritious foods, the state government planned to establish a 30,000-hectare bio fortified food production centre in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government.

 

Dr Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, said the fair was a platform created to host stakeholders working within the nutrition crops value chain in Nigeria.

 

He highlighted the organisation’s efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of Nigerians through bio fortification crops rich in essential micronutrients.

 

Fu’ad said iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies were among the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally.

 

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) stipulated that these deficiencies could have severe consequences, including impaired cognitive development, weakened immune systems and even death.

 

He emphasised the importance of addressing these deficiencies, stressing the need for micronutrients for brain development, immune function, healthy pregnancy, vision health, and fetal development.

 

He revealed that 50 per cent of deaths of children under five were attributed to micronutrient deficiencies while two billion people worldwide suffer from iron or zinc deficiency.

 

He said that 72 per cent of population in Nigeria could not afford a basic nutritional diet.

 

He said in Niger, nutritious foods were already being produced, and the governor’s agriculture revolution was promoting food security but there was the need to ensure food nutrition security.

 

In his welcome address, Alhaji Musa Bawa, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, highlighted the importance of bio fortification in improving the nutritional status of the state’s population.

 

He said Niger adopted bio fortification through the IFAD-VCDP programme to improve nutritional status of people, particularly children below five, lactating mothers, pregnant women and adolescents.

 

Also, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi, highlighted the challenge facing the country as the second with highest stunted children in the world and called for collective action to address the challenge.

 

Sabi, represented by Malam Nuhu Kilishi, Director, Nutrition and Food Safety Department, noted that 32 per cent of children under five were affected with an estimated 2 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event with the them: “Sustainable Food Systems, Our Collective Responsibility”, featured exhibitions and food demonstrations showcasing biofortified crops.(NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Health

NPC inaugurates study on maternal, child mortality in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Population Commission (NPC) has inaugurated the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study aimed at tackling maternal and child mortality in Niger State.

 

Muhammad Dattijo-Usman, Federal Commissioner, NPC in the state announced this during a press conference in Minna on Friday.

 

Usman, represented by the state Director, Nma Shehu, said the initiative was nationwide in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health with technical support from Inner City Fund (ICF) and John Hopskin University.

 

He said that the study would provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in communities.

 

“We are here to introduce the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study.

 

“It is a crucial survey designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in our communities,” he said.

 

He added that the study was a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that was concluded in May 2024.

 

He said that the NDHS survey would be used to get information from households to address the biomedical and social causes of death among under-five children and women of reproductive age.

 

Usman said the study would collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses.

 

He said the information would empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these deaths, and inform policies to improve maternal and child health in the state and beyond.

 

The commissioner urged traditional and community leaders to lend their voices in support of the study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process.

 

He also urged the public to cooperate with the interviewers, saying they were there to listen, gather, and document their experiences with respect and confidentiality.

 

He disclosed that the fieldwork for the study would be conducted in selected communities in 20 Local Government Areas of the state between Nov. 4 and Dec. 15.

 

Also, Mr Domchak Yohana, Team Lead and Supervisor, VASA in Niger, said out of the 25 local government areas in the state, 20 were randomly selected for the VASA study.

 

He said the local government areas are Chanchaga, Rafi, Shiroro, Borgu, Mokwa, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Lavun and Bosso.

 

The others are Paikoro, Mariga, Lapai  Katcha, Gbako, Gurara, Tafa, Suleja, Magama and Agaie. (NAN)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Ismail Abdulaziz

Education

Navy inaugurates school in Niger village

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By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated Major I. E. Muazu Memorial Primary School in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government of Niger State.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), inaugurated the project in Adunu on Thursday.

Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu, Acting Chief of Naval Transformation, said the project was a civil-military engagement, aimed at fostering harmonious relations between the Navy and local communities.

Ogalla said the project was executed under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of Rear Admiral Istifanus Mua’zu -Albara, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command.

“We decided to encourage every Rear Admiral in Nigeria Navy to initiate projects that will benefit their communities; we have over 15 CNS-sponsored projects nationwide.

“The rear admirals are to identify critical quick impact projects that will have maximum impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of grassroots communities,” he said.

He said provision of infrastructure for early educational training was key to emancipating illiteracy and poverty, adding that through the project, children would have access to quality education.

Ogalla added that the renovated school, benefiting over 118 children, symbolised hope and opportunity for youths in Paikoro Local Government.

In his welcome address, Mua’zu-Albara, disclosed that Major I.E. Muazu Memorial Primary School started as a missionary school in the early 50s.

He disclosed that the project was a two new classroom blocks consisting of five classrooms, two offices as well as three renovated blocks of classrooms.

He added that the project included the construction of a perimeter fence for the school, construction of a security post in line with the safe school initiative.

According to him, others are modern toilet facilities, furniture for the classrooms/offices along with provision of solar powered lightning units within the school premises.

Mua’zu-Albara said the project would address infrastructure deficit in the community and elevate its educational standard, foster a deeper connection between the community and the armed forces.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, emphasised the need for collective support to revamp the educational sector.

Bago, represented by Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, called on council chairmen to take ownership of school properties, given their deteriorated condition statewide.

He said as products of public schools, they should ensure institutions does not fall short of expectation and urged all stakeholders to collaborate and take charge.

The District Head of Adunu, Alhaji Kabiru Bawa, thanked Bago for addressing security concerns in the area enabling residents to sleep peacefully.

He commended the Navy for the new facility and called on the state government to intervene on the deplorable Kafin-koro-Adunu road and the restoration of electricity in Adunu community. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

Agriculture

Niger to host end-of-year nutritious food fair

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By Rita Iliya
The Niger state government says it will host the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair to promote sustainable food systems and nutrition in the state.

Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, state Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna.

He said that the event would be in partnership with HarvestPlus and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

He said the two-day event would hold on Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, with the theme, “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility”.

Bawa-Bosso noted that the fair was part of the state’s efforts to foster a vibrant agricultural sector, and provide supportive environment for investments in nutritious foods.

“This milestone edition will bring together policymakers, researchers, farmers, SME’s and food processors to showcase innovations.

“(They will also) exchange knowledge, and address the latest developments in nutritious foods,” he said.

He disclosed that over 100 exhibitors, government officials, private sector leaders, and over 5,000 attendees were expected.

The commissioner said the fair would serve as a platform for collective engagement, job creation, and business connections in the nutritious food sector.

Also, Dr Yusuf Fuad, Country Director of HarvestPlus, said the fair would address nutrition challenges by bringing together critical stakeholders within the food and agricultural value chains.

He said that the stakeholders would engage and advocate for improve nutrition sector investment across all levels.

He said that the event would add value to the state’s economy and support small businesses and strengthen the value chain.

“Women will receive special attention, with a focus on improving healthy diets.

“A job creation clinic will also be set up, targeting young unemployed individuals to take advantage of suitable job opportunities and become self-reliant,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, said the event would feature cooking competition across the three geopolitical zones.

He added that the event would have significant impact on the state’s economy and youth employment, with over 6,000 jobs expected to be created for young people.

Also, Mr Lachang Faden, Project Manager Biofortification, GAIN, said that the 2024 national demographic report said that 40 per cent of Nigerian children are stunted.

He added that the event would be used to create awareness on consumption of nutrient foods. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Agriculture

Agric. fund sensitises farmers, herders on peaceful coexistence

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By Rita Iliya

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has sensitised farmers and herders on peaceful coexistence and sustainable agricultural development.

Mrs Elizabeth Isah, Business and Marketing Development Officer, VCDP in Niger, said this at a programme in some local government areas in Niger.

The programme is for promotion and sensitisation on Conflict Resolution through Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) in Mokwa, Edati, and Borgu Local Government Areas.

She said the initiative was taken by IFAD-VCDP to foster harmonious relationships among farmers and herders in order to enhance agricultural productivity.

“The sensitisation organised by IFAD-VCDP, aims to educate farmers, and herders on effective conflict resolution strategies through CAF,” she said.

Isah noted that development is faster through effective conflict resolution, stressing that IFAD had zero-tolerance towards conflicts because it retards long-term sustainability of its projects.

According to the resource person, Mr Julius Karma, conflicts arise from clashes between economic interests and value systems, particularly among farmers and herders competing for limited land.

“With the growing population, pressure intensifies as farmers seek to produce crops and herders seek grazing land, leading to clashes between them.

“Unresolved issues increases tensions; parties involved in conflict should always seek dialogue for amicable resolution,” he said.

He said that conflicts were inherent aspect of human interaction, but could be destructive as well as beneficial resulting to positive change and growth when resolved.

Similarly, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar, Rural Institution Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer, VCDP in Niger, decried the reports of some farmers exploiting their positions to sexually harass and abuse women and children.

“Cases of men harassing women and vice versa have been received; IFAD-VCDP is against such behaviour as it is a deviation from the project’s objectives,” she said.

She disclosed that farmers would be sensitised and trained on their roles and responsibilities to combat sexual harassment to ensure a safer environment for all.

Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, Village Head of Mokwa, represented by Alhaji Adamu Ndarafi, Magajin Rafi, commended IFAD’s agricultural development intervention, and urged farmers and herders to live in harmony for sustainable growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation was attended by stakeholders, village heads, local government chairmen, farmers, Miyetti Allah, divisional officers of police and NSCDC.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ismail Abdulaziz

Environment

NIHSA warns of imminent flooding along Rivers Benue, Niger

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along the River Benue and River Niger, following significant rises in water levels due to continuous rainfall.

In a statement on Thursday, NIHSA’s Director General, Umar Mohammed, urged residents near the riverbanks to evacuate, as water levels in the River Benue have reached critical points.

He noted that water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, exceeding 9 meters between October 9 and October 15.

“The map shows critical flood-prone zones across Nigeria, particularly around stations along the River Benue and River Niger.

“Makurdi, in particular, has recorded dangerously high water levels, with Lokoja and other stations also nearing flood thresholds,” Mohammed stated.

The agency also warned that the management of the Kainji and Jebba Dams are closely monitoring and controlling water releases to prevent downstream flooding along the Niger.

Mohammed called for full cooperation with emergency response agencies and advised citizens to move to safer areas to avoid the worsening effects of the floods as rainfall continues.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts to build resilience against flooding, which had become an annual challenge for many communities in Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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