The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • Nigeria unveils two GM cotton varieties with higher yield potential

    Nigeria unveils two GM cotton varieties with higher yield potential

    Nigeria has advanced efforts to revitalise its cotton and textile industry with the introduction of two genetically modified cotton varieties designed to deliver higher yields, reduce pesticide application and improve fibre quality.

    The new varieties—Mahyco C567 BGII and Mahyco C571 BGII, were officially unveiled on Friday during a Mini Cotton Field Day organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in partnership with Mahyco Nigeria PTE Ltd at NASC’s headquarters in Sheda, Federal Capital Territory.

    Addressing participants at the event, the Director of Seed Industry Development, Technical Support and Commercial Services at NASC, Mr Kunle Adeseko, said the field day underscored the country’s renewed drive to rebuild cotton production through the deployment of quality seeds, improved farming practices and effective institutional partnerships.

    “Cotton remains a strategic crop for Nigeria, supporting millions of smallholder farmers and serving as the backbone of the textile and garment industry. These improved varieties show what is possible when farmers have access to certified, high-performing seeds developed and tested under local conditions”, Adeseko said.

    He explained that prolonged challenges such as low yields, limited access to quality seeds and weak value-chain linkages had undermined farmer confidence over the years. However, he noted that NASC’s Highway Seed Demonstration Programme was helping to reverse the decline by promoting certified seeds and restoring trust among cotton farmers across producing states.

    In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General of NASC, Mr Kalu Okwa said the Bt cotton varieties were developed by Mahyco in collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research and approved for commercial use after undergoing regulatory review.

    According to him, the varieties are capable of producing between 3.5 and 4.4 tonnes per hectare, compared with the 900 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes per hectare commonly obtained from conventional cotton.

    He added that the built-in Bt technology provides resistance to bollworm, leading to lower pesticide use, reduced production costs and improved profitability for farmers.

    “These characteristics also align with industrial requirements, including better fibre length and strength, which are critical for ginneries and textile mills,” Okwa said, describing the initiative as a strong example of an effective public–private partnership.

    Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, represented by the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at the agency, Dr Rose Gidado, said Bt cotton demonstrates how the responsible application of science can enhance yields, reduce crop losses and improve rural livelihoods.

    “Bt cotton helps minimise bollworm damage, lowers pesticide use and enhances productivity. That means safer fields, healthier communities and more competitive cotton for Nigeria’s textile value chain,” he said, while assuring stakeholders of strong biosafety regulation and continued support for locally adapted biotechnology.

    At the event, farmers, researchers and other value-chain stakeholders toured demonstration plots and exchanged insights on agronomic practices, pest control and post-harvest management.

    Stakeholders noted that widespread adoption of the new varieties could stimulate the revival of ginneries and textile mills, create employment opportunities for youths and women, cut textile imports and strengthen the national economy.

    They called for expanded distribution of certified seeds and supportive policies, as NASC reiterated its commitment to enforcing seed quality standards and collaborating with partners to reposition Nigeria as a leading cotton producer in Africa.

  • Foundation unveils initiative to promote data-driven seed selection for farmers

    Foundation unveils initiative to promote data-driven seed selection for farmers

    The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has rolled out a nationwide project designed to enhance seed choices and boost farm productivity through the use of reliable performance data.

    The initiative, titled “Using Performance Data to Promote Better Seed Varieties”—also known as ProSeV—is supported by the Gates Foundation and will run for 36 months, from November 2025 to November 2028.

    ProSeV aims to generate credible, location-specific performance data for key staple crops including rice, maize and cowpea, providing practical guidance for farmers, seed companies, extension agents and policymakers.

    Speaking at the project’s unveiling and stakeholders’ engagement workshop held in Abuja, the Executive Director of FSSS, Dr. Isaiah Gabriel, said the initiative was developed to close a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s seed system, where farmers frequently rely on availability or tradition rather than proven field performance when selecting seed varieties.

    He explained that although many improved seed varieties have been released over the years, there is still a shortage of accessible, post-release data showing how these varieties perform on farmers’ fields across different agroecological zones. 

    This, he said, has hindered adoption, constrained productivity and weakened competitiveness, especially in rice production.

    Under the project, ProSeV will carry out side-by-side performance trials of released and selected unreleased seed varieties across Nigeria’s six agroecological zones, spanning at least 12 states. 

    Beyond yield, the trials will evaluate traits such as resilience, taste and adaptability, with the goal of better aligning seed supply with farmers’ preferences and market needs.

    “This project, Using Performance Data to Promote Better Seed Varieties in Nigeria, is our collective attempt to change that story. It is about replacing guesswork with evidence, replacing assumptions with data, and ensuring that when a farmer asks, ‘Which variety works best for me?’ there is a clear and trustworthy answer.

    Across Nigeria, farmers are planting seeds every season, often based on hearsay, habit, or availability, not because those seeds are the best-performing options for their soil, climate, or market. When farmers are unsure, adoption slows, productivity suffers, and the entire value chain feels the impact,” Gabriel said.

    Also speaking, FSSS Partnership and Grants Manager, Eric Nyikwagh, disclosed that the project will commence with rice trials in its first year before scaling up to include maize and cowpea.

    He added that ProSeV will collaborate closely with national research institutions, regulators and seed companies, while leveraging the national variety database to promote transparency and ensure the credibility of its findings.

  • MEDA launches five-year rise project to boost agri-food systems in northern Nigeria

    MEDA launches five-year rise project to boost agri-food systems in northern Nigeria

    Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) has launched the Resilient and Inclusive Agri-Food Systems Empowering Women and Youth in Nigeria (RISE) project, a five-year initiative supported by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and expanding decent job opportunities in Northern Nigeria.

    The project, unveiled on Thursday, January 22, 2026, is designed to create 8,000 sustainable jobs across the region while directly supporting 12,500 smallholder farmers through improved access to finance, climate-smart agricultural practices, and stronger market linkages.

    RISE will also strengthen 450 women- and youth-led enterprises and empower 250 farmer cooperatives, with an overall projected reach of about 50,000 beneficiaries.

    Implementation will span Bauchi State, Kaduna State, and Kano State, focusing on key value chains such as rice, maize, groundnut, and soybean.

    The initiative is structured around a three-pillar strategy: increasing yields and incomes for smallholder farmers through climate-smart innovations; enhancing the competitiveness of women- and youth-led agribusinesses through access to finance and technology; and addressing harmful social norms by promoting inclusive leadership within cooperatives and agribusiness enterprises.

    The launch event brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, financial institutions, women’s groups, and local cooperatives to identify and address systemic challenges across targeted value chains.

    Speaking at the event, MEDA Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Diaka Diallo Sall, said the RISE project places women and youth at the centre of agricultural transformation in Northern Nigeria.

    “With RISE, we are moving further and deeper. The project will strengthen agri-food systems in Bauchi, Kaduna, and Kano states, improve resilience to climate and economic shocks, and expand opportunities for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses,” she said.

    According to her, women and youth will remain at the centre of the effort, not as beneficiaries, but as leaders and drivers of ecosystem transformation.

    The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural development, describing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

    “By empowering women and youth across Nigeria’s agri-food systems, we are helping to create decent jobs, strengthen local economies and build more resilient and sustainable food systems,” Salvaggio said.

    The launch also featured panel discussions moderated by MEDA and Sahel Consulting experts, with Dr. Aishatu Bakari Usman representing women farmers.

    The RISE project is co-designed and implemented by MEDA in partnership with Sahel Consulting, Development Exchange Centre, Emeraid Capital, Extension Africa, Women in Business Forum, and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).

    Dignitaries present at the event included the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio; the Bauchi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Aliyu Gital; the Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lydia Tsanman; the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi; the Kaduna State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Muritala Dabo; the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu; the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmud; and the Bauchi State Commissioner for Budget and National Planning, Hon. Amina Katagum.

  • Segun Festus Oluwaji: Redefining agribusiness leadership and advancing Africa’s food security agenda

    Segun Festus Oluwaji: Redefining agribusiness leadership and advancing Africa’s food security agenda

    • By Femi Salako 

    Segun Festus Oluwaji’s selection as a recipient of the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Agricultural Innovation and Food Security Advancement is a powerful affirmation of a lifetime dedicated to strategic leadership, nation-building, and the quiet but transformative work of strengthening Africa’s food systems. His journey reflects the rare convergence of deep financial intelligence, global exposure, and a deliberate commitment to using enterprise as a tool for sustainable development.

    With more than thirty-five years of experience spanning corporate finance, energy, and agribusiness, Mr. Oluwaji has built a reputation as a disciplined strategist and institution builder. His academic foundation in Chemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University provided him with a scientific appreciation of processes and systems, while his professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant and later attainment of an MBA equipped him with the analytical rigor required to navigate complex corporate environments. These competencies were refined through early professional training at Lafenwa Osiberu & Co. and further strengthened during his service in multinational firms affiliated with Asea Brown Boveri, where he functioned as Group Accountant across multiple entities. His eventual role as Finance Director at SBM Group placed him at the center of high-level corporate decision-making, overseeing financial operations, investments, and long-term growth strategies.

    It is this depth of experience that Mr. Oluwaji brought into agribusiness when he assumed the chairmanship of Courtyard Farms Limited. Rather than approach agriculture as a traditional or subsistence sector, he positioned it as a sophisticated, technology-enabled, and globally competitive industry.

    Under his leadership, Courtyard Farms has embraced modern farming techniques, efficient production planning, and strong financial governance structures that ensure sustainability and scalability. His influence has been critical in transforming agricultural operations from fragmented practices into integrated systems that prioritize efficiency, quality, and long-term value creation.

    A defining feature of Mr. Oluwaji’s contribution to agriculture is his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food value chain. Through Courtyard Farms Limited, he has supported the structured cultivation, processing, and export of key commodities such as cocoa beans, cashew, ginger, and other agricultural produce. 

    These efforts have not only expanded Nigeria’s presence in international markets but have also contributed to foreign exchange earnings and the broader economic diversification agenda. By improving standards, enhancing traceability, and meeting export requirements, he has helped position Nigerian produce as competitive and reliable on the global stage.

    Equally significant is his focus on empowering local farmers and rural communities. Mr. Oluwaji understands that food security cannot be achieved without inclusive participation at the grassroots. His work has emphasized improving market access for smallholder farmers, integrating them into organized supply chains, and exposing them to better farming practices and pricing structures. By bridging the gap between rural producers and structured agribusiness markets, he has helped improve livelihoods while increasing overall production efficiency.

    In an era defined by climate uncertainty, his advocacy for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture further underscores his forward-looking leadership. By promoting practices that enhance yield while preserving environmental integrity, Mr. Oluwaji has aligned agribusiness growth with ecological responsibility. This balance between productivity and sustainability continues to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term food security and resilience against climate-related shocks.

    Beyond production and export, Mr. Oluwaji’s impact is deeply felt in human capital development. He has consistently invested in capacity building, youth employment, and technological innovation within the agricultural sector. His belief in agriculture as a platform for job creation and skills transfer has helped reposition the sector as an attractive space for young Nigerians, fostering a new generation of agripreneurs equipped with both technical knowledge and business awareness.

    His global exposure, reinforced through executive training in corporate finance, cash flow optimization, and project management across the United Kingdom, France, and Monaco, has enriched his leadership perspective. This international outlook resonates strongly with the 2026 Face of Africa Awards’ broader conversation on harnessing the Nigerian diaspora for national development through collaboration, investment, and knowledge transfer. Mr. Oluwaji exemplifies how global best practices can be adapted meaningfully to local realities, creating solutions that are both innovative and culturally grounded.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is widely respected for his integrity, principled conduct, and unwavering dedication to excellence. His leadership style combines firmness with fairness, strategy with empathy, and ambition with responsibility. These qualities have earned him trust across corporate, agricultural, and community spaces, reinforcing his role not merely as a business leader, but as a steward of sustainable development.

    As Triangle International Magazine celebrates its tenth anniversary and hosts the fourth edition of the Face of Africa Awards in London, the recognition of Segun Festus Oluwaji stands as a testament to leadership that delivers tangible impact. His work through Courtyard Farms Limited continues to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural foundations, secure food systems, empower people, and position Africa as a serious player in global agribusiness. 

    The 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award fittingly honors a man whose vision, discipline, and commitment have helped shape a more secure and prosperous future for the continent.

  • Govt urged on farmer-focused reform

    Govt urged on farmer-focused reform

    Chief Executive Officer, Niji Foods, Mr. Kolawole Adeniji, has urged the Federal Government to urgently roll out concrete, farmer-focused reforms to boost food production, warning that without swift and decisive action, recent gains in food price stability could threaten the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    Adeniji made the call while reacting to the keynote delivered by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook Report in Lagos.

    At the event, the minister acknowledged that easing food prices, while offering relief to consumers, have in some cases fallen below farmers’ production costs, raising concerns about continued investment in food production.

     “There is a point now to help the farmers, because prices have come below, in some cases, their costs, and that is being addressed very, very urgently, in order to ensure that we encourage continued investment in food production,” Edun said.

    Responding, Adeniji said the minister’s remarks validated long-standing warnings from stakeholders in the sector, noting that farmers are under increasing pressure from rising input costs, limited access to affordable finance and weak supporting infrastructure. He stressed that agriculture requires deliberate, sector-specific solutions rather than generic economic policies.

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     “Agriculture is not like any other business you do and you cannot use a standard office system to solve its unique challenges. The government must restructure agricultural banks and develop proper loan systems for agribusiness development. We need a system where banks actually understand the farm, spending time on the ground to see what farmers suffer before they attempt to offer support. If not, we cannot move forward,” Adeniji said.

    He identified access to affordable credit as a major constraint to food production, calling for a drastic reduction in interest rates to single-digit levels.

    According to him, lending rates of up to 30 per cent make it impossible for smallholder and family farmers to invest in machinery, irrigation systems and modern technology required to raise productivity.

    He also called for a comprehensive “rejigging” of agricultural policies to make them more farmer-friendly, urging stronger government support for biotechnology, certified seeds and irrigation infrastructure.

    Adeniji described improved seed quality as a critical driver of higher yields and climate resilience.

    Beyond financing and inputs, Adeniji advocated the establishment of dedicated seaports for agricultural exports to improve efficiency across the value chain. He said such ports would enable importers and agribusinesses to fully benefit from duty-free concessions on agricultural machinery, while shielding them from congestion, delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with conventional seaports.

     “We need seaports dedicated to agriculture. If importers are granted duty-free status on agricultural machinery, there must be an efficient system to support it. Today, using regular seaports exposes farmers and agribusinesses to congestion and unnecessary bureaucracy that increase costs and discourage investment. Dedicated agricultural ports will save time, reduce losses and make our exports more competitive,” he said.

    The Federal Government, meanwhile, said it is moving to support farmers following evidence that food prices have in some cases dropped below production costs, raising concerns about the sustainability of food production and future supply.

    Edun said agriculture remains central to the 2026 policy agenda, which prioritises boosting competitiveness, ensuring good governance, increasing agricultural productivity and food security, while accelerating infrastructure, energy and human capital development.

    The intervention comes as food inflation and headline inflation continue to ease after months of tight monetary policy and supply-side reforms. As of December 2025, food inflation declined sharply to 10.84 per cent year-on-year from 39.84 per cent in December 2024, driven by improved food supply, easing foreign exchange pressures and reduced import costs.

    While the moderation has brought relief to consumers, the minister warned that prices falling below farmers’ costs could discourage production if left unaddressed, potentially reversing recent gains in food availability and price stability. He said the government’s focus is to strike a balance between affordability for consumers and incentives for producers, especially smallholder farmers.

    Looking ahead, Edun said the 2026 budget, described as a budget of consolidation, renewed resilience and shared prosperity, would focus on translating macroeconomic stability into tangible improvements in living standards. Key priorities include food security, improved electricity supply, expanded mortgage access, road infrastructure and social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.

    He added that the government would continue reforms to improve revenue collection, block leakages and implement a pro-poor tax framework that exempts essential food items and small businesses while broadening the tax base. For Adeniji, however, the true test lies in how quickly policies translate into relief at the farm level. “If the government gets agriculture right,” he said, “we will get our economy right.”

  • Firm denies alleged fraud over Ekiti youths agriculture scheme

    Firm denies alleged fraud over Ekiti youths agriculture scheme

    Management of YSJ Farms Limited,  a private agricultural company has denied allegation that it defrauded some youths in Ekiti State under the Bring Back the Youths to Agriculture

    The firm General Manager, Rotimi Omole described the allegations as misleading, false and distortion of the programme’s structure and operations.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Omole said that the programme was established to address spiralling youths unemployment, and encourage sustainable participation in agribusiness and not for exploitation.

    He clarified that the sum of N100,000 paid last year by the participants who pioneered the scheme during its take-off phase in 2024 was a commitment fee approved by the management of the YSJ Farms.

    The General Manager clarified that the fee was designed to ensure seriousness, and long-term commitment from pioneer participants who voluntarily enrolled at the formative stage of the Bring Back the Youths in Agriculture initiative.

    Omole added that new participants were never required to pay any commitment fee, maintaining that participation in the programme is free of charge for the new intakes.

    He noted that the commitment fee was limited to the pioneer participants alone and should not be misconstrued as a recurring charge or a  means of exploitation.

    Addressing claims on the alleged non-remuneration, the General Manager said stated that all payments to participants are strictly performance-based, noting that remuneration was determined  by measurable outputs recorded at farm site, regularity of attendance and level of engagement. 

    Omole added that the scheme operates a results-driven model, under which the beneficiaries are compensated in direct proportion to their productivity and engagement. 

    He clarified that disparities in payments among participants were a reflection of differences in individual performance and participation levels, not favoritism or denial of entitlements.

    He disclosed that  some  beneficiaries were paid as high as N1.5m, while others earned lower payments commensurate with their measurable contributions to the programme.

    He noted that the payment structure was designed to encourage accountability, hard work, and sustainability, adding that the initiative rewards effort and results rather than mere participation.

  • ‘Nigeria can earn $100b yearly from agric’

    ‘Nigeria can earn $100b yearly from agric’

    Nigeria has the capacity to earn more than $100 billion annually from agricultural exports while employing less than four per cent of its workforce in agriculture, according to the 2025 Review and 2026 Forecast of the Origin Tech Group Intelligence Report, released in Lagos.

    The report said the country could begin a gradual transition toward global productivity benchmarks seen in advanced agricultural economies such as the United States and the Netherlands, where technology, scale and efficiency drive high output with relatively low labour participation.

    Looking ahead, the report described 2026 as a decisive year for Nigeria’s agricultural future, noting that it will test policy consistency and the government’s ability to move from short-term emergency interventions to long-term structural reform.

    As a pre-election year, it warned, the choices made could either lock in progress or reverse recent gains. It argued that sustained subsidies for fertilisers and agro-mechanisation, rather than large-scale food imports, offer a more viable and durable path to food security.

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     The report disclosed that Origin Automobile Works, a subsidiary of Origin Tech Group, plans to expand equipment financing and the supply of locally assembled tractors, targeting farms of at least 1,000 hectares. The company aims to enable 1,000 large-scale farms nationwide, a scale the report described as essential for competitiveness and productivity.

    The report said Origin Tech Group plans to roll out an AI-powered agricultural platform built on more than a century of accumulated data, offering Nigeria-specific insights for farmers, investors and policymakers. Expanded deployment of drones for farm imaging and precision agriculture is also expected to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

    According to it, major food systems infrastructure projects are expected to reach critical milestones this year. The report highlighted Phase 1 of the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Park in Ereyun-Ketu, Epe, alongside several mid-level markets, the Igbodu Cattle Feedlot, and the commencement of full operations by the Bulk Food Company. These developments, it said, are expected to transform aggregation, storage and logistics across the country.

    For this reason, the report argued that Nigeria stands “at a threshold rich with promise but dependent on discipline, policy consistency and stakeholder commitment.” The challenge for 2026, it said, is not merely growth, but balanced growth that aligns commercial sustainability with affordability and inclusion.

    According to it, the agricultural and food systems sector closed last year  on a paradoxical note, recording one of its strongest output performances in years while leaving farmers under mounting financial pressure. The report maintained that yields of major staples—yam, maize, rice and cassava—rose steadily through the year, supported by favourable rainfall, expanded dry-season farming, improved agronomic practices and increasing adoption of technology.

    These gains, however, translated into a nationwide decline in food prices, easing pressure on household budgets and improving food access for millions of Nigerians. Farmers, on the other hand, faced sharply rising costs of fertilisers, fuel, herbicides and farm machinery, which compressed margins and left many producers worse off despite higher output. Climate shocks and persistent insecurity further complicated operations, making 2025 “a year of greater food availability alongside heightened financial strain for farmers,” the report noted.

    One of the most defining policy actions of the year, it noted, was the federal government’s temporary exemption of selected food staples from import duties. Market data cited in the report showed that the average price of locally produced rice fell to about ₦65,000 from a peak of ₦90,000, while foreign parboiled rice declined even more sharply, dropping to an average of ₦62,000 from ₦92,000. Prices of maize, beans and garri also recorded significant declines across major markets.

  • NIRSAL facilitates over N100bn in 2025, drives 159 jobs

    NIRSAL facilitates over N100bn in 2025, drives 159 jobs

    The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has facilitated more than N290 billion in finance between 2013 and 2025 across primary production, processing, logistics, market development, and exports.

    The institution also facilitated the creation of over 520,000 jobs, impacting more than three million lives across rural and urban communities.

    The institution, in a statement on Sunday, said the interventions strengthened industrial capacity utilisation, supported farmers to expand production, deepened market access, and preserved value across agricultural value chains through risk-sharing, insurance advocacy, incentive mechanisms, and technical assistance.

    According to performance records, NIRSAL facilitated N298.49 billion in credit through its Risk Sharing Facility during the period, issued 949 guarantees, and supported 251 agribusinesses, with a non-performing loan ratio of less than 0.8 percent. In addition, over 449,000 agricultural value chain actors were trained, more than 159,000 jobs were supported, and about 795,000 lives were directly impacted through programme interventions.

    NIRSAL Plc also developed more than 20 agribusiness models and tools, trained over 2,000 financial institution staff and more than 303 value chain actors, and facilitated N33.9 billion through programme management initiatives. 

    Its insurance advocacy drive led to the introduction of five index insurance products, onboarding of nine insurance firms, issuance of 1.8 million index insurance policies, and over N5.2 billion in insurance payouts, with N4.6 billion in claims paid and N4.2 billion recovered. Through its incentive mechanism, NIRSAL processed $1.8 million in interest drawback payments to 386 obligors.

    Closing 2025 with its highest annual finance facilitated to date, NIRSAL announced that total approved credit guarantees for the year surpassed N100 billion in loans and investments in agriculture and agribusiness nationwide.

    The feat enabled partner banks and lending institutions to extend credit to value chain activities that would otherwise be considered too risky for on-balance sheet exposure.

    The institution said the performance demonstrates steady progress in de-risking agricultural lending, improving access to finance for agribusinesses, strengthening lender confidence in the sector, and deepening financial inclusion across the agriculture-to-market ecosystem.

    In recognition of these outcomes, NIRSAL received the MSME Agrifinance Enabler of the Year Award at the 2nd Edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards held in Lagos state.

    Speaking at the event, NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Sa’ad Hamidu, said the recognition “speaks to the power of structured risk-sharing models, strong partnerships with financial institutions, and the resilience of Nigeria’s agribusiness entrepreneurs.” He was represented by Akinola Baiyewu, NIRSAL’s Regional Head, South, Business Development Group.

    Hamidu added that the organisation is “not chasing after awards, but is focused on drawing the attention of potential partners across the agrifinance value chain to NIRSAL’s value proposition for safe, profitable, and sustainable investments in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.”

    NIRSAL’s partnerships with commercial banks and other lenders supported commodity exports, agro-processing, input supply, primary production, storage, warehousing, and logistics. Through technical assistance programmes, field monitoring, and project mapping protocols, the institution said it continued to unlock opportunities for farmers, processors, aggregators, and market actors.

    On its role as a facilitator rather than a lending house, the Managing Director explained that substantial financial capital exists within the financial system to transform agriculture, but inherent value chain risks often discourage lending. 

    He said the N100 billion milestone recorded in 2025 represents a shift from caution to stronger confidence among lenders, driven by NIRSAL’s credit risk guarantees and risk management frameworks that assure banks of viable portfolio performance.

    Financial institutions, he noted, are increasingly relying on NIRSAL’s risk-sharing tools to grow agricultural portfolios, optimise capital deployment, and pursue both commercial and development outcomes.

    To date, the institution has signed 41 master agreements with counterparties willing to jointly finance agriculture and agribusiness across the country.

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    NIRSAL also strengthened its role in mobilising alternative finance for agriculture. As a Delivery Partner to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for climate finance readiness, it is delivering capacity development programmes across Nigeria, with optimism that the country will attract sizable climate finance inflows to support climate-smart agriculture and resilience-building initiatives.

    Drawing from lessons learned through national and sub-national smallholder financing schemes, the organisation refined its programme management offerings for state governments, private agribusiness investors, and cooperative-led primary production clusters.

    The refined approach includes improved protocols for farmer onboarding, capacity-building, geo-mapping, soil testing, and mechanisation support aimed at boosting productivity and production outcomes.

    Looking ahead to 2026, NIRSAL said it will continue to expand its finance facilitation footprint, support climate-smart agriculture, enhance sectoral resilience, and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem.

    “Our journey is far from over,” Hamidu said. “In fact, it is only just beginning. We will continue to innovate, deepen partnerships, and scale solutions that reduce risks and unlock finance for Nigeria’s agriculture sector. With the support of our Board of Directors and the dedication of our people, 2026 will see NIRSAL further scale its contribution towards agriculture transformation.”

  • NADF moves to fix farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    NADF moves to fix farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has engaged key stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain to review and strengthen modalities for improving agricultural input supply and boosting productivity in Nigeria.

    The engagement took place at the NADF Farm Input Supply Programme roundtable with processors held in Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the Fund remains committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement as it reviews the first phase of the programme.

    Ibrahim, who was represented by the Head of Corporate Services, NADF, Abiodun Sosanya, explained that the pilot intervention was designed to enhance input supply and agricultural productivity across grower systems nationwide.

    He acknowledged that the pilot phase faced challenges that affected planting cycles and expected yields, noting that such difficulties highlighted the complexity of implementing large-scale agricultural interventions.

    “These challenges are real, and they underscore the complexity of implementing agricultural interventions such as the NADF–Farm Inputs Supply Programme,” he said.

    Despite the setbacks, Ibrahim reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to working closely with processors to improve accountability and strengthen operational efficiency. 

    He urged processors to actively engage the Fund to achieve practical outcomes that would support improved input systems, increased productivity, and broader national agricultural transformation.

    “As we reflect on the implementation of the first phase of this programme, the NADF remains firmly committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement for optimal efficiency in the delivery of our mandate.

    “The NADF remains optimistic that your insights, experiences, and recommendations will play an important role in shaping a more efficient, transparent, and climate-responsive second phase of the programme, ensuring better impact and sustainability,” he added.

    Industry players at the roundtable commended the initiative while calling for improvements ahead of the next phase.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Vemac Farms Limited, Oyo State, Femi Ojelade, said food security in Nigeria requires stronger collaboration among processors, smallholder farmers, and government agencies. He urged the NADF to ensure the timely delivery of inputs ahead of planting seasons.

    “We understand it’s the first phase. But in the second phase, they have to work assiduously to make sure that most processors actually get their inputs at least a month before the planting season,” Ojelade said.

    Similarly, the Managing Director of Arog Bio Allied Agro Services Limited, Aroge Temitope, described the scheme as supportive in ensuring a steady flow of raw materials along the agribusiness value chain.

    “For us, it’s a good project, and it’s actually very supportive of food security and wealth creation in rural areas,” he said.

    Temitope noted that the programme came at a critical time for his company, enabling it to access inputs and support for its outgrower base. He disclosed that through the NADF Agro 1.0 scheme, his firm was able to cultivate sufficient cassava for the 2025 and 2026 seasons across Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states.

    On the future direction of the programme, the Head of Strategy and Planning at NADF, Adebanke Fajana, said the Fund aims to reach five million smallholder farmers under its Agro 2.0 scheme.

    According to her, the NADF is leveraging processors within the organised private sector as channels to reach smallholder farmers more effectively.

    Fajana said the Fund is working closely with processors to address challenges and lessons identified during the pilot phase, with a view to improving coordination and implementation in subsequent iterations.

    “We have a very robust system of monitoring and evaluation, with regional and state monitors who have boots on the ground to assess cultivation levels, input usage, and adoption of good agronomic practices,” she said.

    She added that the approach ensures not only the provision of inputs, but also their proper utilisation and the adoption of best agronomic practices by end-users, to maximise productivity and impact.

  • Datesstore, Saudi Arabia partners to develop date processing industry

    Datesstore, Saudi Arabia partners to develop date processing industry

    The Chief Executive Officer of Datesstore Nigeria Limited, Olatunde Mustapha, has announced a strategic partnership between his company and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia in what he described as boosting Nigeria’s agro processing sector through the supply of raw dates, seedlings, technology and technical expertise.

    Speaking at the collaboration held in Saudi Arabia, Mustapha told reporters that the partnership is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing base, create jobs and increase export earnings through value addition in date processing.

    “This partnership with Saudi Arabia is a deliberate step towards building a sustainable date processing industry in Nigeria, with access to raw materials, improved seedlings and modern processing technology,” he said.

    This partnership follows Mustapha’s numerous collaborations with Egypt, Algeria, and China.

    He explained that the initiative would also support agricultural development in Northern Nigeria, where climate conditions favour date cultivation, while opening up new opportunities for farmers and agro based entrepreneurs.

    “The North has the natural advantage for date farming, and with the right seedlings and expertise, we can scale production and empower local communities,” he said.

    He added that the collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s economic policies by attracting foreign direct investment and facilitating technology transfer into the country.

    “This project fits squarely with government priorities on economic diversification, industrialisation and agricultural development,” Mustapha said.

    According to him, the long term vision of the partnership is to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for date processing and export.

    “Our goal is to make Nigeria the centre for date processing in Africa, supplying regional and international markets with high quality products,” he said.

    In response, a representative of Taj Al Nakheel Factory, a leading date processor based in the Al Madinah Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, Said ibn Malik, expressed confidence in the partnership and Nigeria’s potential.

    “We see Nigeria as a strategic partner with enormous agricultural capacity and a growing market, and we are committed to sharing our expertise and technology to build a world class date processing industry,” he said.

    Malik emphasised that the collaboration would foster mutual economic growth while strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

    “This partnership is not only about business, but about creating lasting value, skills development and shared prosperity for both countries,” he added.