The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

Horticultural sector facilitates €4.1million in finance, new jobs

The Federal Government as well as stakeholders in the horticulture sector have listed the gains the sector is making in recent times with the active collaboration of relevant partners.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, said, there has been a 93% increase in crop yields, a 205 per cent rise in farmer incomes and more than 76,000 farmers trained with women and youth far exceeding original participation targets.

Additionally, he said, nearly 900 horticulture-related MSMEs have been supported, with improved capacities in agricultural practices, financial literacy, and business development.

He added that, more than €4.1 million in finance has been facilitated, 477 new jobs and businesses created, with youth accounting for 70 per cent of these opportunities.

According to him, the various achievements were made possible with the active collaboration of HortiNigeria, which he said has been catalystic in facilitating sustainable and inclusive growth across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo States.

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Dr Abdullahi spoke while delivering the keynote address in Ibadan during the Learning Event 2025 of the HortiNigeria programme, themed “Catalysing Sustainability and Inclusion through Stakeholder Engagement in Nigeria’s Horticulture Sector.”

The event saw policymakers, government officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration, enabling policies, and increased investment to drive sustainability and inclusion in Nigeria’s horticulture sector.

The HortiNigeria programme (2021–2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is led by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and implemented in partnership with the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), and Wageningen University & Research.

With a €9.7 million budget, the programme has focused on improving food security, empowering smallholder farmers, and promoting sustainability, with particular emphasis on women and youth.

The Minister who was represented by the Director of Horticulture at the Ministry, Yerima Ubah, highlighted the programme’s impact, said, “HortiNigeria has been catalytic in facilitating sustainable and inclusive growth across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo States.

“We have seen a 93 per cent increase in crop yields, a 205 per cent rise in farmer incomes, and more than 76,000 farmers trained with women and youth far exceeding original participation targets. This confirms that horticulture is not only boosting productivity but also empowering women and creating dignified opportunities for our young people.

“Nearly 900 horticulture-related MSMEs have been supported, with improved capacities in agricultural practices, financial literacy, and business development. More than €4.1 million in finance has been facilitated, and 477 new jobs and businesses created, with youth accounting for 70% of these opportunities.

“Beyond numbers, the programme has reduced post-harvest losses by an extraordinary 83%, injected over 23,000 plastic crates into Mile 12 Market for tomato handling, and piloted solar-powered irrigation systems to help farmers adapt to climate change. It has also supported policy reforms in seeds, tomatoes, and organic agriculture, while securing higher credit-risk guarantees for farmers.

“These achievements are worth celebrating, but they also remind us that the journey is far from over. We still face rising input costs, climate change, insecurity, and land conflicts. However, the successes of HortiNigeria show that with the right partnerships, innovation, and enabling policies, these challenges can be overcome.

“Our vision remains clear, to build a sustainable horticulture sector that drives food and nutrition security, creates jobs, empowers women, and enhances Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.”

In his speech, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt Van Loosdrecht, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to agricultural partnerships.

He said, “The Netherlands is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, second only to the United States. We are always interested in making investments in other countries, and Nigeria has both the population and the resources to become a hub for horticulture. From the data we’ve seen, Nigerian consumers are increasingly demanding quality products, and that gives us a strong basis to scale up.

“We are ready to work with the Nigerian government on building policies and systems that will take horticulture from potential to prosperity.”

Representing the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Dr. Juliet Agu, Assistant Director, Bilateral Economic Cooperations also stressed the importance of embedding horticulture into Nigeria’s long-term agenda.

“Horticulture is no longer just a subsector, it is a driver of jobs, nutrition, and trade. We must ensure the lessons from HortiNigeria are scaled beyond the lifespan of the programme. This means embedding horticulture firmly into Nigeria’s long-term economic and development planning. That is the only way to sustain the gains achieved so far.”

Also, representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, reaffirmed Oyo State’s partnership.

“Oyo State is proud to be at the forefront of this effort. Through our partnership with HortiNigeria, especially via OYSADA, we are repositioning the value chain to empower families, strengthen public-private collaboration, and bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. This will help revitalise agriculture for the next generation.”

On behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Food Safety, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, praised the programme’s impact. She said, “HortiNigeria has shown what is possible when partnerships are built around shared goals. For Ogun State, horticulture is not just about food production, but about creating jobs, building enterprises, and ensuring that women and youth are at the centre of agricultural transformation.

“We are committed to sustaining this momentum, scaling up innovations, and aligning with programmes that place people and sustainability at the heart of agriculture.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Mohammed Salasi Idris, HortiNigeria Program Director, reflected on the programme’s journey since its inception.

“We are not only here to celebrate, but to reflect and chart a way forward for horticulture in Nigeria. We want to ask ourselves what worked, what didn’t work, and how we can build on the successes.

“Since 2021, we have supported over 70,000 farmers, connecting them to markets, building skills, and strengthening small-scale producers. HortiNigeria is not just about farming, it’s about creating jobs and transforming livelihoods.

“We need to move from aid to trade. Nigeria can double its horticultural exports by 2030 if we invest in innovation, climate-smart practices, and greenhouse technologies. Horticulture can become the engine room of agricultural transformation.”

September 19, 2025
NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps for dry season farming

The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday endorsed the rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), describing the innovation as a revolutionary step toward ensuring food security in Nigeria.

At its 152nd meeting held at the State House, Abuja, and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Council resolved to seek President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the mass production and distribution of the pumps ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.

The NASENI solar pump, designed to replace petrol-powered systems, is expected to boost agricultural productivity, reduce operational costs for farmers, increase incomes, and improve livelihoods.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Council further mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities to enable NASENI scale up production on time.

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Vice President Shettima hailed the breakthrough as proof that Nigerian ingenuity can compete globally. “NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.

“Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.

He added that beyond food security, the technology would unlock carbon credit opportunities for farmers.

Shettima also highlighted ongoing government initiatives in agriculture, including the insurance of 250,000 farmers across eight states, progress on the 30 percent Value Addition Bill, the ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility, the repositioning of the Green Imperative Project with Brazil, and the World Bank-backed AGROW programme.

The meeting also received updates on Nigeria’s economic outlook from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) ahead of its 31st annual summit.

The NESG presentation noted global risks such as uneven growth, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate change pressures, stressing the need for structural reforms in Nigeria.

The report identified energy and transport bottlenecks, foreign exchange liquidity crises, and political risks as major challenges.

It urged Nigeria to embrace industrialisation, infrastructure investment, and subnational competitiveness to drive growth.

The Council resolved to participate actively in the summit to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, presented Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework for riverine flooding.

The plan prioritises early warning systems, multipurpose cash assistance of ₦24 billion, evacuation sites, and community resilience measures in 13 high-risk states.

The framework emphasises equity, timely interventions, and institutionalising preparedness across ministries and agencies.

The Council commended the initiative as visionary and directed the NSA to expand its scope to cover more states for ratification at the next meeting.

In another presentation, Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi drew attention to the impact of high energy costs and input prices on food production.

He recommended a review of fertilizer pricing policies and provision of smaller farming implements for smallholder farmers.

The Council resolved to address the challenges head-on and directed the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) to engage with industry stakeholders on lowering domestic gas costs and report back at its next sitting.

The Council also recalled President Tinubu’s earlier directive for NASENI to produce up to 100,000 irrigation pumps for nationwide distribution, reaffirming its commitment to reducing farmers’ energy costs and strengthening food security.

On account balances as of September 17, 2025, the Council was informed that the Excess Crude Account stood at $535,823.39, the Stabilization Account at ₦83.49 billion, and the Natural Resources Account at ₦125.82 billion.

September 18, 2025
NAIDA denies fraud allegations in AfDB-funded $134m agric programme

The Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) has dismissed allegations of fraud and fund diversion in the $134 million African Development Bank (AfDB)-funded National Agricultural Growth Scheme, Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), describing recent media reports as “misleading and unsubstantiated.”

In a statement signed by its President, Kabiru Umar Fara, the association responded to a September 15, 2025, article published by a media organisation which accused senior government officials of diverting funds meant for agro-input suppliers under the programme.

NAIDA said no evidence had been presented to prove that any official personally benefited from funds allocated to suppliers.

“The assertion that money earmarked for agro dealers was used for unrelated items is false and remains unsubstantiated,” the statement read.

While acknowledging that there have been delays in payments to some suppliers, NAIDA stressed that this should not be misinterpreted as fraud.

It explained that the delays were linked to verification processes, reconciliation of delivery reports, quality checks, and compliance with AfDB and federal procurement standards.

The association further clarified that some payments had already been made, while others were in the final processing stage.

“Once suppliers meet all contractual obligations and submit the required documentation, payments will be made, and will be made as per the agreed schedule. No funds have been withheld arbitrarily,” Fara said.

On concerns raised by agro dealers over delayed payments, NAIDA expressed regret over the hardship experienced by some members, adding that the programme managers were working to expedite outstanding payments.

NAIDA also underscored that NAGS-AP is subject to stringent AfDB audits, monitoring, and financial oversight.

“All disbursements and payments are documented, reported to AfDB, and open to audit. Allegations of misappropriation will be taken seriously, and we are ready to cooperate with any credible investigation,” the association stated.

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The body described claims that officials acted in bad faith, or that the programme’s challenges could derail Nigeria’s agricultural emergency plan and fuel food inflation, as defamatory, speculative, and alarmist.

To strengthen transparency, NAIDA disclosed that NAGS-AP had agreed to make public a payment schedule showing suppliers who have been paid and those pending, along with reasons for delays.

The association urged media outlets to verify facts before publication.

“The claims in the article are exaggerated and misleading. NAIDA remains committed to supporting smallholder farmers, ensuring timely delivery of inputs, remunerating suppliers, and operating with accountability and transparency,” Fara said.

September 17, 2025
FG unveils landmark water, hydropower projects

‎The Federal Government has announced fresh commitments to major water supply, sanitation, irrigation, and hydropower projects across the country as part of efforts to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), which seeks universal access to clean water and sanitation.

‎Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, made the declaration in Makurdi, Benue State, at the opening of the 8th International Water Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), with the theme: “Sustainable Urban Water Development and Management in Nigeria: Innovative Solutions Towards Achieving SDG-6.”
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‎Highlighting flagship projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Utsev disclosed that work is advancing on major initiatives such as the 460 MW Katsina-Ala Dam and the 186 MW Bawarku Dam on the Benue River. He added that the concessioning of Datsin Hausa Dam in Adamawa and Itisi Dam in Kaduna is ongoing.
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‎“These projects are not only designed to boost revenue, irrigation, hydropower, sanitation, and water supply, but also to enhance food security, tourism, and job creation for Nigerians,” the Minister said.
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‎He further cited the World Bank–backed Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) project, the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme, and the Clean Nigeria Campaign to end open defecation by 2030 as core interventions driving sectoral reforms.

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‎Utsev commended engineers and water professionals for their creativity and urged them to use the three-day conference as a platform for shaping government policies, strengthening partnerships, and promoting innovative solutions to Nigeria’s water challenges.
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‎Representing Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, Chief of Staff Barr. Moses Atagher pledged the state’s readiness to align with federal interventions. He described water as “a fundamental human right” and stressed that climate change challenges must be tackled with innovative and inclusive strategies.

September 17, 2025
Fed Govt unveils fresh incentives to boost agric investments, food security

The Federal Government yesterday unveiled new incentives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast food production potential and strengthening the nation’s agricultural value chain.

The measures include single-window platforms land registration, land scalling mechanisation, and reinvigorated credit systems in aid of farmers.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said the incentives would boost investment in the sector and ensure food security in the country.

He spoke on government’s commitment to agricultural development at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) National and Subregional Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja.

The vice president said the initiatives were also designed to expand irrigation, strengthen credit access, and create millions of rural jobs in fulfilment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

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He said while hunger is a global security issue, Nigeria must mobilise its strengths to secure a future of abundance.

Shettima said: “Nothing unifies humanity as much as hunger. It is the great equaliser that reveals our vulnerabilities and the shared fragility of our existence. Food is not merely a matter of survival; it is a matter of global security.

“We must facilitate access to land and resources for serious investors. We must drive mechanisation to reduce drudgery and enhance productivity. We must strengthen the agricultural credit system to ensure capital flows to where it is needed most.”

Shettima observed that irrigation is a game-changer, noting that Nigeria has river basins and aquifers capable of irrigating over three million hectares but currently uses less than ten per cent of its capacity.

He said in a statement by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha, that “strategic investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, free us from seasonal dependency, and fortify our resilience against climate shocks”.

The Vice President also assured investors that policies are being re-engineered to attract capital through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and agri-tech innovation.

He added: “Nigeria is open for business, and we are ready to partner with you. Let us work hand-in-hand to build a Nigeria and a subregion where no one goes to bed hungry, where rural communities are hubs of wealth creation, and where agriculture is the true foundation of our prosperity.”

Shettima said the country is open for business and ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and investors in implementing its national blueprint targeted at creating 21 million full-time jobs in rural and agrarian communities, while securing national food and nutrition sufficiency.

He stressed: “The vehicle to this future is the quality of policies we have chosen to prioritise. At the top of these interventions stands our National Development Plan (2021–2025), which has set forth ambitious but achievable targets.

“This blueprint seeks to lift 35 million Nigerians out of poverty, create 21 million full-time jobs in rural and agrarian communities, and secure national food and nutrition sufficiency through deliberate and strategic investments in agriculture.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, spoke on Nigeria’s investment atmosphere and country profile, highlighting key challenges and potentials for investment across the agribusiness value chain.

He said Nigeria’s domestic market, large arable land, clement weather and fast growing digital economy, present unique opportunities for investment across the agribusiness ecosystem.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, said the economic potential of Nigeria remains largely untapped, especially in agriculture and irrigation, which hold significant promise for economic diversification and transformation.

He said agribusiness is an important component of national development plan in the medium and long term, as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security of The Gambia, Dr Demba Sabally, commended the FAO for hosting the event and Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture.

Highlighting the country’s success stories in the rice and cassava value chains, he said they are worthy of emulation by countries in the sub-region and beyond.

Sabally emphasised the need for peer review among countries in the West African sub-region because of their common challenges and opportunities for growth and transformation.

The representative of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, said the Hand-in-Hand Initiative is FAO’s “evidence-based, country-led, and country-owned flagship programme, designed to accelerate agricultural transformation and sustainable rural development.”

He said the programme is squarely aimed at eradicating poverty, ending hunger and malnutrition, and reducing inequalities.

The minister also said it is a collective vehicle for achieving the SDGs.

Describing Nigeria’s clear agricultural development priorities as catalysts for transformative and sustainable growth within Africa’s agri-food systems, Dr Gadain hailed Shettima’s genuine commitment and visionary leadership in transforming the agri-food systems.

He said Shettima’s passion for agriculture, food security, and nutrition is unmatched, adding that he has been a driving force in attracting crucial investments and fostering innovation

The Head of the EU Delegation in Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, said the Hand-in-Hand Initiative reflected Nigeria’s strong commitment to strengthening food security and deepening investment across the agribusiness value chain.

He said the EU is Nigeria’s long term partner in Nigeria’s agricultural journey, adding that it is committed to investing in value chain development in the country, starting with the recent investment of over 80 million euros to unlock opportunities in key value chains across 7 states.

He also said the EU would deepen collaboration with Nigeria to ensure that irrigation becomes a pathway for economic growth and agricultural transformation.

September 17, 2025
Review of silo concessions coming to curb post-harvest losses

The Federal Government has announced plans to revamp the Silos Concession Programme in a bid to curb Nigeria’s annual post-harvest losses estimated at $10 billion.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a meeting with the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Oseodian Ewalefoh in Abuja.

In a statement by the Head, Department of nformation at the Ministry, Ikemefuna Ezeaja, Kyari said the move would rehabilitate silo facilities, strengthen the country’s food storage system, and promote food sovereignty.

“Storage facilities are essential to our food security drive, as they directly address wastage and ensure year-round availability of staple crops,” he stated.

The minister revealed that out of 17 silo complexes concessioned to five private companies, only Flour Mills of Nigeria operating three silos through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) has met its financial and operational obligations.

Others, he noted, have failed to make facilities functional, with some sites such as Ikorodu and Ogoja suffering vandalism and collapse of perimeter fences.

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He said the ministry, in partnership with ICRC, would intensify oversight, enforce compliance, and ensure only competent concessionaires manage the facilities.

The initiative, he added, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritizes food and nutrition security.

On his part, Dr. Ewalefoh stressed that only private firms with clear operational needs for silos should be retained. He urged the government to recover abandoned facilities and sanction concessionaires who failed to remit returns to the national treasury.

The meeting ended with the formation of a committee to review contracts, assess performance, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the programme.

September 16, 2025
FG to convert 417 grazing reserves into modern livestock villages

The federal government has unveiled plans to transform Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves into fully functional “Renewed Hope Livestock Villages” equipped with modern infrastructure and essential services.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to deploy solar-powered mini-grids across the reserves.

According to Maiha, the initiative will provide stable electricity, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, abattoirs, veterinary services, irrigation systems, road networks, clean water, and security infrastructure. The goal, he said, is to resettle pastoralists, boost livestock production, and reduce recurring herder-farmer conflicts.

He added that the initiative will not only modernise livestock production but also curb migration of herders, reduce violent clashes, and open up new economic opportunities in rural areas.

“Nomadic pastoralism is no longer sustainable due to climate change, increasing competition for scarce resources, and the growing size of the national herd.

“We are rehabilitating these reserves to improve quality of life, modernise livestock farming, and incentivise pastoralists to remain in settled communities.”

He added that pilot projects have already been identified in Wawazangi (Gombe State), Wasem (Plateau State), Gongoshin (Adamawa State), and Ka’u (Bwari Area Council, FCT), where solar grids will soon be deployed.

Maiha explained that the Renewed Hope Livestock Villages would feature earth dams, pasture cultivation facilities, schools, health centres, and veterinary clinics. The programme, he noted, will benefit not only cattle herders but also pig, goat, and sheep farmers across the country.

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“Millions of pastoralists and animal keepers, even outside the grazing reserves, will benefit from this MoU,” he said, adding that rehabilitation would be phased and tailored to the peculiar needs of each reserve.

On his part, REA’s Executive Secretary, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership aligns with the agency’s mandate to power rural communities and key sectors through renewable energy.

“If you have a grazing reserve with schools, health centres, markets, and abattoirs, that is a perfect cluster for electrification.

“This partnership is a marriage of convenience to energize communities and boost productivity in the livestock sector.”

September 14, 2025
Proactive policies will unlock sustainable agrifood systems, says Kyari

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has said that proactive policies in Nigeria’s agricultural sector are key to unlocking sustainable agrifood systems that will safeguard the climate, restore soil health, enhance production, and guarantee dignified livelihoods for farmers.

Kyari made the remarks at an event themed “Unlocking Sustainable Agrifood Systems for Climate, Nature, and Livelihoods” during the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) Forum of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Rome.

He recalled that in 2022, the ministry, then known as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, entered into a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Monitoring and Analyzing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) Programme.

The collaboration, he said, has produced extensive policy analyses that continue to shape Nigeria’s agricultural policymaking.

According to the minister, Nigeria is spearheading a national initiative to build a climate-resilient and nature-positive food system in line with national policies. Ongoing strategies include the distribution of improved seeds, sustainable soil management, boosting food production, and expanding agroforestry.

Kyari highlighted the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) as a major driver of agricultural transformation, aimed at enhancing investments, boosting production, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and making nutritious diets more affordable, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting reforestation.

He further disclosed that Nigeria’s forthcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) will align climate commitments with agricultural transformation priorities.

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These include scaling up climate-smart agriculture, restoring degraded lands, promoting regenerative practices, and empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

Building on these, Nigeria has also advanced its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which integrates climate priorities across agriculture, water, health, and infrastructure, with emphasis on community-led and ecosystem-based solutions.

Kyari noted that the country is positioning itself under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement by creating enabling policies and market mechanisms for carbon trading. By leveraging carbon credits from climate-smart agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration, Nigeria aims to attract fresh investments while directly supporting smallholder farmers.

He listed development partnership projects already strengthening resilience in the sector, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro Pockets (NAGS-AP).

Calling for global collaboration, the minister urged stakeholders and international financial institutions such as IFAD, FAO, and GEF to scale up concessional and blended financing, share risk, and support high-impact programmes that benefit smallholder farmers and rural communities.

Kyari also commended FAO and IFAD for their technical support through the Global Environment Facility’s Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP), which he said is helping Nigeria while fostering cross-country knowledge sharing and innovation.

September 14, 2025
Tinubu orders further crash in food prices

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed a committee within the Federal Executive Council to ensure further crash in food prices in the country, it was learnt on Wednesday.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja while presenting a paper at a one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Senate Press Corps for its members.

Abdullahi explained that the further reduction in food prices would be achieved through safe passage of agricultural produce and commodities across various routes in the country.

The Minister said the President’s directive was geared towards the realisation of his vision on food sovereignty.

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Abdullahi said: “In addressing the high cost of transportation of farm produce in the country, I can say it on good authority to you that the President has given a matching order to a Federal Executive Council committee already handling it, on how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural goods and commodities across our various routes in the country.

“We are aware, and I’m sure as media, you are also aware, that there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered, if you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery.

“So we are working very hard. We are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”

On the President’s food sovereignty target Senator Abdullahi said the vision is within the ambit of food security and food sufficiency encompassing availability of the food, accessibility of the food, affordability, and in the right nutritional content on a sustainable basis.

He added that other programmes like the Farmer Soil Health Scheme and cooperative reform are being mapped out for implementation.

“We are having what we call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme and that is ready for launch. We are just waiting for the date.

“Another important part I would like you to take note of very seriously is that we are promoting, or we are having what you call, cooperative reform and revamp programme.

“Mr. President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation, and to improve the livelihood of members.

“The principle of cooperative is clear and is democratic, yet it is also very productive. We are reforming this.

“There’s a number of things we are doing there and I will urge you, as a Press Corps, to consider forming a cooperative,” he said.

September 10, 2025
Onoh commends Nigeria Customs’ seizure of 347 snakes, scorpions destined for export

The Founder of Woodland Park Zoo Coal city, Enugu and the Chairman of Tenerife Hospitality Group, Dr. Josef Onoh, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its interception and seizure of 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos.

In a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit trafficking of endangered species, the NCS recently intercepted the reptiles packaged for export outside Nigeria.

The NCS Area Controller, Mike Awe, said that the wildlife export was a breach of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Reacting to the development, the conservationist, Onoh, said that on behalf of himself and the broader conservation community, they extend commendation to the Nigeria Customs Service for the remarkable seizure, noting that it represents a significant victory in the battle against illegal wildlife trade.

Onoh said that the illegal trade is a scourge that not only undermines Nigeria’s biodiversity but also tarnishes the nation’s global reputation and threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystems.

‎Onoh runs the multi-billion-naira Woodland Park Zoo in the Iva Valley Forest Reserve Enugu, designed to promote wildlife tourism and conservation education while offering a world-class safari experience. The zoological garden houses a diverse array of species, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, and various snakes.

Onoh said that the illegal wildlife trade generates a worldwide estimated $7–23 billion annual gross revenue but has a long cast shadow over Nigeria, positioning the nation as a key transit hub for illicit activities involving protected species such as pangolins, elephants, and reptiles like scorpions and snakes as evidenced on the NCS seizure.

“These activities fuel transnational crime, destabilize economic stability, and endanger public safety by facilitating the spread of zoonotic diseases.

“The trafficking of live animals, often conducted without regard for their welfare or ecological impact, contributes to the depletion of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, with far-reaching consequences for our forests, wildlife, and the livelihoods of communities’ dependent on sustainable ecosystems. The NCS’s proactive intervention in this case sends a powerful message: Nigeria will not tolerate the exploitation of its natural heritage for illicit gain,” Onoh said.

‎He added that under the leadership of Comptroller Michael Awe, the Murtala Muhammed Area Command has demonstrated unwavering commitment to enforcing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria has been a signatory since 1974.

“By intercepting these 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes, the NCS has not only prevented a breach of international conservation standards but also safeguarded species that play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance. Reptiles such as these are vital to controlling pest populations and supporting biodiversity, and their illegal trade risks local extinctions and disrupts the natural harmony of Nigeria’s ecosystems. This seizure underscores the NCS’s pivotal role in disrupting criminal networks that profit from environmental destruction, and I applaud their diligence in ensuring that the seized animals will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for proper care and rehabilitation.”

‎He stated that the damage caused by illegal wildlife trade extends beyond environmental loss since Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for trafficking in pangolin scales, ivory, and other wildlife products has, for too long, overshadowed its potential as a leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.

“The NCS’s consistent efforts, including this interception and previous seizures such as the 1,600 parrots and canaries in July 2025, are reshaping this narrative. By collaborating with organizations like the Wildlife Justice Commission and Focused Conservation, and through initiatives like the Nigeria Special Wildlife Office, the NCS is demonstrating that Nigeria is taking bold steps to reclaim its standing as a responsible steward of its natural resources. These actions align with the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime (2022–2026), which seeks to dismantle trafficking networks and promote sustainable environmental practices.”

Onoh said that as a passionate conservationist, advocate for wildlife conservation and founder of the Woodland Park zoo, he was deeply inspired by the NCS’s efforts, which he said resonates with his own commitment to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity.

“My ongoing project, the Woodland Park Zoo in Enugu, reflects this dedication. Situated in the Iva Valley Forest Reserve, this multi-billion-naira initiative is designed to promote wildlife tourism and conservation education while offering a world-class safari experience in the heart of Enugu. The zoological garden, already 70 percent complete, will house a diverse array of species, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, and various snakes, all cared for in environments that prioritize their welfare and align with global conservation standards. By showcasing Nigeria’s natural heritage, Woodland Park aims to foster appreciation for our wildlife, create jobs, and position Enugu as a premier destination for eco-tourism.

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“The Woodland Park Zoo is more than a tourism venture; it is a testament to the belief that conservation and economic development can coexist. By investing in sustainable projects like this, we can counter the destructive impact of illegal wildlife trade, which robs future generations of the opportunity to experience Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. The NCS’s recent actions reinforce the importance of such initiatives, proving that law enforcement and conservation efforts can work hand in hand to protect our environment and elevate Nigeria’s global image.

‎”I commend the NCS for their tireless work in combating wildlife trafficking, which not only protects endangered species but also strengthens Nigeria’s position as a leader in the fight against environmental crime. I urge the service to continue its collaboration with domestic and international partners, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, to ensure that seized wildlife is managed responsibly and that traffickers face the full weight of the law. Together, we can build a Nigeria where our ecosystems thrive, our wildlife is protected, and our nation is celebrated for its commitment to conservation.

“Ones again, I salute the Nigeria Customs Service for their exemplary service and dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. Your actions inspire us all to do more in the fight for a sustainable future.”

September 10, 2025