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Tag: agriculture

  • Fed Govt to invest in commercial agriculture

    Fed Govt to invest in commercial agriculture

    The Federal Government has said it is prioritising large-scale investments across the agricultural value chain, particularly in land management, mechanisation, irrigation, farm inputs, processing and logistics, as part of efforts to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and private investment.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Ministerial Sectoral Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, where senior government officials outlined strategies to move Nigeria from subsistence farming to a commercially viable, investment-led agricultural economy.

    Kyari said the Federal Government is implementing mechanisation partnerships with international equipment manufacturers from Belarus and Brazil, as well as global firms such as John Deere and Origin, to address Nigeria’s long-standing tractorisation gap.

    According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce production costs, increase yields and attract private capital into farming and agro-processing.

    The minister also revealed that the government is expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) through the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Agro-Industrial Estates, Agro-Processing Centres and Cottage Processing Mills nationwide.

    “These facilities are designed to boost value addition, reduce post-harvest losses and deepen agro-industrial activities across the country,” Kyari said.

    Speaking further, he stressed that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability, foreign exchange conservation and national sovereignty, noting that food sufficiency is now being treated as a strategic economic priority.

    Kyari recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in agriculture at the beginning of the administration, elevating food and water security to the highest level of national attention.

    “Our focus is to transit from subsistence to commercial farming. Agriculture must deliver productivity, income, jobs and wealth creation,” he said.

    To improve market stability and reduce price volatility, Kyari said the ministry is implementing a National Food Reserve Programme to mop up excess production during peak seasons, ensuring steady supply and predictable pricing for farmers and consumers.

    Other market-oriented initiatives, he added, include the development of Commodity Market Hubs, Farmers’ Markets, and Rural and Cooperative Markets to expand consumer demand and improve farmers’ access to profitable outlets.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo: Nigeria’s future depends on unity, national renewal

    He also highlighted programmes targeting youth and women in agribusiness, describing them as critical to unlocking Nigeria’s demographic dividend and stimulating rural economies.

    In his address, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi, said the ministry is deliberately restructuring to support private sector participation, data-driven decision-making and performance management.

    Sabi disclosed that new departments have been created, including Agricultural Mechanisation, Agricultural Data and Analytics, Agricultural ICT, Horticulture, Plant Health and Development Partners Projects, to sharpen the ministry’s focus and improve efficiency.

    According to him, the ministry is strengthening financing windows through the Bank of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Development Fund to support farmers, processors and agribusiness investors across the value chain.

    He added that improved coordination of agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, agrochemicals and certified seeds, through regulatory reforms and PPPs has already delivered tangible benefits.

    “This has yielded immense results, with prices of agricultural commodities dropping by about 30 per cent,” Sabi said, attributing the decline to improved supply, better regulation and market coordination.

    The ministers emphasised that agriculture is being repositioned not merely as a social intervention, but as a competitive sector capable of driving GDP growth, export expansion, rural industrialisation and poverty reduction.

    They stressed the need to integrate research, innovation, industry and policy to translate food systems into economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

    The retreat is expected to produce actionable plans aimed at accelerating implementation, ensuring accountability and consolidating agriculture’s role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

  • Companies raise N1.5tr for infrastructure, agriculture

    Companies raise N1.5tr for infrastructure, agriculture

    Companies have raised about N1.5 trillion in debt capital in the past two quarters as businesses seek to deepen investments in key sectors of the economy.

    Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday gave outline of corporate debt capital raising activities within the second and third quarters.

    Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, who spoke during the second Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting for 2025 yesterday in Lagos, said there had been strong capital-raising activities between April and October 2025 with significant transactions approved across debt, equity, and commercial paper markets.

    He listed notable debt raising programmes to include the N500 billion Climate Funding SPV and the N200 billion Elektron Finance bond.

    He added that commercial paper market also remained active, with over N753 billion issued across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.

    He said these figures demonstrated sustained confidence in the market’s regulatory framework.

    According to him, the debt raising activities reflected growing investor interest in infrastructure and sustainable finance.

    He also announced a series of wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening market efficiency, deepening investor confidence, and accelerating the digital transformation of Nigeria’s capital market.

    He also confirmed Nigeria’s move toward a T+1, and eventually T+0 settlement cycle.

    Agama noted that the transition from T+3 to T+2 settlement for equities, implemented on November 28, marked a major milestone for the Nigerian capital market and aligned it more closely with global best practice.

    He explained that shorter settlement cycles will enhance liquidity, reduce counterparty risk, and accelerate capital reinvestment.

    The reform now applies across the Nigerian Exchange, NASD OTC Securities Exchange, and Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange.

    He outlined broader market developments since the last CMC meeting in May, including the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign credit rating and the country’s removal from the FATF grey list. He said these achievements have boosted investor confidence and improved prospects for capital inflows. Inflation has also moderated, with the headline rate easing to 16.05 per cent year-on-year in October, the lowest level since March 2025.

    Despite these positives, the market faced headwinds in November when the Nigerian Exchange recorded its steepest monthly decline on record. Market capitalization fell by N6.54trn, while the All-Share Index dropped nearly seven per cent. The downturn was driven by profit-taking ahead of the planned 30 per cent Capital Gains Tax, weakened sentiment in banking stocks, and broader policy and global uncertainties.

     However, Agama noted that the market has since shown resilience, with modest recovery following government reassurances on fiscal and tax policy, and remains significantly positive year-to-date.

    The SEC is intensifying its market development and financial inclusion efforts through education-based initiatives, including the integration of capital market studies into the national secondary school curriculum in collaboration with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.

    At the tertiary level, the Commission partnered with Nnamdi Azikiwe University for a conference focused on leveraging capital market opportunities for SME growth.

    Regionally, the SEC continues to reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in non-interest finance.

     The Commission recently engaged a Bank of Ghana delegation on regulatory frameworks for non-interest capital markets, highlighting Nigeria’s N1.4trn  sovereign Sukuk issuances and the growth of Islamic mutual funds. Planning is also underway for a Municipal Bond and Sukuk Summit scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

    Agama emphasized ongoing efforts to deepen the commodities and derivatives ecosystem.

    The SEC is collaborating with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to update commodity standards, working with insurance brokers to enhance risk mitigation, and partnering with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to unlock funding for mining companies. It is also engaging the Central Bank of Nigeria to secure liquidity status for warehouse receipts while strengthening oversight of commodity exchanges through inspections and financial reviews.

    The Commission is advancing new rules under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 to support commodity exchanges, collateral managers, warehouse operators, and warehouse receipt issuers. Study tours of exchanges and clearing agencies are informing updated regulatory frameworks, while work continues on harmonizing rules to align with ISA mandates. Engagements with commodity exchanges such as Gezawa and NCX have also helped revive their operations.

    In the derivatives market, the SEC is collaborating with stakeholders to deploy a real-time surveillance system to reinforce market integrity. Updated rules on central counterparties, derivatives trading, online forex, and NG Clearing operations have been submitted to the Rules Committee. A draft systemic risk management rule is also being developed to require stronger risk governance frameworks across regulated entities.

    Agama highlighted the Commission’s technology-driven regulatory reforms, including automation through the Digital Transformation Portal, which now allows capital market operators to submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online. A commercial paper issuance module has been launched, with automation of quarterly and annual returns underway. The SEC is upgrading IT infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity to support these reforms.

    Read Also: How Nigerian Traders Are Using Forex to Hedge Against Economic Uncertainty

    He also presented findings from the Technology Adoption Survey conducted in May 2025, which revealed that while cloud computing and cybersecurity tools are gaining traction, adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data remains below 10 percent. Yet more than 70 percent of firms plan to adopt AI, blockchain, and regulatory technology within three years. Challenges include high implementation costs, skill shortages, and legacy system integration.

    Agama stressed that innovation must go hand-in-hand with ethical and responsible deployment. He reminded operators that safeguarding investor data, preventing market abuse, and maintaining operational resilience are essential to building trust—the foundation of any capital market.

    He also announced that the SEC will implement a Harmonized Corporate Governance Reporting Template for public companies to streamline disclosures, eliminate duplication, and reduce compliance burdens. The template will unify reporting across SEC regulations, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018, and the Business Facilitation Act 2022.

    Looking ahead, the renewal of registration for capital market operators will take place from January 1 to 31, 2026, while electronic receipt and processing of registration applications will commence in the first quarter of 2026.

    Agama concluded by reaffirming the SEC’s commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and innovation-driven capital market that can serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. He said the Commission remains guided by the principle that “a strong capital market is not built in a day; it is shaped by vision, collaboration, and resilience.”

  • Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    State Governors need to as a matter of urgency, prioritize agriculture for economic recovery and diversification. I remember that as far back as 30 years ago, while I was working, I was also trading in agricultural commodities. At times, across Nigeria, we were not talking about food scarcity. Ironically 30 years ago, we were rather talking about wastages of agricultural products and how to store them and cut down the wastages. From Kano and other parts of northern Nigeria to all other parts of southern Nigeria; fruits, vegetables, grains, yam tubers, cassava, potatoes, etc. were wasting away. I recall with nostalgia the huge yam barns in Niger, Benue, the southeast of Nigeria. 

    Fast forward to today, we are struggling with food insecurity. It is sad how bad things have become. Farmers are not able to go to their farms due to insecurity, nor do they have enough tools and feeds like fertilizers, etc. The purchasing powers of the farmers are so low that they are majorly reduced to the lowest form of subsistence farming. Food insecurity is also due to the rising population, which has grown in geometric progression from the first republic to date. Therefore, the need to upscale our production capacity is long overdue. 

    Some agricultural initiatives by Federal and some State Governments are laudable. For example, the agriculture projects so far initiated by the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, are commendable. However, I advise that State Governors should formulate more robust and strategic plans that will be all-encompassing across the Agri value chain, to include grading, cleaning, packaging, storage, value-addition, etc. 

    Depleted Strategic Grain Reserves:

    It is worthy of note that, currently Nigeria has basically depleted its strategic grain reserves. I hope that there is a plan on how to replenish The reserves as a matter of priority. Because it will be a disaster if we do not replenish our strategic grain reserves this year. This is especially so because of the valid projections that there will be food scarcity this year due to climate change, and insecurity. So, Governors should wear their thinking caps and come up with robust strategies going forward.

    In the case of the request by President Tinubu to the Governors to provide land so that Mr. President will ensure that he enables the provision of a dichotomy that will stop the clashes and unwarranted deaths between farmers/ herders which are seriously impacting socio-economic situations at States. But as the Chief Security Officers of their States, the State Governors need to deal with these issues in their States head-on. I believe that if Governors borrow and improve the templates of the Premiers of the regions of Nigeria during the first republic and State Governors  States of Nigeria of the 1960s to 1980s, they will achieve some quick wins and also achieve major milestones in food security, job creation, and other socio-economic growth, especially increase in revenues. Almighty God Created Nigeria in such a way that every State has a special, and viable agri value chain that will add value to the people of the State and the nation in general. Around 1995, I was legally exporting grains to Niger, and Burkina Faso, because we had enough, indeed Nigeria still feeds the West African sub-region. Those glorious days could return.

    Dams, Agriculture Clusters, and Farm Centers:

    The State Government can fully revitalize and fully utilize the State-owned Dams and river basins for the production of agricultural products for all-year-round farming using irrigation, etc. These are quick-win platforms to arrest the looming food insecurity. Most of the Agriculture clusters and farm centers in Kano and some States in northern Nigeria which were established in the 1970s and 1908s have been cannibalized and are long dead. I strongly advise that State Governments should re-introduce the farm clusters and farm center projects for the production of grains, perishables, livestock, fisheries, etc. This is a critical success factor for the diversification of economies. From the 1950s to the 1980s, States were basically self-sufficient due to the utilization of such key water bodies and irrigation farming. Dairy products and food items were supplied all over the nation from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, Niger, etc.  all year round with millions jobs job created 

    The Case Studies of  KNARDA and KASCO of 1970s and 1980s in Kano State:

    The Governors should set up, re-recreate, or re-vitalize the likes of the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) and the Kano State Agricultural Supply Company. These are critical enablers of a successful and sustainable Agriculture value chain. KNARDA, KASCO along with critical platforms like the Dams have demonstrably added value to the development of Agriculture in Kano from the 1970s to the 1990s.

    KNARDA was established in 1999 along with KASCO as its commercial subsidiary to improve the supply of agricultural inputs for technology adoption in Kano. They were established following the success of World Bank Assisted Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) at Gombe (at that time in Bauchi State), Funtua (at that time part of Kaduna State), and Gusau (at that time part of Sokoto State) in 1975. Other States in the Federation also had similar strategies and models that worked successfully.

    Lessons from failed Agric Interventions:

    I hope and pray that President Tinubu will never allow the scenario of the Anchor Borrowers scheme which was a huge scam and failure to happen again. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the anchor borrower scheme that was anchored by the former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele is a classic example of how not to run such Agriculture – that is the first lesson n which should also be imbibed at the state level.  We should situate project functions and functionalities where they should be. We should therefore not give absolute power in any kind of situation. There should be accountability, a proper management framework, and a system especially considering the huge amount of money and other resources that are invested in such intervention, especially given the fact that we don’t have any excess Naira or Kobo to waste this time around. 

    Please let us note that the anchor borrowers’ scheme is not the problem, it was the institution that drove the scheme, the project framework, and how it was abused that led to the monumental corruption and waste, which was avoidable and unfortunate.  Accordingly, I advocate that moving forward we should have a strategy whereby all agriculture interventions should go directly to the farmers and not through middlemen and “special purpose vehicles” models that are reeking of corruption, because in the end the farmers either do not get the interventions, or they get useless interventions at very high costs to not effect The real farmers and all operator across the agriculture value chain should directly access intervention and there should be a clear dashboard to ensure accountability and measure success. 

    Dealing with Insecurity

    Dealing with insecurity remains a critical success factor, otherwise no amount of intervention will be successful and sustainable. Therefore, the solution approach should be wholesome in terms of security, and provide all operational requirements to support farmers and also upscale their capacities to produce across the entire value chain, not just production, but include, quality control, storage, value addition, packaging, logistics, enablement for marketing and sales, exports, etc.

    Read Also: MTN Nigeria unveils YelloTide plans

    In addition, I also advise that the State Government should try as much as possible to remove their hands from taking over lands to produce but rather focus on ensuring the delivery of the Agricultural revolution strategy, ensuring compliance with regulations on production, quality control, research and development, strategy reserve, planning, cost of doing business, ease of doing business, measuring performance and effectiveness of the initiatives and the strategy. I commend the efforts of all the governors who are making efforts to restore security in all the States in Nigeria.

     Expectations:

    •Cutting/ containing the cost of governance

    •Prudence in government spending at the top, across, and to be cascaded down the structure and system of governance

    •Blockage of leakages in the entire government (Federal and State levels). Because the more you get money and throw it into a bottomless purse, you cannot retain anything. Therefore, if we do not take seriously the issues of leakages/ wastages and prudence and Government behavior with regard to governance.

     Good Governance:

    Citizens need to be feel the impacts that state governments are actually using the taxes collected and other revenue generated at federal and state levels to add value to the quality of life of citizens, add value to governance, and for the growth and development of Nigeria.

  • Investment ripe in agriculture despite headwinds

    Investment ripe in agriculture despite headwinds

    Sir: Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for significant investment and growth, with shrewd entrepreneurs already reaping profits despite long-standing challenges like security concerns and multi-faceted production problems. The prevailing narrative of difficulty, while real, masks a vibrant market where opportunity is abundant, particularly for investors willing to back new technology to fast-track development.

    For decades, the agricultural community has grappled with formidable obstacles. Security challenges, including banditry and farmer-herder conflicts, threaten farm operations and disrupt supply chains. Furthermore, the “multi-faceted problems of producing” often refer to issues like low-quality inputs, reliance on rain-fed farming, minimal mechanisation, and significant post-harvest losses. Up to 45% of fresh produce can be lost due to poor storage and logistics.

    However, a closer look reveals that many Nigerian citizens are making money. This success highlights the immense demand-supply gap in the nation of over 200 million people, making almost any successful agricultural venture highly profitable.

    The potential returns in Nigerian agriculture are among the highest in the world because of the sheer size of the market and the current low productivity. Where others see problems, smart investors see a vast, untapped market.

    The critical need now is to introduce and scale new technology to propel the sector from subsistence to modern, high-yield agribusiness. Investment in the following areas presents the most significant opportunity for fast-tracking development:

    Currently, a large proportion of farming is done with rudimentary hand tools. Agri-tech start-ups are disrupting this by offering cloud-based platforms for shared access to tractors and machinery, making mechanisation affordable for smallholder farmers.

    Read Also: ‘FATF delisting major boost to Nigerian economy’

    Investing in cold chain logistics and solar-powered cold storage hubs is essential to drastically reduce the estimated $9 billion annual loss in post-harvest waste. Technologies that extend the shelf life of perishable crops like tomatoes and vegetables promise high returns.

    High-quality seeds, seedlings, and tailored fertilizers are in short supply. Technology can aid in developing better inputs and using precision agriculture tools like AI and satellite-based monitoring to give farmers real-time advice on resource use, leading to dramatically improved yields.

    Instead of exporting raw commodities, investment in local processing facilities—for crops like cassava (into flour, starch), cocoa, palm oil, and dairy—adds value, creates local jobs, and meets the massive domestic demand for processed foods.

    For prospective investors, several value chains stand out due to robust local demand and clear opportunities for technological intervention. Nigeria is at a pivot point where technology and smart capital can transform challenges into wealth. By focusing on technological gaps and value addition, investors can not only secure high returns but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food security and economic diversification.

    •Michael Adedotun  Oke, Garki, Abuja.

  • Govt commits to South–South pact for sustainable agriculture

    Govt commits to South–South pact for sustainable agriculture

    Federal Government has said it will strengthen South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) as a cornerstone for agrifood transformation and sustainable development, leveraging knowledge, expertise, and resources.

    Speaking at a dialogue on SSTC in Italy, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the pact would enhance the bargaining power of developing countries in global forums and promote a more balanced economic system.

    In a statement by Head of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, he noted that the pact was a key pillar of our agricultural development strategy, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive growth.

    “Effective cooperation must be rooted in mutual respect, national ownership, and measurable outcomes. SSTC is one of the most practical and cost-effective models for achieving food security and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Highlighting progress made through partnerships under SSTC, Kyari cited Nigeria’s collaboration with FAO and China, which has delivered results in technology transfer, farmer training, aquaculture development, and establishment of Regional Multi-Service Extension Centers.

    Read Also: Why Nigerian Construction Act should be implemented, by Aderibigbe

    “The lessons we draw from our partnerships with China, Brazil, and others reaffirm that the Global South has capacity, knowledge, and innovation to solve its challenges if we work together in solidarity,” he added.

    The minister outlined Nigeria’s key priorities to deepen SSTC’s impact, including: integrating SSTC programmes into national agricultural strategies to align with National Agrifood Systems Transformation Agenda.

    Others are establishing flexible funding mechanisms and encouraging blended finance models to scale up partnerships and projects. Promoting collaboration on climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, mechanisation, and digital innovations to enhance productivity and resilience, among others.

    FAO Director-General, Dr. Qu Dongyu, commended Nigeria and other member nations for their sustained commitment to building inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems, noting that the next phase of South–South Cooperation must be supported by stronger institutional frameworks and targeted investments.

  • FG reaffirms commitment to closing gender gap in agriculture

    FG reaffirms commitment to closing gender gap in agriculture

    The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to closing the gender gap in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    The ministry noted that achieving food security requires empowering women and people with special needs who depend on agricultural value chains, by improving access to production resources and support systems.

    Mrs. Damaturu Kachallazara, Director of Special Duties at the ministry, stated this yesterday in Lafia during the North Central Zonal Consultative Forum on the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plans (2025–2030).

    She highlighted key focus areas including access to knowledge, skills, technologies, land, seeds, fertilizer, and markets—covering price policies, market information, processing, storage, infrastructure, and market intelligence.

    The review meeting, hosted in Nasarawa, was organized in collaboration with AGRA, ActionAid, FMAFS, GIZ, and Care International.

    Mrs Kachallazara said, “I want to acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown vital interest in the Agricultural Sector, especially in the areas affecting women. The President, during the women affairs ministry program on October 15th 2024, reiterated that women empowerment in agriculture should be given priority especially in Agricultural training, access to land and financial services.

    “We gather today to build up on the momentum generated by the maiden review of the policy, which took place on 24th January 2025 in Abuja, and that land mark event set the stage for our ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity and equality in Agricultural Sector” he said 

    Also speaking, the representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Blessing Akhile said the forum provides a vital opportunity to ensure that the voices of small holder women farmers, young people and persons with disabilities are meaningfully captured in shaping a more inclusive and equitable food system.

    “Since it’s launch in October 2019, the policy has made notable progress in addressing gender gaps, promoting equity in access to resources, and enhancing productivity across Agricultural value chains.

    “These achievements have contributed significantly to food security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. Yet, as our food systems evolve, new challenges continue to emerge making this review both timely and necessary” she said 

    Speaking earlier, Dr Esther Afu Ibrahim who represents The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said the organization intervention focus on closing the gender gap by improving access to finance, inputs, markets, and training for women and youth.

    “Initiative such as VALUE4HER, generations Africa and the Gender Consortium directly support women farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, while our broader work in seed system, policy and sustainable farming integrates gender responsive strategies.

    “In Nigeria, this approach has already reached over 1.2 million farmers, with 37% being women and 47% youth, and we continue to work with partners such as LANW and synergos to domesticate the policy at state level, including Kaduna, Niger, and now Nasarawa” he said 

    Our correspondent gathered that mainstreaming gender in agriculture is a means by which both women and people with special needs will have equal access to opportunities in the sector so that both parties can fully benefit from the outputs and outcome from Agricultural value chains.

  • Research institutes partner women farmers to boost agriculture and tackle pests

    Research institutes partner women farmers to boost agriculture and tackle pests

    Research institutes across Nigeria have partnered with the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWFON) to promote good farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity nationwide.

    The initiative aims to strengthen the fight against pests and diseases affecting various agricultural value chains, while empowering women farmers with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable farming.

    Speaking at a national workshop in Abuja themed “Together We Grow Sustainable Food Systems for a Resilient Future”, Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Eze Onyekpere, emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between research, extension services, and actual farm practices.

    He noted that although research institutes are active, their work often fails to reach farmers through the right agricultural channels.

    “It is only when these innovations reach the grassroots that good farming practices can be adopted broadly,” Onyekpere said.

    Read Also: Lagos sensitises stakeholders on urban agriculture

    He added that the collaboration with SWFON is a strategic move to ensure that research outputs translate into practical improvements on farms across Nigeria.

    He said, “We mapped out ten of these groups as well as the critical research institutes. This is to bridge the gap between what the research institutes are doing and what the farmers are doing in the practical field. This is the reason for bringing in different farmers organisations,  the Ministry of Agriculture from three key states, Niger, Abua and Oyo state, accompanied by research Institutes from these states.

    “Cassava alone can generate more revenue than oil in the country. Nigeria produces about 20% of the world’s cassava. I gave you an example of the value chain we all eat as gari; this is just one crop, we are not talking about other agricultural products yet. I want to emphasise that research Institutes are well funded, though the government can still do better”.

    Speaking, Honourable Kelechi Nworgu of the House Committee on Agriculture said this is a call to action, noting that it is a time when farmers are struggling with low productivity and core financial systems, so there is a need for stakeholders to look into the activities of farmers so it can be upgraded. 

  • African leaders urge youths to lead in agriculture health

    African leaders urge youths to lead in agriculture health

    African leaders have underscored the urgency to equip the new generations in agriculture and healthcare to climate resilience states in Africa’s vast human capital, stating the need to empower them to drive structural transformation and global engagement on equal terms.

    This was disclosed in a virtual global forum hosted by the former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the 74th President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, with the theme, “Africa Rising” on Africa Day 2025, with Innovation, Heritage, and Hope” in Washington, D.C. as he addresses issues like democracy, migration, population growth, and regional peace and security.

    In a statement signed by Joi John Co – Founder, Belcrest Institute, Migration is not alien to Africa, the real task is to build systems that make staying as viable and rewarding as going. Africa is not a passive participant in global affairs, we are contributors to world civilizations past, present, and future.

    Read Also: FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity through agriculture

    In his remarks, Prof. Muhammad-Bande emphasized the importance of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development. There should be
    a renewed continental focus on self-reliance, democratic governance adapted to African contexts, and long-term investments in education, science, and innovation.

    He also highlighted the central role of Africa’s youth,”the urgency of equipping new generations to lead in sectors ranging from agriculture and health to climate resilience and diplomacy. Africa’s vast human capital, he noted, must be empowered to drive structural transformation and global engagement on equal terms”.

    On conflict and governance, Prof. Muhammed-Bande spoke on the ongoing crisis in Sudan, advocating for stronger, more coordinated interventions by the African Union and regional partners. He also reaffirmed the need for Africa to shape global responses to climate change and public health in line with its own realities and priorities.

  • PricePally Impact Summit pushes innovation in agriculture

    PricePally Impact Summit pushes innovation in agriculture

    The 2025 edition of the PricePally Impact Summit was held on Thursday and Friday, May 22 and 23 in Lagos with a powerful theme: “From Farm to Table – The Future of Fresh Foods: Sustainable, Affordable, and Accessible.” 

    The two-day summit brought together farmers, policymakers, tech innovators, and thought leaders from across Nigeria to shape the next frontier of the country’s food ecosystem.

    Hosted by PricePally, a pioneering agri-tech company known for leveraging data and technology to transform food access, the summit served as a vital platform for addressing Nigeria’s food security and agricultural sustainability.

    In her keynote address, Hon. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, emphasized the importance of solving agricultural challenges at the grassroots. 

    “Our commitment in Lagos under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains unwavering. We are determined to build resilient food systems that not only feed Lagos, but set an example for the entire country,” she stated.

    The summit also featured Dr. Rufus Idris, Country Director of AGRA Nigeria, who presented critical insights into the evolving agricultural landscape. His data-driven presentation highlighted urgent areas for intervention and opportunity in Nigeria’s food value chain.

    Read Also: Food security: Olukoya, MFM train, empower youths in agriculture

    Luther Lawoyin, CEO of PricePally, delivered a compelling session on the strategic role of data in shaping agricultural outcomes. “Data is not just a tool—it’s a lifeline for smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions in agriculture,” Lawoyin remarked.

    Opening the summit, Jummai Abalaka, COO of PricePally, welcomed attendees with a passionate address, setting the tone for two days of impactful discussions. “This summit is about reimagining the journey of food—from the soil it’s grown in to the homes it nourishes,” she said.

    From logistics to technology, every panel and presentation underscored a unified mission: making fresh food systems more equitable, efficient, and environmentally responsible. The PricePally Impact Summit also served as a recognition platform for the everyday heroes—farmers, innovators, and partners—who are reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    As conversations continue on Day 2, participants remain optimistic about the future. With visionary leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a tech-enabled approach, the path from farm to table in Nigeria is set for a transformative shift.

  • Kaduna distributes free farming equipment, inputs to boost agriculture

    Kaduna distributes free farming equipment, inputs to boost agriculture

    In a bid to enhance all-season farming, the Kaduna state overnment has commenced the distribution of free agricultural implements and inputs to farmers under cooperative groups.

    Each cooperative, comprising 10 members, received a package that included an 18-horsepower tiller, an 18-horsepower 3-inch solar-powered irrigation pumping machine, a 13-horsepower 2-inch solar-powered water irrigation machine, and a gasoline-powered irrigation pump. 

    Additionally, each group was given 30 bags of Urea and NPK fertilizers—three bags per member—along with a motorized knapsack sprayer, a carton of herbicide, and a carton of pesticide.

    The initiative follows the launch of the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme by Governor Uba Sani on February 16 at Murtala Square. 

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    The distribution began last Saturday at the Ministry of Agriculture’s central warehouse in Dankade village, with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Murtala Mohammed Dabo, overseeing the process.

    Speaking at the event, Dabo described the large-scale distribution as unprecedented in Kaduna’s history, emphasizing that the support aims to ease the burden on farmers, particularly in light of rising petrol costs for irrigation.

    ‘’Fuelling their pumping machines on weekly basis eats into the profit margins that they would have naturally made. This massive support that is coming from His Excellency, the Governor, is going to help greatly in bringing down the cost of production, which should ultimately bring down prices,’’ he said.

    The Commissioner disclosed that the Uba Sani administration has also procured a Combined Harvester which will help farmers in reducing their cost of production.

    ‘’Last year, we had to go to Borno State to hire. The Wheat farmers in Galma were paying and queueing for their turn. Today, these machines are ready to move to the field and start harvesting,’’ he added.

    According to him, the benefitting cooperatives comprise real farmers who were chosen irrespective of their political affiliations or ethno-religious identities.

    Speaking to journalists, Malam Garba, the Chairman of Dry Season Farmers Cooperative Society Zaria, said that ‘’Today is a day of joy to all farmers in Kaduna state.’’

    ‘’Since Kaduna State was created, there has never been this kind of Government intervention. We have been given all that is required to enable dry season farming free,’’ he said.

    The chairman, who advised beneficiaries to put the implements into good use, further said that they should not sell the items, adding that ‘’government spent a lot of billions to purchase them and gave us free of charge.’’