The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • Lagos sensitises stakeholders on urban agriculture

    Lagos sensitises stakeholders on urban agriculture

    Lagos State government through the State Agricultural Development Authority, (LSADA) has called for the adoption of integrative solutions towards solving food insecurity with proper administration of urban farming.

    The government made the call during a one-day Stakeholders Workshop on Urban Agriculture held at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro Mushin, to sensitise the Heads of Agric Units of the 57 Local government and Local council development areas as well as the Environmental health officers in the state.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, advocated for urban agricultural land use, and driving grassroots awareness towards food sustainability.

    Represented by the Director Veterinary Services of the Ministry, Dr Rasheed Macaulay, she said it has become imperative to cascade the awareness to the grassroot with the right education and technical support.

    “Integrating agriculture into our urban landscapes reduces dependence on external food sources, lowers transportation costs, and improves access to fresh, nutritious produce, and Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and its agencies, is fully committed to this vision. We are creating enabling policies, strengthening extension services, supporting innovation, and building partnerships with local councils to scale up urban farming across the State,” she said

    READ ALSO: A President and a comrade

    The Commissioner emphasised that Urban agriculture must move beyond pilot initiatives and embedded in schools, homes, markets, and faith-based institutions.

    Programme Manager of the agency, Mr Alade Aliru, said the idea is to ensure food is grown closer to where it is consumed, thereby reducing dependence on long-distance transportation, and creating greener, healthier cities and wholesome consumption.

    Aliru stressed that the workshop is designed to engage the stakeholders on the benefits, opportunities, and practical strategies for implementing urban agriculture in their respective communities.

    According to him: “Through this initiative, we aim to deepen awareness and inspire action on how urban spaces no matter how small — can be transformed into productive agricultural zones. From backyard gardens to vertical farms and container planting, urban agriculture is fast becoming a vital component of our food ecosystem.”

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emmanuel Fatai Audu represented by the Director Fisheries, Mr Daisi Agarrey, said with rapid urbanization exerting pressure on land, infrastructure, and food systems, cultivating food within urban and peri-urban areas offers a strategic solution.

    He said: “Urban farming is no longer just an option, it is a necessity and it is more than just planting crops, it is about cultivating healthier communities, greener environments, and more resilient livelihoods.”

  • How to achieve food security, by Don

    How to achieve food security, by Don

    Food security can be achieved through the collective efforts of government, communities and individuals, a university don, Prof. Adio Folayan, has said. 

    He described resilient food systems as the foundation of food security in the collective effort to address the complex challenges of food security and sustainability.

    Folayan noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on food security, underscoring a commitment to a comprehensive solution to the food crisis.

    The don said: “By addressing environmental, economic and social dimensions, embracing diversity, adaptability, redundancy, connectivity, and inclusivity, we can build systems that not only provide adequate nutrition, but also withstand and recover from disruption to enable the systems ensure that food remains accessible and affordable even in times of crisis.”

    Folayan, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Ijesha, delivered a lecture titled: “Resilient food systems: a foundation for sustainable national development” at the 11th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit held at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). 

    The summit with the theme: ‘Resilient Food Systems: Cultivating Sustainability and Security for Nigeria’s Future’ was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (Western Chapter), in conjunction with FUOYE. 

    Alluding to the conception by 1996 World Food Summit, Folayan pointed out that “food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life..”

    Describing food security as a joint responsibility, he said, “building resilient food systems requires concerted efforts from policy makers, producers, and communities working together to create a robust and sustainable food future.”

    Folayan, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in Ekiti State, attributed the food distribution crisis in Nigeria to crop seasonality, inadequate storage technology and facilities, inadequate transportation and distribution systems, and inadequate market information.

    Read Also: Agric Ministry reaffirms commitment to food security

    He said all these result in considerable spatial and seasonal variation in food production and availability, and are responsible for the considerable food price variations in the country.

    The don said other major problems affecting food availability especially at the household level are the inadequacy of food storage, losses of cereals, root, tubers, fruits and vegetables.

    Other notable challenges to food security in Nigeria highlighted by him included land insecurity due to terrorism and banditry, soil insecurity due to fertiliser usage that is lower than the recommended amount, incessant conflict in the Northeast, climate change, and insecurity that limits market access and the movement of goods.

    Folayan also cited lack of adequate storage facilities, making farmers to sell part of produce soon after harvest at low and innumerable prices, resulting in escalating food prices during the off-season period.

    He added, “In view of the foregoing, an increasing number of Nigerian households have become food insecure as a result of the downturn of the economy, rising inflation and escalating food prices that erode their purchasing power. 

    “The solution to the aforesaid problems is resilient food systems and food security for the purpose of ensuring sustainability for future generations.”

  • Cassava Breakthrough: New Varieties Resist Devastating Viral Diseases

    Cassava Breakthrough: New Varieties Resist Devastating Viral Diseases

    By Abdullahi Hussaini Liman and Research Team, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, New Mexico State University, USA

    In a significant development for food security, researchers have identified improved cassava varieties that show strong resistance to destructive viral disease threatening cassava farms. The study, recently conducted at the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, offers fresh hope to farmers who rely heavily on cassava as a staple food and source of income.

    Cassava, a vital crop grown by millions of smallholder farmers, faces major production challenges from viral diseases such as Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD). These diseases can wipe out an entire field, causing total crop failure and deepening food insecurity among vulnerable populations.

    To address this issue, our research team evaluated five improved cassava genotypes (PRO Vitamin A (PRVA), TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, and TMS 30572), all gotten from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under natural field conditions in Minna, Nigeria. Using a field trial method, we carefully monitored the plants over an entire growing season to detect signs of viral infection.

    The results were encouraging. All five cassava varieties showed no symptoms of virus infection during the entire planting season. Their leaves remained green and healthy, and no mosaic or brown streak symptoms of CMD and CBSD were observed. These findings suggest that these improved varieties possess strong natural resistance to local virus strains.

    Among the tested varieties, TME 419 stood out, not only for its disease resistance but also for its superior growth performance and yield. This variety produced taller plants, more leaves, and heavier roots compared to others, making it particularly suitable for farmers aiming for both disease protection and high productivity.

    “This discovery offers farmers an opportunity to adopt disease resistant cassava varieties without the need for expensive chemicals or labor-intensive control measure,” said the research team leader, Abdullahi Hussaini Liman. “Using these varieties can reduce crop losses, boost food production, and improve household income in rural communities.”

    Read Also: Repositioning cassava to drive food security, economic growth

    The study highlights the importance of ongoing breeding programs that focus on developing and promoting virus resistance cassava varieties. Such efforts are crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural and food security, where cassava plays a critical role in feeding the population.

    The research team recommends that farmers, agricultural extension officers, and policy makers encourage the widespread adoption of these improved cassava genotypes. However, further research is still needed to assess how these varieties performs under different environmental conditions and against other diseases that affect cassava.

    This study was carried out in collaboration with experts from the Federal University of Technology Minna, New Mexico State University USA, and The University of Georgia, USA.  

    Original Study Reference:

    Liman, A. H., Salaudeen, M. T., Adeleke, I. A., Fajoye, A. M., & Arije, D. (2025). Incidence of Natural Virus Infection on Selected Improved Genetic Varieties of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Minna, Northern Nigeria. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 31(1), 420–426. https://doi.org/10.9734/jsrr/2025/v31i12784

  • Nigeria contributes 85,325 sq km to global seabed mapping initiative

    Nigeria contributes 85,325 sq km to global seabed mapping initiative

    Nigeria has contributed 85,325 square kilometres to the global seabed mapping initiative for effective sea governance.

    The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode, revealed this during a press conference on World Hydrography Day celebration/West Africa Hydrographic Summit, on Tuesday.

    He noted that despite oceans covering 71% of the earth’s surface, only 26.1% has been mapped, hindering effective ocean governance.

    Rear Admiral Olugbode stated that the West Africa Hydrographic Summit, scheduled for June 19 to 21 in Abuja, will bring together ECOWAS navies to discuss challenges and opportunities in maritime governance.

    According to him, hydrography is the backdrop of maritime safety, economic development, and environmental sustainability, as well as ocean governance.

    Olugbode said: “The summit will chart the course for the future of hydrography in our region towards a global action.

    “In 2025, we aim to firstly strengthen regional collaboration through the main West African Hydrographic Summit, foster joint surveys, and share data platforms, both virtually and institutionally.

    “Two, we aim to feature keynote lectures and presentations, advocating hydrography and seabed to support the Seabed 2030 Initiative, a global program critical for the safety of navigation, climate resilience, environmental stewardship, and economic growth of the world.

    “Thirdly, we hope to showcase innovations in hydrography technology through exhibitions and live demonstrations. Last year, we celebrated the role of hydrography in maritime safety. This year, we took a bold step by addressing regional gaps and aligning with global frameworks, as well as regional frameworks, like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Goal 12, titled, Life below Water.

    “This emphasises the critical importance of the ocean and marine resources to human well-being and the planet and the health of the planet…which is a critical factor for the sustenance of mankind.”

    At the national level, Rear Admiral Olugbode stated that the National Hydrographic Office has effectively mapped the Lagos and Calabar coastlines under the national charting scheme.

    Read Also: Nigerian doctors in U.S. call for visa reforms to help tackle physician shortage

    He said, “There are some things that we put into place: the mapping and the water. One is the density of shipping traffic, which Lagos has.

    “Second is the mobility of the seabed. How often does the seabed move, and that will determine, and this determines the rapidity with which we map.”

    He stated that the next area for mapping is the Bonny, adding that the mapping process is being conducted systematically.

  • Ekiti trains butchers, meat processors on modern slaughtering procedures

    Ekiti trains butchers, meat processors on modern slaughtering procedures

    The Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has trained butchers, meat processors on modern slaughtering procedures and standards.

    The participants selected from across the three senatorial districts were trained on the handling and storage of livestock products in line with health, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and food security standards.

    Speaking with journalists during the training in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the L-PRES Coordinator, Olayinka Adedipe, said the purpose of the training was to expose the participants to modern ways of humane slaughtering, processing and preservation of livestock products.

    He dismissed claims that the modern processes would reduce the workforce of butchers and meat processors, saying it would rather enhance their operations towards making mass production.

    He said, “The importance of this program is to have the practical session of the training we have been having for the past two weeks now.

    “Apart from the fact that we have to put the participant through some process of modern ways of humane slaughtering, processing and preservation, you can see that we are in an estimated slaughtering factor: that’s why we try to bring the participants together to this particular area.

    “This process can’t lead to job loss. It will only lead to value for them. It will reduce the energy they put into slaughter, the slaughtering method is entirely different, and it’s in a stimulating environment”.

    Earlier, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, stressed that the training was necessary for a more robust and healthy way of handling livestock, birds and other products.

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    This, he said, would enable Ekiti State to be on the same pedestal as developed nations in terms of meat processing and exporting livestock products to international countries.

    He disclosed that the state government would build a new abattoir and establish an ultra-modern Poultry Processing Plant towards making livestock products well processed and packaged for hygienic purposes.

    “The food is very essential, but must be in a very hygienic and healthy way for our people. So what we are trying to do is that those people who are handling food must pass through what we call sanitary processes, where they would know the procedure and the best practices, especially in handling from the upstream to the downstream.

    “This will enable our buyers not to buy something that is already infected, they are not buying meat that is already infected or meat that is infected through the processing.

    “We have Agro airport here, and an opportunity can come up tomorrow, where we can export our meat to other countries. We are going through the best practices so that whatever meats they are producing can be compared to the overseas and developed world”, he added. 

  • The integrainium initiative: A coordinated approach to agricultural transformation

    The integrainium initiative: A coordinated approach to agricultural transformation

    By Dr. Femi Ogunseinde

    Integranium is a flagship large scale integrated program developed by MOFI to reboot the agricultural sector. Focused on crop farming, livestock, and aquaculture, Integrainium will redefine preferred practices to engage various aspects of the farming operations across the entire value chain, from inputs to production and to trade. This coordinated approach is expected to lead to a functional and up-to-date database on key farming information, improved yields, significantly reduced post-harvest losses, and well-established export programs.

    The Integrainium programme, in partnership with state governments, technical and operations service providers and farms, will initially be established in a select state within each geo-political region/zone. The individual programs will leverage the relative farming strengths of each state and region, eventually expanding to all states. 

    The overarching goal is to deploy an updated, integrated farming practice that can exploit idle arable land to produce food for local consumption as well as exports. Its core structure will encompass various nodal stages of farming:

    Upstream: Inputs, land access, and production.

    Midstream: Harvesting, storage, and processing.

    Downstream: Sales and distribution.

    The initiative will also capitalise on other complementary programs, such as the Special Agro Processing Zones (SAPZ) and large-scale agro-commodities hubs. Through this comprehensive approach, farming in Nigeria will evolve from largely subsistence farming with disjointed operations to large-scale mechanized farming.

    To spark critical conversations around this vision, especially in the area of crop farming, MOFI has organized the Integrainium Investment Forum: Crop Farming Roundtable. This platform is designed to engage stakeholders on critical issues that must be addressed to enable this transformation.

    The Integrainium Investment Forum: Crop Farming Roundtable, powered by the MOFI Leadership Series, serves as a high-level, cross-functional engagement platform amongst key stakeholders that are focused on translating Nigerias agricultural potential into practical, scalable realities. This edition of the forum specifically focuses on Nigerias crop farming value chain. It is structured as a working session where government representatives, agribusinesses, farmers, technical service and capital providers, logistics specialists, and other key stakeholders will engage in focused conversations on challenges, models, and other investment and operational considerations. 

    Why Crop Farming? Why Now?

    Nigeria’s agricultural sector, a significant contributor to the national economy, has consistently accounted for approximately 20-26% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent years (National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 2023; International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2023). A substantial portion of Nigerian households, around 70%, are actively engaged in crop farming activities (Statista, 2024). Despite this widespread involvement and its economic importance, the sector faces considerable challenges that hinder its overall productivity. The sector is currently held back by several factors:

    Largely subsistence farming with a yield of 2.0 tons/ha (vs 3.5 global avg) 

    Only about 1% of 34 Million hectares of arable land is irrigated 

    Mechanization of 0.3 hp/ha vs FAO recommendation of 1.5 hp/ha 

    Fertilizer usage of 20 kg/ha vs Global average of 135 kg/ha 

    Annual post-harvest losses of about 4060% of all produce due to lack of storage 

    These losses translate to about $10 billion lost annually 

    Cold Storage capacity of 2 Million MT needed but only 150,000 MT available 

    <5% of perishables use cold chain storage 

    Only 10% of output is processed locally 

    Processing capacity utilization is below 30% in many agro-processing zones 

    Nigeria imports over $10 billion worth of food annually 

    Lack of power, finance, and logistics infrastructure hampers growth 

    80%+ produce sold informally 

    Price fluctuation is up to 60% seasonally 

    10% farmers are linked to structured markets 

    Only 30% of rural roads in good condition 

    Over 80% of farmers rely on low-quality, uncertified seeds, reducing crop yields by up to 30% Integrainium aims to address these issues by building an integrated, coordinated value chain, improving infrastructure, and facilitating regional commercial agro hubs that connect producers with local buyers and exporters. The roundtable will evaluate these opportunities and explore how stakeholders can align around a shared execution model.

    The Roundtable will feature thematic cohorts that will investigate captured pressure points in the crop farming value chain, including:

    Land Preparation: Breaking Barriers to Scalable Farming

    Exploring Solutions to Input Access Challenges:

    Adopting New Farm Practices for Improved Yield (Enabled Farming)

    Evolving Farming From Subsistence to Mechanized (Large Scale), to Precision. (Precision Farming)

    Harvesting & Storage: Managing Post Harvest Losses

    Voices from The Farm: Real stories

    Preparing for Exports and Local Sales

    Unlocking Capital: Structuring Investments Across Integraniums Value chain

    Integranium – The New Eco-system for Crop Farming: Blueprint Development and Communication Approach

    Each Cohort led by a sector practitioner will contribute toward identifying practical ideas, scalable models and actionable insights that can inform investment structuring, program design and execution under the Integranium initiative.

    Through thematic cohort discussions and expert-led sessions, the key takeaways from the forum will be distilled into standards and expectations of stakeholders across the value chain. These will be captured as a blueprint. This blueprint will drive transparency and traceability of all activities and outcomes, guiding implementation across all Integrainium projects, especially for MOFI and her champions participating in the sector.

    *Ogunseinde is the Executive Director Investment MOFI. He writes from Abuja

  • Oyo lawmaker empowers constituents

    Oyo lawmaker empowers constituents

    Lawmaker representing Oyo East/Oyo West/ Atiba/Afijio federal constituency, Akeem Adeyemi, has procured two tractors to complement the activities of farmers in his constituency.

    Skimeh, as the lawmaker is popularly known, explained in a statement announcing the development that the tractors will “compliment farmer’s effort, ensure enhanced food production, and beat down prices of food items in Oyo Federal Constituency.”

    The lawmaker also announced that a committee, comprising of members from members from all four local governments in the constituency, has been inaugurated to facilitate the effective usage of the tractors.

    Members of the committee include: Chairman; Secretary; Baale Agbe in council; CAN Representatives; Youth Representatives; Atiba Elder Council; Afijio Elder Council; Farmsfield; Muslim Representatives; ALFAN; Oyo West Elder Council, and Oyo East Elder Council.

    “The inauguration of the Tractor Machines Management Committee came up on Sunday,15th June,2025, by the APC State Secretary, Alhaji Lanite, on my behalf.

    “The mandates saddled with the committee: Manage the use and hiring of the Tractor Machines effectively and efficiently; Ensure sustainable maintenance; Locate top notch Tractor Operators and tractor mechanics and of trustworthy pedigrees; Draw usage methods that would touch all the local farmers in the constituent without prejudice; Fashion out avoidable and subsidized hiring fees.”

    Read Also: Akpabio to receive prestigious Nigeria Golden Hearts Award in UK for legislative leadership

    The committee is also expected to establish a Secretariat for the management and operations of the tractor machines where the farmers would have unbridled accessibility.

    “The maiden meeting of the tractor machines management committee comes up on Wednesday,18th June,2025, at the Oyo Federal Constituency Office, Durbar Stadium, Oyo, to fine-tune actions for the operation of the tractor machines.

    “A plan is in the offing to procure more Tractor Machines to compliment the two just purchased for ease of use by all the local farmers,” the statement added.

  • Fed Govt rehabilitates Gombe’s grazing reserve to boost livestock sector

    Fed Govt rehabilitates Gombe’s grazing reserve to boost livestock sector

    The Federal Government has unveiled plans to rehabilitate the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve in Gombe State, as part of ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector and restore grazing reserves across the country.

    Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the reserve.

    He said the project would revamp dilapidated infrastructure and reposition Wawa-Zange as a sustainable hub for livestock development.

    According to the minister, the rehabilitation will focus on critical infrastructure such as road networks, a veterinary clinic, classrooms, solar-powered energy systems, primary healthcare facilities, and—most importantly, water supply for both human and animal use.

    Describing the 144,000-hectare reserve as a strategic national asset, Maiha noted that Wawa-Zange is home to over 5,000 herders involved in both livestock rearing and crop farming.

    “By every standard, these residents deserve the full amenities of a modern grazing reserve,” he said.

    He added that the revitalised reserve would also support breed improvement centres, pasture cultivation, and other livestock services aimed at discouraging seasonal migration of herders.

    READ ALSO; June 12: Remembrance and omissions

    “Wawa-Zange should come back to life. We want this reserve to become a model of sustainability,” the Minister said.

    On addressing farmer-herder tensions, Maiha said the government would adopt a collaborative rather than confrontational approach.

    Instead of displacing farmers who have encroached on the reserve, he said both parties would be encouraged to share land resources. Under this arrangement, he said farmers would provide crop residue as feed for livestock, while herders supply manure to improve soil fertility.

    “This mutually beneficial model aligns with our goal of promoting peaceful coexistence, reducing conflicts, and increasing productivity along both livestock and crop value chains,” he explained.

    During his visit, the Minister also paid a courtesy call on Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to explore areas of partnership.

    Also, Gombe State Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle, acknowledged the challenges facing herders, particularly inadequate shelter and water scarcity.

    He assured that once basic amenities are restored, many herders are willing to settle permanently in the reserve.

    The Wawa-Zange visit is part of the broader National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), through which the Federal Government plans to rehabilitate 417 grazing reserves nationwide.

    In May, the Minister launched the Wase Livestock Village in Plateau State, an integrated livestock settlement considered a flagship model under the national strategy.

    The rehabilitation of Wawa-Zange is expected to boost food security, create jobs across the livestock value chain, reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to migratory herding, and contribute to the government’s economic diversification agenda.

  • UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index

    UAE achieves 97.4% Sustainable Fisheries Index

    Abu Dhabi has recorded a Sustainable Fisheries Index of 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024, continuing a six-year streak of marine conservation achievements in line with World Oceans Day.

    The accomplishment marks an improvement from just 8.9 per cent in 2018, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

    Recent marine monitoring also documented key indicators of ecosystem recovery.

    Notably, 55 specimens of the rare nuaimi fish were recorded, along with the first sighting of the white-spotted grouper in Abu Dhabi – now added to the international Fish Base database.

    Other rare species spotted include the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish.

    Read Also: Police extradite Nigerian fugitive from UAE Over $307,500 fraud

    To support fish stock recovery, the UAE has enforced internationally aligned regulations on commercial and recreational fishing and expanded marine protected areas.

    Additional initiatives include coral propagation, artificial reef installation, and enhanced aquaculture.

    Experts believe the index milestone demonstrates the value of science-based policy and global best practices in restoring fish populations and protecting ecosystems.

    (TV BRICS/NAN) 

  • Fish farmers, aquaculture professionals laud Tinubu over appointment of Danfulani as NAIC boss

    Fish farmers, aquaculture professionals laud Tinubu over appointment of Danfulani as NAIC boss

    A coalition of fish farmers and aquaculture professionals under the aegis of the National Aquaculture Professionals Alliance (NAPA) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Yazeed Shehu Danfulani as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), describing the move as a strategic boost for agricultural stakeholders across the country.

    In a statement signed by its president, Engr. Ibrahim Ayotola Bamidele, NAPA described Danfulani’s appointment as a “well-thought-out decision that signals renewed hope for players in Nigeria’s aquaculture and broader agricultural sector.”

    The group noted that fish farmers and agribusiness operators have long been burdened by inadequate insurance coverage, especially in the face of increasing risks from flooding, disease outbreaks, and fluctuating production costs.

    “This appointment is timely and deeply commendable. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating visionary leadership by placing someone of Yazeed Danfulani’s calibre at the helm of NAIC,” Bamidele said.

    Bamidele noted that the agriculture sector, particularly aquaculture, has suffered for years due to limited access to insurance schemes that could protect farmers against massive losses.

    “Fish farmers in Nigeria often operate in high-risk environments, with little to no coverage in the event of disaster. The coming of Mr. Danfulani offers renewed confidence that our concerns will finally be addressed through purposeful reforms,” he added.

    Bamidele said Danfulani’s background in finance, agriculture, and enterprise development makes him the right candidate to revamp NAIC and turn it into a truly farmer-oriented institution.

    “We are optimistic that he will initiate innovative policies and develop farmer-friendly insurance packages that are both affordable and accessible, particularly to small and medium-scale fish farmers,” the NAPA president said.

    Read Also: Reinstate Fubara, lawmakers, Ijaw youths beg Tinubu

    According to him, the sector has the potential to contribute significantly to food security, foreign exchange earnings, and employment if it is properly supported with risk mitigation tools like insurance.

    “The reason many young Nigerians avoid agriculture is because of the risks. But if NAIC is repositioned under Danfulani to offer responsive insurance schemes and timely payouts, more people will be willing to invest in farming,” Bamidele noted.

    The group called on the new NAIC leadership to prioritise stakeholder engagement and bridge the existing gap between the agency and farmers at the grassroots.

    “We urge Mr. Danfulani to work closely with associations like ours. Let NAIC move from being a name on paper to being a visible support system for farmers across Nigeria. Organise sensitisation drives. Meet us where we are — in hatcheries, ponds, and markets,” the group said.

    Bamidele also appealed to the Federal Government to back Danfulani’s leadership with the needed policy and budgetary support to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda in agriculture.

    “The agricultural sector is key to the Tinubu administration’s diversification agenda. We urge Mr. President to give NAIC and its new leadership the resources, legal backing, and institutional support required to succeed.”

    The association pledged its readiness to support the agency’s efforts through collaboration, data sharing, and awareness campaigns to encourage more farmers to embrace agricultural insurance.

    “This appointment means nothing if we don’t take advantage of it. We are ready to partner with NAIC to sensitise our members and ensure that the benefits of insurance are felt across the sector,” Bamidele stated.

    The group concluded by congratulating Danfulani on his well deserved appointment and urging him to hit the ground running.