News Agency of Nigeria
Charcoal industry catalyst to Nigeria’s economic growth, poverty reduction – Expert
Economy/Business

Charcoal industry catalyst to Nigeria’s economic growth, poverty reduction – Expert

Charcoal industry catalyst to Nigeria’s economic growth, poverty reduction – Expert

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

An entrepreneur, Ebenezer Akarah, says Nigeria’s untapped charcoal industry holds key to powering the economy and lifting the citizens out of poverty.

Akarah in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja, said charcoal is powering other economies, underscoring the need for the Federal Government to key into.

According to him, the global charcoal industry is estimated at $2 billion, paradoxically, it’s on the back burner of Nigeria’s economic policies.

“When the federal government announced at the 2025 Forest Economy Summit, it planned to unlock 2 billion Dollars from Nigeria’s forest economy, it sounded like real progress.

“While advocating a sustainable forest economy, the government should avoid restricting charcoal exports, a forest product with huge export potential, doing so is like finding treasure but blocking the path to it.

”We can’t talk about trees into trillions while sidelining the very product tied most directly to them.

“The untapped charcoal industry in Nigeria holds the key to lifting many Nigerians out of poverty and powering the economy. There is need to explore this economy to transform the country for good,” he said.

Akarah, who is the Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Bricks to Crib Company, said the federal government lifted the charcoal export ban in mid-2023, lamenting that it wasn’t a full repeal rather conditional.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service (NIS) Circular No. 8 mandated that all charcoal exports must now carry approval letters from the Ministry of Finance and identification from forest officers at ports.

The country, he said, risked another full ban if it missed the EU’s December 2025 deadline for non-deforestation sourcing.

“Charcoal though often controversial is more than fuel. It is a biofuel, an export asset, and a source of livelihood for rural communities.

“In a nation battling climate change; there’s a clear paradox, our forests are shrinking, yet charcoal remains invisible in national policy.

“By refusing to classify it as a formal commodity, Nigeria is missing the chance to regulate its production, establish export frameworks, and set price benchmarks,” he said.

The expert said the result of this would be continued forest loss driven by decades of unsustainable practices and a lack of regulatory structure.

”We must therefore move from damage control to sustainability, and this requires supporting afforestation, reforestation and policies that recognise forest-based livelihoods rather than erase them.

“Ignoring these systems means losing more than trees; we may lose communities, culture, and people. The shift we need is to see forest products like charcoal not as threats but as assets managed responsibly, regulated wisely, and integrated into a greener economy that serves everyone, especially the next generation.

“Charcoal is powering other economies; Namibia for example, a country of just three million people with a semi-arid landscape exported 270,000 tonnes of charcoal worth $80.5 million in 2023.

“Compare that to Nigeria, with a far larger population and richer forests, which exported only 443 tonnes that same year, valued at just $119,470.

“Charcoal is more than just fuel; it is revenue, jobs, and foreign exchange. As the world shifts toward sustainable biomass, the answer isn’t restriction but smart regulation. Nigeria has the potential to lead, but only if we build a smarter and sustainable policy.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Shalamar to thrill fans at Independence day concert
Entertainment

Shalamar to thrill fans at Independence day concert

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Renowned American R&B group, Shalamar, is set to light up Abuja with an unforgettable concert on Oct. 4, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence celebrations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Fans in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond can look forward to a nostalgic evening filled with classic hits and electrifying performances from the Grammy-winning trio.

The highly anticipated concert is promoted by iCreate Africa in collaboration with First Culture Limited.

It promises to be a musical journey through Shalamar’s extensive repertoire, making it a must-see for old-school music enthusiasts and new fans alike.

The group is renowned for timeless tracks such as A Night To Remember and I Can Make You Feel Good.

Highlighting the significance of the show, Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer of iCreate Africa, described Shalamar’s decision to extend their global tour to Nigeria as a major cultural moment.

”We’re thrilled to welcome Shalamar to Abuja this Independence Weekend. Their decision to include Nigeria on their tour is not just an honour, it’s a long-overdue gift to a vibrant community of music lovers who have carried their legacy for decades,” he said.

Jaja added that the concert would create unforgettable experiences for mature audiences who rarely get events tailored to them.

According to him, tickets are currently available at Jabi Boat Club, El-Amin International School, House 43 and Istanbul Restaurant, Jabi Mall.

Similarly, Tunde Babalola, Creative Director of First Culture, noted that the show goes beyond entertainment.

According to him, this isn’t just a concert, it’s a gift to all generations; a musical bridge between the past and present.

”Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a breathtaking Shalamar performance curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia and goose bumps.”

In a video message, Shalamar members Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel expressed excitement about returning to Nigeria.

Daniel, who pioneered the iconic dance move known as the “backslide” (later called the moonwalk), promised fans that the show would truly be “a night to remember.”

Shalamar, celebrated for their energetic performances and contributions to dance music, including popularising “body-popping” in the UK, are regarded as one of the finest funk and soul groups of their generation.

With over 25 million records sold before the classic lineup split in the mid-1980s, the group’s enduring influence remains strong.

The group’s discography includes hits such as Friends, Make That Move, Sweeter As The Days Go By, There It Is and I Owe You One.

This will not be Shalamar’s first Nigerian outing.

In January 1982, the band performed at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, before staging sold-out shows at the Universities of Lagos, Ibadan and Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Shalamar’s return promises a night of pulsating live performances and a nostalgic experience for lovers of old-school music. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency 
General News

Nigeria records unprecedented rise in non-oil revenues – Presidency 

Revenues

‎
‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎The Presidency has announced that Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented growth in non-oil revenues, driven by reforms targeting fiscal stability, compliance, and digital tax administration.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said President Bola Tinubu highlighted the revenue growth while addressing a delegation from the Buhari Organisation on Tuesday.

The President cited significant increases in non-oil revenues for all tiers of government between January and August 2025.

Total collections reached ₦20.59 trillion, representing a 40.5 per cent rise from ₦14.6 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.

This performance aligns with projections and keeps government on track to achieve its annual non-oil revenue target.

Tinubu added that the Federal Government has ceased borrowing from local banks since early 2025, underscoring improved fiscal discipline.

He noted that while non-oil tax revenues are rising, oil-based revenues remain under pressure due to declining crude oil prices.

The President emphasised that higher revenues have enabled record disbursements to states and local governments, supporting grassroots development.

For the first time ever, monthly FAAC allocations exceeded ₦2 trillion in July 2025, enabling investment in agriculture, infrastructure, and essential public services.

Still, the Presidency admitted that revenue growth alone is insufficient to meet ambitious goals for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Tinubu stressed that oil is no longer the main engine of national revenue, signalling a historic shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape.

“Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue.

“The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy.

“The task ahead is ensuring these gains improve citizens’ lives through better schools, hospitals, and jobs,” he said.

The President revealed that ₦20.59 trillion was mobilised in eight months, marking the highest collection in recent history.

“With ₦15.69 trillion collected, non-oil revenues now account for three of every four naira, showing a decisive shift from oil dependence.

“While inflation and FX revaluation contributed, the uplift is mainly reform-driven — digitised filings, Customs automation, stricter enforcement, and broadened compliance.

“₦3.68 trillion was collected in H1, ₦390 billion above target, already 56 per cent of the full-year goal. This reflects systemic reforms, not mere windfalls,” he said.

Tinubu also confirmed that FAAC allocations to states had increased, empowering subnationals to drive local development.

“FAAC allocations reached ₦2 trillion in July for the first time, giving states resources to strengthen grassroots development.

“The government affirms collections are ahead of expectations, with final validation to be published by the Budget Office at year’s end,” he said.

He reiterated that Nigeria’s revenue base is expanding and reforms are producing tangible results.

“The priority is translating numbers into real relief — putting food on the table, creating jobs, and investing in roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

China implementing GGI for Africa, Nigeria community with shared future 
General News

China implementing GGI for Africa, Nigeria community with shared future 

Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

(By H.E. Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria)

On Sept. 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, China. With its profound insight into the times, broad humanistic commitment and clear value orientation, this initiative aims to address a pressing subject of our times which has attracted high attention from the international community, namely what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance.

It further contributes Chinese wisdom and proposes a Chinese approach to strengthening and improving global governance, injecting more stability and certainty into a turbulent world.

Today, transformative changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while the lingering gloom of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continues to cast a shadow.

Humanity is confronted with unprecedented challenges as the world enters a new phase of turbulence and transformation, and global governance now stands at a critical juncture.

The world is in greater need of strengthening global governance than ever before, and the GGI comes at an opportune time.

Regarding it as the fundamental guideline to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the GGI seeks to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.

To be more specific, the GGI embodies five core concepts: First, adhere to sovereign equality. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance as equals.

Second, abide by the international rule of law. There shall be no double standards, and the self-defined rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.

Third, practice multilateralism.The irreplaceable and crucial role of the United Nations in global governance must be given full play.

Fourth, advocate a people-centered approach. It is essential to ensure that people of all nations jointly participate in global governance and share in its outcomes.

Fifth, focus on taking real actions. More tangible results should be delivered, and global governance should avoid lagging behind the times or becoming fragmented.

The above five core concepts advocated by the GGI are closely aligned with the inherent needs of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation.

Africa, which includes 54 United Nations member states, is the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries.

It is not only an important participant in global governance but also a major force driving global multi-polarization.

Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and major economy, serves as a critical growth engine on the continent and an influential representative of the Global South.

It is also a key strategic partner for China in Africa. It is fair to say that China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation not only enjoy a solid historical foundation but also correspond to practical needs of reforming the global governance system and transforming the global order.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, which represented a pioneering practice by the international community in initiating global governance.

In 1971, African countries strongly supported the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, with Nigeria casting a sacred vote in favour.

This moment marked the beginning of the joint participation of African nations and the People’s Republic of China in global governance.

In 1992, China worked closely with the Group of 77, in which African countries served as a major force, ultimately leading to the incorporation of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Since the 21st century, China has actively promoted solutions to address the under-representation of African countries in the United Nations, advocating that the Security Council reform must genuinely reflect international fairness and justice, prioritize correcting historical injustices faced by Africa, and support special arrangements to address Africa’s demands as a priority.

In 2022, China took the lead in explicitly expressing support for the African Union’s accession to the G20 and facilitated the formal admission of the African Union as a member of the G20 the following year.

The Beijing Declaration issued at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024 emphasized that China supports African countries in playing a greater influential role in global governance, particularly within inclusive frameworks addressing global issues, and will continue to support Africa-related priorities in G20 affairs.

China also appreciated and welcomed more African countries joining the BRICS family. Shortly thereafter, Nigeria, with China’s active support, became a BRICS partner country.

China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to enhance its international standing and voice, fully demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and profoundly illustrating China’s role as a major country in promoting the improvement of global governance.

The year 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the FOCAC. The FOCAC mechanism itself is a model of the vision of the global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.

Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing its integration and enhancing its capacity for self-driven development.

From the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and the “Eight Major Initiatives” to the “Nine Programs” and the recently launched “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization,” a series of practical cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure connectivity, healthcare, agricultural modernization, and capacity building.

This cooperation comes with no political strings attached, emphasizes action-oriented approaches and aims to enhance the “self-development capacity” of African countries, representing a tangible contribution to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

On Sept. 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit.

The leaders of the two countries jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and were committed to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have achieved rapid growth across all sectors. We have more frequent high-level exchanges, deeper political and strategic trust as well as increasingly substantial outcomes in practical cooperation.

We have supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach.

We can proudly say that China and Nigeria are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation.

In conclusion, Chinese president Xi Jinping has proposed four major initiatives to date: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).

Together, these initiatives form the four pillars for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The GDI focuses on promoting international cooperation on development, the GSI on encouraging dialogue and consultation over international discord, the GCI on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and the GGI on the direction, principle and path for reforming the global governance systems and institutions.

The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of positive energy for a changing and turbulent world and impetus for humanity’s development and progress.

China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, under the framework of the GGI to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and the international financial system, to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions and working effectively, to step up coordination among multilateral bodies, and to prioritize consensus-building in such areas as the international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade and outer space to bring about early harvests.

The successful practices of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation demonstrate that the GGI embodies strong vitality and broad prospects for development.

Moving forward, China will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African countries, especially our Nigerian friends, to actively advance the GGI, jointly address global challenges and work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.(NAN)

One-China principle cornerstone of China-Nigeria partnership— Envoy
Foreign

One-China principle cornerstone of China-Nigeria partnership— Envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, on Thursday in Abuja, said that Nigeria’s consistent adherence to his country’s One-China principle was the cornerstone of growing China-Nigeria partnership.

He stated this at a symposium held by the Chinese Embassy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He noted that the return of Taiwan to China was the outcome of the post-war order, reiterating Beijing’s position that reunification was a historic inevitability.

Yu said both countries, as major developing nations and key members of the Global South, had the responsibility to defend the outcomes of World War II, and safeguard the international order.

The ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to upholding global peace, unity, and multilateral cooperation, adding that the two countries should work together for global fairness and justice.

Yu described the commemoration as a solemn reminder of shared sacrifices and a renewed call for collective commitment to peace.

“This anniversary is not just a reflection on history but a reminder of the values of courage, unity, and perseverance.

“We are not here to dwell on hatred, but to honour sacrifices and pledge that such tragedies will never happen again,” he said.

He recalled the Sept.18, 1931 incident, which sparked China’s 14-year resistance against Japanese militarism, adding that the Chinese resilience and the Communist Party of China (CPC) played a decisive role in the struggle.

Yu also paid tribute to Nigerian soldiers who fought against the Japanese forces in Burma during the war, stressing that China and Africa shared a legacy of sacrifice in the global anti-fascist struggle.

The Ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace, highlighting the vision of President Xi Jinping for building “a community with a shared future for mankind”.

He cited initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative as China’s contributions to global stability and prosperity.

“China will never forget how hard it was to achieve peace. That is why we remain firmly committed to peaceful development and to building partnerships that reject hegemony and promote win-win cooperation,” Yu said.

Also speaking, Mr Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies (CCS), provided a detailed historical perspective on the war, recalling the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937 as the onset of Japan’s full-scale invasion.

He stressed the significance of China’s protracted resistance, which tied down nearly a million Japanese troops and inflicted heavy losses in spite of enormous sacrifices.

Onunaiju emphasised that China’s wartime resilience forged a national consciousness that shaped its post-war political framework, citing the inclusive “Three Thirds System” as a foundation for China’s consultative democracy.

He argued that China’s victory not only rebuilt its national strength but also entrenched a philosophy of peace embodied in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which remain central to its foreign policy.

Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Director, Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research and Head of the International Centre, University of Abuja, described the war’s victory as “a lesson for humanity, a tale of hope, resilience, and patriotism.”

Ibrahim outlined six key lessons from the war: the rejection of colonialism, the necessity of patriotism, unity of purpose, justified political resistance against tyranny, international cooperation, and recognition that victory must be earned through resilience.

He urged nation-states to adopt multilateralism, trust-building, and cooperation as safeguards against future aggression.

“The Chinese people’s unprecedented resistance against Japanese aggression transformed them into a paragon of patriotism and resilience.

“The world must learn from this example and pursue peace with unity and justice,” Ibrahim said.

NAN reports that the highlight of the symposium was a photo exhibition that shows the history of war and honored hero’s who lost their lives defending their country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Nigeria needs courageous leaders for better, sustainable future – Arewa group 
Politics

Nigeria needs courageous leaders for better, sustainable future – Arewa group 

By Diana Omueza

Arewa for Renewed Hope Agenda, a non-partisan advocacy group, says Nigeria deserves leaders whose decisions may be tough today but will lead to a better tomorrow.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the group’s chairman, Mr Abu Misodi, highlighted the importance of leaders who are willing to promote long-term progress.

Misodi urges opposition parties to desist from the narration of hopelessness, alleging that nothing was working under President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, truth matters and the progress being recorded by the Tinubu administration must be defended.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who are not afraid to make hard
decisions — decisions that may be tough today but will lead to a better tomorrow.

“As Nigerians who believe in the promise of our great nation, we recognise the need for leadership that is bold, forward-thinking, and committed to truth and transformation.

“We need the courage to modernise systems and the faith to act with integrity and vision.

“Nigeria’s path to progress lies in unity, transparency, and a collective commitment to building a better future.”

Misodi encouraged citizens to reject pessimism and embrace hope, saying the country’s challenges could be overcome through shared effort and positive engagement.

He urged Nigerians to focus on building a prosperous, inclusive society that benefited all regions and communities equally.

“This is a movement for every man and woman who believes that reason must rise above dogma; that unity must conquer division, and that Nigeria must
come first — always,” he said.

Referencing Nigeria’s founding leaders, Misodi called on current and future leaders to draw inspiration from their dedication to justice, dignity, and nation-building.

“Unity, peace, and progress are not just ideals; they are the foundations of our democratic journey.

“We must stand for the truth, uplift our communities, and walk together toward a brighter Nigeria.

“Our generation carries the responsibility of renewal, and with hope, we will rise to meet it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, Brazil sign air service deal for direct flights
Aviation

Nigeria, Brazil sign air service deal for direct flights

By Gabriel Agbeja

Nigeria has signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the Brazil, paving the way for direct flights between both countries.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in Abuja.

The agreement was signed in Brazil by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Mr Silvio Costa Filho.

The event was witnessed by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

According to the statement, the BASA establishes a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people exchange.

The agreement is also expected to promote stronger economic integration, enhance cultural relations, and deepen diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

“This agreement is a strategic milestone that underscores President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s global partnerships and creating an enabling environment for commerce and mobility,” the statement said.

President Tinubu began a two-day state visit to Brazil on Monday, during which the BASA was signed.

He was warmly received in Brasília by President Lula da Silva, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the largest economies in Africa and South America.

In his remarks, President Lula lauded the agreement and expressed Brazil’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in aviation, agriculture, infrastructure development, and other key areas.

During the visit, President Tinubu is also scheduled to meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The working visit will feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, highlighting both nations’ commitment to mutual growth and prosperity.

President Tinubu was accompanied by senior cabinet members, including Mr Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Amb, Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others in the delegation include Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Mr Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; as well as other top government officials.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Abiemwense Moru

Agri-expo to boost Nigeria’s business potential– Coordinator
Agriculture

Agri-expo to boost Nigeria’s business potential– Coordinator

By Angela Atabo

Mr Abiodun Olaniyi, Project Coordinator of the Nigeria International Agriculture Expo (NIAEXPO 2025), says the upcoming expo will enhance Nigeria’s agribusiness potential and reinforce its standing in the global agricultural market.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the 7th edition of the event, Olaniyi said the expo, themed “Showcasing Nigeria’s Agricultural Potential on a Global Stage,” would serve as a marketplace for innovation.

He added that it would also promote trade and investment in the agricultural sector.

He noted that the event would project Nigeria as a leading agribusiness hub in Africa.

He explained that NIAEXPO 2025 would focus on promoting local innovations, empowering women in agribusiness, and connecting farmers to international markets, with the goal of contributing to global food security and sustainable agriculture.

“The expo will also address critical issues such as post-harvest losses, poor access to finance, and inefficiencies in logistics and supply chains.

“Countries that participated in previous editions include Russia, India, the U.S., Estonia, and China.

“For 2025, we’ll have representatives from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and other African countries.

“The expo will build capacity on topics like agro-logistics, digital agriculture, and women’s participation in agribusiness,” Olaniyi said.

He added that crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and moringa would be spotlighted for their underutilised potential.

According to him, a forum on organic and agroecology education will also be held.

Olaniyi emphasised that crops such as cashew, cocoa, sugarcane, and mushrooms offered huge economic opportunities, but required better policies and stakeholder synergy to fully harness their value.

Also speaking, Mr Adekunle Adamson, Regional Project Lead for NIAEXPO, said the 2025 edition would feature Farmers’ Day and a Women Entrepreneurship Hub to promote inclusivity.

“Farmers’ Day is designed to celebrate and empower farmers through training and exposure to new techniques.

“We’re also spotlighting women and youth in agribusiness, offering support from product registration to packaging and marketing.

“The Women Entrepreneurship Hub will provide a platform for aspiring and established female agripreneurs to gain practical knowledge, improve product visibility, and scale their businesses,” Adamson said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria spends bn annually on food imports – FG
Agriculture

Nigeria spends $10bn annually on food imports – FG

Food exports

By Mercy Omoike
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, says Nigeria spends 10 billion dollars annually on agro-imports, including wheat and fish.

Kyari disclosed this at the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., 2025 Agric and Export Expo, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The minister who decried the rising rate of agro-imports stressed the need for more financing of agro activities to boost local exports.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was represented at the event by his Special Adviser, Mr Ibrahim Alkali.

Kyari harped on the importance of increasing financing for the nation’a agriculture sector to boost food export revenue generation.

“Nigeria spends over 10 billion dollars annually importing food such as wheat, rice, sugar, fish and even tomato paste.

“Agriculture already contributes 35 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product and employs 35 per cent of our workforce.

“We sit on 85 million hectares of urban land with a youth population of over 70 per cent under the age of 30, yet Nigeria accounts for less than 0.5 per cent of global exports.

“However, Nigeria earns less than $400 million from agro exports, to build a non-oil export economy, we must rethink how we finance agriculture,” he said.

He reiterated the Tinubu’s administration’s stance on ensuring food sovereignty of the country, while insisting on increased financing of agriculture.

“President Tinubu’s administration has made it clear that food sovereignty is the goal. Nigeria must not only feed itself, but to do on its own terms, free from excessive dependency on imports.

“Sovereignty means ensuring that no Nigerian goes hungry because of shocks in global food supply chain, allowing every community to stand on the strength of our land, our people and our productivity.

“Boosting domestic production and building supports for exports are not separate agenda. They are two sides of the same coin.

“We have the land, the labour, and the markets, but we lack the system of financing, value addition and infrastructure that convert potential into prosperity.

“The fundamentals compel that we pilot from dependence on oil rigs to resilience in food and export earnings from rural commodity exports to value added agribusiness.

“From fragmented farmer credit to structured financial systems that attract significant capital and from stereotyped perceptions to improved participation of youth in the agricultural sector,” Kyari said.

He also stressed the need for improved mechanism and critical thinking to boost food security.

“Nigeria can do better if we begin to think critically and improve mechanism such as revenue sharing, finance, agricultural goals with performance triggers, factoring forward contracts Pay-as-Harvest, and the rest.

“These are not abstract theories. They are working in real economies,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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

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