The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • Reps threaten arrest of BOA MD, ARCN DG over N1.2tr agric intervention probe

    Reps threaten arrest of BOA MD, ARCN DG over N1.2tr agric intervention probe

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, on Tuesday threatened to issue bench warrants for the arrest of the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayo Sontinrin, and the Director-General of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban.

    Okafor made the threat during the resumed investigative hearing on the alleged misuse of N1.2 trillion allocated for agricultural interventions, warning that failure to appear at the hearings would compel the Committee to invoke its parliamentary powers.

    “The Committee held its maiden investigative hearing on April 8, 2025, with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in attendance, followed by a second session on June 16, 2025, with both the CBN and participating financial institutions (PFIs) present,” he said. “While some organizations have honored our invitations and provided verifiable records to show non-involvement, others have either ignored us or offered flimsy excuses. This is unacceptable.”

    The BOA had cited the appointment of a new MD as its reason for non-attendance, but Okafor rejected this excuse, noting that the bank is an ongoing institution and the change in leadership does not absolve it of the responsibility to appear before the Committee.

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    The Committee also demanded documents and correspondence between Prospect Micro-Finance Bank and the CBN concerning a discrepancy in disbursed agricultural funds. The bank’s MD, Mr. Isaac Inwang, had claimed that N14.6 million was disbursed to 30 poultry farmers, with N6 million recovered and held pending further CBN instructions.

    The CBN, however, contended that N15.5 million was disbursed and accused the bank of breaching guidelines by retaining recovered funds for over three years.

    Okafor directed the Micro-Finance Bank to submit the requested documents on Wednesday, November 19, and to provide clarifications on observed breaches.

    Meanwhile, the Committee cleared the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) of any wrongdoing. Its DG, Alhaji Fatuhu Muhammed, confirmed that the agency did not participate in the implementation of the Anchor Borrowers Programme, a position corroborated by the CBN. The Chairman commended the DG for cooperating with the Committee.

    Recall that on July 1, 2025, the House mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Agricultural Production and Services, Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, and Finance to investigate alleged mismanagement of federal agricultural interventions outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

  • Nigeria urges ECOWAS, Sahel states to deepen collaboration on livestock development

    Nigeria urges ECOWAS, Sahel states to deepen collaboration on livestock development

    Nigeria has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Sahel countries to take deliberate steps in advancing livestock development programmes to boost productivity across the region.

    The call came as ECOWAS opened discussions on strategies to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen the resilience of agro-pastoral systems in West Africa and the Sahel.

    The regional body held a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop in Abuja to evaluate the results of the PRISMA Project and align them with agricultural priorities for the sub-region.

    Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Peter Alike, Director, Technical Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, said the livestock sector remains underdeveloped in West Africa and the Sahel, requiring intentional action and regional cooperation to transform it.

    He stressed that, “Deliberate action is needed because the government is aware that livestock production in this country—and indeed across West Africa and the Sahel—is still at a very rudimentary stage and far below the required level.”

    “We cannot do it alone, and you cannot do it alone. If we put our hands together, then we will be able to really bring our competitiveness out to increase productivity. 

    “But this is not the kind of thing that you want to do by yourself. The first thing to be done is collaboration. This is the time that we need each other the most.” 

    On Nigeria’s deliberate plan to improve the contribution from the sector, Alike said that the sector’s current contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is in the region of $32 billion. 

    He further disclosed that Nigeria’s strategic plan for the livestock sector, which runs from 2025 to 2030, aims to increase its GDP contribution from the current $32 billion to between $74 billion and $94 billion.

    He said, “We have a strategic plan which is going to run from 2025 to 2030. And we have a basket of livestock contribution in GDP, which is currently at about $32 billion.

    “And our mission is, in the next 10 years, we want to take, there is a baseline, a base anticipation of $4 billion, and then, of course, a high expectation of about $9-$4 billion. We believe that if you actually look at the entire value chain of livestock in Nigeria here today, we are far in excess of that. So we are even trying to recapture our actual contribution.

    “So it’s for us, about where you are and where you want to be by this time. And if we do that, then we will be able to feed ourselves well. If we can feed ourselves well, we will be able to extend into the West African region.”

    He explained that Nigeria plans to develop the livestock industry for national food security, job creation, and rural income generation.

    Mr. Alike said the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the government’s deliberate action towards strengthening the livestock sub-sector and driving national development.

    Mr. Alike also underscored the importance of collaboration between Nigeria, ECOWAS, and other regional actors in achieving shared agricultural and food security goals.

    In his remarks, the Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA), Mr. Konlani Kanfitin, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to advancing livestock development and research collaboration in the region.

    He expressed appreciation to the European Union (EU) and the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) for co-financing the PRISMA Project (Research and Innovation for Productive, Resilient, and Healthy Agro-Pastoral Systems in West Africa), which promotes climate-adapted, research-based innovations in the livestock sector.

    According to him, the PRISMA Project aligns with ECOWAS’ regional agricultural policy (ECOWAP), which seeks to transform agricultural and food systems across the region.

    Mr. Kanfitin emphasised the importance of policy dialogue as a lever for coherence, strategic orientation, participatory governance, and regional integration.

    He said, “The livestock sector occupies a central place in the economies of our member states. It contributes to food security, job creation, and the income of millions of rural households.

    “This policy dialogue workshop constitutes a key moment for reflection and collective action; it is intended as a space for discussions and decision-making to improve the policy environment for research and innovation to increase the productivity and resilience of agro-pastoral systems in West Africa and the Sahel,” he noted.

    In his remarks, Agricultural Engineer and PRISMA Researcher, Dr. Fernando Escribano, highlighted the project’s focus on tackling aflatoxins in livestock feed.

    He described aflatoxins as metabolic byproducts of fungi and bacteria that can grow in the field and during storage when high moisture and temperature conditions allow, stressing the need for standard methods to control their presence in livestock feed.

    “This is the scenario that we had when we started this project. We decided to focus because aflatoxins don’t have borders. Environmental impact doesn’t have borders. So, we decided to go with a harmonization exercise. We need to harmonize and define what equality is,” Dr. Escribano explained.

    “We need to avoid the presence of aflatoxins in our feeds. We need to know how to sample to detect aflatoxins. We need to know how to measure aflatoxins in a relatively simple way, but in a way that we all agree can be done,” he added.

    ECOWAS member states held a two-day Policy Dialogue Workshop for the Valuation of PRISMA Project Results in the Regional Agricultural Priorities of West Africa and the Sahel, in Abuja.

    PRISMA (West Africa)-A research and innovation project that focused on regional agricultural priorities, particularly livestock development, in the region.

    The PRISMA policy dialogue workshop was organized under the framework of ECOWAS’s regional agricultural policy (ECOWAP) 

    The event was co-financed and technically supported by the European Union (EU), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Luxembourg Cooperation, Belgian Cooperation, and Spanish Cooperation.

    The project aims to produce several results of research and innovation that take into account regional priorities in terms of productivity and competitiveness of value chains, food security, education, youth employment, climate change, and regency.

  • FARMATAGO launches food safety and production sustainability initiative

    FARMATAGO launches food safety and production sustainability initiative

    Farmatago AgroVentures Limited has officially launched the Food Safety and Production Sustainability (FSPS) Initiative, an impact movement aimed at promoting food safety, sustainable production, post-harvest loss reduction, nutritional safe consumption and long-term agricultural sustainability system across the value chain.

    According to the Founder of FARMATAGO, Annat Shittu. Agriculture remains one of the strongest frontiers for national and continental development. Over the years, she has consistently contributed to strengthening agrifood systems within her organisation and in broader ecosystems. The FSPS Initiative and its campaign activities marks yet another strategic step toward amplifying this impact.

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    Unveiled in commemoration of World Food Day 2025, the FSPS Initiative featured a three-day campaign called the FSPS Campaign delivered in partnership with HortiNigeria program, designed to spark a grassroots movement that empowers women, youth, farmers, and market actors to build safer and more sustainable agri-food systems.

    Day One- Farmers Training Day; focused on training farmers with practical knowledge and tools to reduce post-harvest losses through safe and sustainable practices.

    Day Two – Market Campaig Day; featured market engagements where traders were sensitised on hygiene, produce handling, and post-harvest management to ensure consumers’ access to safe and nutritious food.

    Day Three – FSPS Summit; A day that convened farmers, agribusiness players, development partners, and ecosystem enablers to discuss technology adoption, market access, and policy actions for resilient food systems.

    Farmatago AgroVentures Limited is an agribusiness company strengthening the agri-food supply chain through market access for farmers, value-added processing, tech-driven innovations, and initiatives that promote food safety and reduce post-harvest losses.

  • You’re a promise keeper, Oyo farmers hail Adelabu’s mega empowerment

    You’re a promise keeper, Oyo farmers hail Adelabu’s mega empowerment

    All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has commended Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for his 2025 mega empowerment and economic support programme for residents.

    AFAN described Adelabu as a promise keeper, saying continued commitment of the Minister towards liberating the masses, particularly farmers across Oyo State through the Bayo Adelabu Foundation (BAF) can not be overemphasized.

    A statement by AFAN Chairman in Oyo State, Engr. Olumide Ayinla confirmed that all beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme, particularly farmers in the state have received their financial support as promised by the Minister.

    He described Adelabu as a leader whose words carry action, saying Adelabu has maintained consistent record of practical support for agricultural growth across the state.

    Ayinla recalled that few months ago, Adelabu donated truck–loads of fertilizers to farmers across the state, a gesture which according to him has boosted farm productivity, reduced financial burden, and motivated more active crop cultivation.

    He stated that the latest empowerment by Adelabu was a continuation of sincere, impactful assistance, not politics, not propaganda, but direct intervention that touches lives.

    He said: “For years now, Chief Adelabu has proven that he understands the heartbeat of the grassroots, particularly farmers and has never stopped supporting the agricultural value chain with real resources, not empty speeches. 

    “The Bayo Adelabu Foundation is rewriting the story of sustainable empowerment in Oyo State.”

    Ayinla however prayed for Adelabu’s political ambition, saying a leader who uplifts people also deserves to rise. 

    “We prayed that God will continue to strengthen him to do more for humanity, the farming community, and the future of Oyo State.”

  • ACCI charges Nigerians to embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture

    ACCI charges Nigerians to embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture

    The President, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu, has called on Nigerians to embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture, and Sustainable value chain practices, stating that Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a vital pillar of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP.

    He noted that the country’s productivity levels are still far below potential, which is why the path forward is clear: turn to mechanised farming.

    He added that Nigerians should note that technology is the new tractor; it drives growth, efficiency, and competitiveness, adding that mechanisation enables large-scale production, reduces labour intensity, and enhances efficiency across the entire value chain.

    Obegolu, who was represented by the ACCI Vice President on Agriculture, Mr. Olasetemi Bode Thompson, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the farm, food allied technology FARMFATECH expo 2025 in Abuja, explaining that it also mitigates some of the challenges posed by insecurity and limited access to arable land.

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    He said, “This program marks another milestone in our collective effort to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through mechanisation, innovation, and partnership. This year’s expo reinforces our shared commitment to reposition agriculture as the bedrock of national development and food security.

    “FARMFATECH 2025 speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda, the need to modernise our agricultural systems, strengthen food security, and expand investment in agribusiness through technology-driven solutions. Here, farmers, investors, policymakers, researchers, and innovators will engage, network, and explore new frontiers of opportunity across the entire agricultural value chain.

    Speaking, the Permanent Secretary ministry of Agriculture, Marcus Olaniyi who was represented by Abubakar Musa, Director Federal Food and Drug Authority, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said engagements and constructive dialogue stand as a critical component of the methodical and holistic efforts at charting a new course for the conceivable future of Nigeria’s agriculture by ensuring food and nutrition security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.

    He added that growing the agricultural sector has remained a cardinal objective of the government, particularly deriving from its strategic value and role.

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is very consistent with Digitalization, technology, and innovation in agriculture and agribusiness, and at present, running its operations on the policy tagged National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP).

  • Foundation trains 90 corps members on agribusiness

    Foundation trains 90 corps members on agribusiness

    …NYSC DG urges youth to embrace agribusiness

    The Leventis Foundation Nigeria has said that 90 corps members have undergone agribusiness training and internship across its schools in the country.

    The Executive Director of the Foundation, Hope Usieta, said this in Abuja during the third edition of the Agricultural Youths Summit organised in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Usieta said that 40 corps members had already completed the training, while 50 were presently undergoing the same training in its LFN schools.

    He stated, “I commend LFN’s partnership with NYSC through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) because it has provided us with the opportunity to reach out to more youths. Through the LFN-SAED partnership, 40 corps members have undergone agribusiness training and internship across LFN’s schools, and about 50 are currently undergoing agribusiness training across Leventis Foundation Nigeria training schools.”

    He added, “As you may be aware, Leventis Foundation is the foremost organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture and youth development through the training offered to youths and farmers across Nigeria in various aspects of agriculture and agribusiness across our 6 training centers.

    “Despite various interventions in the agricultural sector, there’s no doubt that challenges still abound. Hence, there’s a critical need to do more to advance the needed solutions.

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    “One of such challenges is the limited access to Agri finance experienced by small holder farmers and their preparedness to receive finances.

    “For Nigeria, with a share of agricultural gross domestic product, raising agricultural investment for increasing productivity and ensuring food security constitutes an important policy instrument for meeting the SDGs.”

    The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, urged Nigerian youths to embrace agribusiness as a prerequisite to ending the country’s food insecurity and unemployment.

    Nafiu, who was represented by the Director, Ventures Management at NYSC, Abe Dankaro, said the event comes at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with both high youth unemployment and rising food security concerns.

    According to him, the agricultural sector presents huge opportunities for innovation, job creation, and national development—particularly when driven by the energy and creativity of young Nigerians.

    He stated, “Nigeria is confronted with the dual challenge of high youth unemployment and growing concerns over food security. Yet, in every challenge lies an opportunity, and that opportunity is agribusiness—a sector rich in potential but in need of young minds to drive its transformation.”

    He noted that NYSC’s collaboration with Leventis has helped build a new generation of “agripreneurs” equipped not only for farming but also for entrepreneurship.

    “This is not just about farming; it is about building a generation of self-reliant, job-creating, and economically empowered youths who will take agriculture to new heights of innovation and enterprise.

    “See yourselves not as job seekers, but as nation builders armed with knowledge, resilience, and purpose,” he stated.

    On his part, the Chairman of LFN, Ahmed Manti, emphasised the need for improved access to agricultural financing to support smallholder farmers and scale youth-led agribusinesses in the country.

    He said, “One of the major challenges we continue to observe is limited access to agri-financing and the preparedness of smallholder farmers to secure such funding,” he said. “Strengthening investment in agriculture is a key policy tool for boosting productivity and achieving food security in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “We believe this summit will continue to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem and drive economic development.”

  • FG raises credit guarantee for Tomato farmers to 75%

    FG raises credit guarantee for Tomato farmers to 75%

    The federal government has raised the Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) for tomato crate financing to 75 per cent under the Dutch-funded HortiNigeria Programme, in a policy move expected to unlock over ₦500 million in intervention funding for Nigeria’s horticulture sector.

    Country Representative of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and Programme Director of HortiNigeria, Mohamed Selassie Idris, announced this during the 47th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) held in Kaduna.

    Idris explained that the CRG, which stood at 30 per cent a year ago and was later increased to 50 per cent, has now been scaled up to 75 per cent through the collaboration of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

    He said the development would boost confidence among financial institutions, expand access to credit for agribusinesses, and significantly reduce post-harvest losses in the tomato value chain.

    “This will strengthen the supply chain and enable more farmers and crate producers to access financing,” he said. “The use of plastic crates has proven to reduce tomato damage during transport from northern states to southern markets.”

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    According to Idris, the new credit framework—supported by NIRSAL, will make available a ₦500 million fund for crate manufacturing and distribution to farmers in major tomato-producing states.

    He noted that the use of traditional raffia baskets often leads to as much as 50 per cent loss of produce when transported from states such as Kaduna and Kano to southern markets, but the adoption of plastic crates is changing that narrative.

    The programme director said HortiNigeria’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Tomato Policy Committee aligns with ongoing reforms to modernise the horticulture sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

    Funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands, HortiNigeria is implemented by a consortium led by IFDC in partnership with the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT), KIT Institute, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

  • ActionAid criticises new tropical forest fund

    ActionAid criticises new tropical forest fund

    As the world prepares for COP30, the launch of a new international fund, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), aimed at conserving tropical forests has drawn criticism from ActionAid International, which described the initiative as “a gamble with people’s lives.”

    Responding to the announcement, ActionAid’s Global Lead on Climate Justice, Teresa Anderson, said the fund’s design risks prioritising financial speculation over the real needs of forest-dependent communities.

    “Public finance is scarce and needs to go directly to forest communities rather than to complex financial instruments that aren’t guaranteed to raise money or benefit people on the ground.”

    “This fund is a gamble in the casino of financial markets,” Anderson said.

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    She warned that the initiative could worsen the financial strain on developing nations already struggling with debt and climate-related crises.

    “Sadly, this initiative is based on increasing the burden on countries that are already in debt distress and constantly battling climate-induced disasters. This is a contradiction to the principles of fair climate finance,” she added.

    Anderson further emphasised that genuine climate solutions must focus on justice, equity, and the empowerment of those most affected by environmental degradation.

    “There are no shortcuts to tackling the runaway climate crisis. The needs and rights of frontline communities must be centred in all decision-making.”

  • NALDA, Agbeyewa farms sign pact to scale up cassava production

    NALDA, Agbeyewa farms sign pact to scale up cassava production

    The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Agbeyewa Farms Limited to establish a Joint Venture (JV) for large-scale cassava cultivation and the management of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Irele, Ekiti State.

    The agreement, signed in Abuja on Friday, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s cassava value chain, improve food security, and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on agricultural transformation and rural development.

    Speaking at the ceremony,  Executive Secretary,  NALDA, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, said the partnership marks a major milestone in the government’s drive to modernise agriculture and empower private investors.

    Adebayo explained that the collaboration was inspired by his inspection visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti, where the scale and efficiency of operations highlighted the crop’s vast potential.

    “What we saw at Agbeyewa Farms changed my direction as chief executive. It encouraged me to include cassava as a major crop under NALDA. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, yet we benefit the least from its global export market,” he said.

    He expressed concern that despite producing around 65 million metric tonnes of cassava each year, Nigeria’s contribution to the $3.65 billion global cassava market is less than $1 million.

    To close this gap, Adebayo said NALDA will intensify support for private sector participation in value addition through the production of cassava-based industrial products such as starch, flour, and sorbitol.

    Under the MoU, NALDA will clear 5,000 hectares of land for Agbeyewa Farms to expand its current 3,000-hectare operation in Ekiti State, with similar initiatives planned in Delta and Kwara States.

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    “Government cannot run enterprises. Our job is to provide the enabling environment for private investment to thrive. Agbeyewa has proven to be the best and largest in cassava cultivation; they deserve to anchor our Ekiti Mega Farm Estate,” Adebayo added.

    He noted that the repayment arrangement for land clearing would be structured for flexibility and sustainability, allowing Agbeyewa to reinvest in production expansion.

    “We are encouraging large-scale farming, in-grower systems, and farm estate clusters. This model will not only boost food production but also make Nigeria competitive in cassava exports,” he stated.

    Adebayo further commended President Tinubu’s economic policies, noting that investor confidence in the agricultural sector had improved significantly, with NALDA receiving inquiries from six international partners in recent weeks.

    On his part,  Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms,  Mr. Oscar Seyi Ayeleso, lauded NALDA for its commitment to partnership and capacity building.

    “This collaboration is a dream come true. Agbeyewa Farms started three years ago with 3,000 hectares of cassava and plans to expand to 5,000 hectares this year. Our goal is to become the largest cassava farm in the world,” Ayeleso stated.

    He said the company’s operations have so far created over 2,300 jobs, including 444 managers and 1,100 farmers, while also providing training and employment opportunities for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

    “We are transforming rural communities by promoting mechanized farming and youth empowerment. Our yield last year was 35 tonnes per hectare, and we are targeting up to 40 tonnes this year. Every hectare cultivated can make a farmer a millionaire,” he said.

    Ayeleso reaffirmed Agbeyewa’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s food security and industrialisation goals, noting that the company currently supplies major processors including Nestlé among others.

    Also speaking,  Technical Adviser to the NALDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Olusegun Owolabi, described the MoU as a blueprint for future collaborations across multiple agricultural value chains.

  • Nigeria moves to mainstream gender equality in agriculture with new policy framework

    Nigeria moves to mainstream gender equality in agriculture with new policy framework

    Nigeria is taking a bold step toward building a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector following the final validation of the Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Action Plan (2025–2030) in Abuja.

    The updated framework aims to eliminate gender gaps across the agricultural value chain, strengthen women’s participation, and promote social justice within the country’s agrifood systems.

    The validation workshop brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, development partners, civil society organisations, farmer cooperatives, youth groups, and associations of persons with disabilities.

     Food System Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Azubike Nwokoye, said the revised document was developed through extensive consultations and reflects the voices of farmers, women, and other marginalized groups across the six geopolitical zones.

    “This exercise is to validate the revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture, which was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure gender fairness and equality throughout the agricultural value chain,” he said.

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    According to Nwokoye, the new policy addresses previously neglected issues such as gender-based violence in agrifood systems and the specific needs of youth and vulnerable groups.

    “The old policy didn’t fully recognise the different needs of young men and women, nor did it address gender-based violence or provide structured support for vulnerable farmers. We’ve corrected those gaps in this revision,” he explained.

    He added that the revised policy aligns with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and other national development frameworks, making it a central tool for inclusive agricultural growth.

    Nwokoye further revealed that consultations with state governments had led to commitments to create dedicated budget lines for policy implementation in the 2026 fiscal year.

    “At ActionAid, we monitor agricultural budgets and advocate for gender-responsive allocations. The goal is to ensure the policy delivers measurable improvements for women, youth, and people with disabilities,” he added.

    Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Director of Special Duties described the validation as the conclusion of a year-long, nationwide effort that began in January 2025.

    “This process involved more than 1,200 contributors, including smallholder women farmers, youth representatives, and people with disabilities, from all six geopolitical zones,” she said.

    She stressed that the policy would guarantee fair participation, equitable access to resources, and targeted interventions for all categories of farmers, particularly women and youth who make up the majority of the agricultural labour force.

    “Over 30 million Nigerians work in agriculture, and most are women and youth. Yet, many still face limited access to land, credit, and decision-making power. This policy is designed to change that reality,” she said.

    The Director added that once approved by the National Council on Agriculture, the policy would be implemented at both state and local government levels, urging all stakeholders to ensure it becomes “a living framework that drives real change, not a document that gathers dust.”

    She also called on government agencies to institutionalize gender-responsive budgeting and encouraged development partners to align their investments with the policy’s key priorities, particularly access to finance, technology, and markets.

    In his closing remarks, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the collaborative spirit behind the revision process.

    “This is a major milestone in our effort to promote gender equality and empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector,” he said.

    Ogunbiyi praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its continued commitment to agricultural development and recognised the National Assembly’s role in supporting gender-responsive policies.

    “The success of this policy depends on collective action. We must all work together to ensure its implementation delivers an inclusive and productive agricultural sector for all Nigerians,” he added.

    With validation completed, the Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture (2025–2030) will now be presented to the National Council on Agriculture for final endorsement, a step expected to usher in a new era of gender-balanced and inclusive agricultural transformation in Nigeria.