ijeoma

My heart is broken, seeing the graphic visuals of the devastating floods that killed, as at last count, 160 persons—men, women, and children—in Mokwa, Niger State, last Thursday.

This is a most difficult time for the families of the victims, their neighbours, and indeed their communities. My heart goes out to those who have lost their loved ones, along with their properties, including agricultural produce. Infrastructure has also been damaged by the deadly floods. I pray that the Almighty will console the bereaved and lighten their grief. I equally extend my profound sympathy to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, who, as Chief Executive of Niger State, bears a heavy burden of sifting through the wreckage and stabilizing the traumatized communities.

I am immensely thankful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his fatherly message of commiseration along with his directive to the appropriate agencies to deploy succour to the affected communities. There is evidence that this is being done, and more importantly, there is assurance that those hard-hit by the disaster are the direct recipients of the succour.

Already, I have complemented the state government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in providing food items to the hundreds of families impacted by the flash floods.

I must admit that each rainy season in recent years has often left me with a deep sense of foreboding, as water-related disasters gain prominence in the news. Usually, they are boat mishaps in which scores lose their lives, and floods submerge farmlands, leading to significant crop losses and diminished livelihoods.

As I pointed out while appearing yesterday (June 3, 2025) on the TVC Breakfast programme that focused on “Disaster Management: Evaluating Roles of Government and Citizens,” the flash floods in Mokwa last week are urgent reminders yet again of the effects of climate change and why all and sundry must take seriously efforts aimed at mitigation. It is worrisome that Mokwa, which is not on a floodplain, has suffered the horrendous damage from flooding caused by torrential rainfall. This is a natural disaster and of a magnitude never previously witnessed in Mokwa.

There is no gain-saying the fact that, throughout the country, communities and opinion leaders must take more seriously the Seasonal Climate Prediction by NiMET as well as the Annual Flood Outlook released yearly by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. It is also important to speed up the desiltation of existing water bodies while rapidly creating new water-harvesting structures to reduce the flow and damage caused by run-off water but taking advantage of it in agricultural production.

As co-Chairman of the World Bank-financed Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project on restoration of degraded land, I can attest to how the project has helped restore arable land in Jigawa State, where desiltation of existing water bodies has created new opportunities for irrigation, farming, and fishing.

Beyond the on-going immediate relief to survivors of the Mokwa flood disaster, there lies a greater challenge of trauma counselling for persons who lost nearly all their family members, as well as the restoration of livelihoods either compromised or wiped out by the deadly floods.

I call on well-meaning citizens and organisations to weigh in with their support and help Mokwa, a critical transit route between the north and south of the country, regaining its vitality.

Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON
(Baraden Borgu)
Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
4th June, 2025

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, stated that Agricultural and blue-economy are inextricably linked- particularly through aquaculture, inland fisheries, irrigated agriculture, wetland management and the livelihoods of coastal to enhance a more food-secured, environmental resilient and economic inclusive country.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi revealed this when he received in audience, participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC), 47, 2025, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, led by its Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, to his office in Abuja on Wednesday, 30 April 30, 2025.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s vast inland waterways, wetlands and coastal zones present significant opportunities for enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and empowering rural population economically, adding that aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sources of animal protein worldwide.

The Minister noted that, based on this year’s course theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities” is timely and highly relevant to the mandate of the Ministry.

He reiterated the importance of sustainable water resource management in supporting irrigated agriculture and increasing resilience to climate change, stressing that sustainable practices in coastal agriculture could help mitigate environmental degradation, boost productivity and conserve biodiversity.

The Minister added that from the policy perspective, mainstreaming blue economy principles into Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development agenda is essential to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those related to zero hunger, poverty reduction, economic growth amongst others.

He highlighted the challenges to include pollution, inadequate investment, and climate induced stresses that threaten the full realization of blue economy potentials.

He, therefore, assured that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains open to innovation, collaboration, and informed dialogue to move the sector forward.

In his remarks, the Director General, NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo commended the Ministry for its laudable programmes and activities and urged Nigerians to change their narratives about “farmers “ to stop looking down on them, pointing out that farmers struggle to bring things out from the ground and don’t even benefit from what they do.

He, therefore, advised everyone to strive to produce part of what they eat in order to value farmers.

Highlight of the event was the Permanent Secretary’s presentation of the National Agricultural Policy Document and questions and answers document to the Visitors.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director, Information
30/4/2025

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar kyari, CON, revealed that the federal government is taking proactive steps to introduce zinc rice varieties, Faro 71 and 72, to enhance food and nutrition safety.

The Minister disclosed this while briefing on the official release of Biofortified Zinc Rice Varieties in Nigeria, held in the Ministry’s conference room in Abuja, recently.

He revealed that the Zinc Rice Varieties, Faro 71 and Faro 72 will address key challenges in rice production and significantly contribute to food and nutrition security for Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, who depend on rice for both sustenance and income.

In his words, “these varieties not only offer higher zinc content and yield but also climate resilience such as adaptability to Savanna and Rainforest ecologies, Drought tolerance and Pest and disease resistance, which make them a valuable tool for enhancing both the productivity and resilience of rice farming systems in vulnerable communities”.

The Minister pointed out that Zinc deficiency is a significant public health issue in Nigeria, contributing to poor nutrition outcomes, especially among women and children, adding that Zinc is a vital micronutrient required for immune function, growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being.

“Yet, a large proportion of the Nigerian population does not meet their daily zinc requirements due to diets that are predominantly low in bioavailable micronutrients.

Nutrition surveys and global health reports have it that anaemia affects about 68% of children under five in Nigeria, with zinc and iron deficiencies being major underlying causes. The national stunting prevalence among children under five in Nigeria is 37%, “the Minister noted.

He further stated that proper nutrition was essential for the survival of the human race, as the future of our generation is dependent upon our children.

Sen. Kyari re-emphasized that Zinc deficiency weakens immune systems, increasing the risk of infections, stunted growth, and delayed development in children, pointing out that inadequate dietary intake of zinc contributes to maternal health issues, poor birth outcomes, and reduced work capacity in adults.

He said that to address this, Nigeria is taking proactive steps by introducing biofortified, zinc-enriched staple crops, such as zinc rice, offering affordable, accessible solutions to improve dietary zinc intake and strengthen food and nutrition security.

The Minister noted that through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry and HarvestPlus, HarvestPlus Solutions, and the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone with the release of Faro 71 and Faro 72 – the first biofortified, zinc-enriched rice varieties in both Nigeria and Africa.

Kyari pointed out that this remarkable achievement was made possible through the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the British Government, the Propcom+ Project, and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), whose innovative funding for agricultural development in Nigeria has been instrumental in making the progress a reality.

According to him, “This breakthrough builds on successful scaling efforts in Bangladesh and India, where farming households growing zinc-enriched rice have recorded measurable improvements in nutrition outcomes through increased production and consumption”.

He added that an affordable, accessible dietary source of zinc, these enriched rice varieties can meet up to 40% of daily zinc requirements when consumed regularly, making them a practical and proven solution to combat zinc deficiency and improve cognitive health, especially among adolescents.

The Minister further stated that beyond its nutritional benefits, zinc-enriched rice offers sustainable, innovative market opportunities for smallholder farmers, helping them improve their livelihoods while supplying healthier, nutrient-dense food to Nigerian and African consumers.

He therefore, assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Harvest plus will continue to work alongside public institutions, private companies, and national partners to promote the widespread adoption and scaling of the nutri-cereals.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, expressed delight that Nigeria has achieved a remarkable milestone in the agricultural innovation space, emerging as Africa’s first nation to successfully develop zinc biofortified rice.

He noted that rice which is majorly grown and consumed in Nigeria have essential elements like macronutrients embedded in it and being a major staple food in the country the Ministry is concerned about strengthening food and nutrition safety in the county.

In his remarks, Harvestplus Country Director, Dr. Yusuf Dollah said that the organisation is working with National Cereals Research Institute at the moment, and they are producing early generational seeds.

He added that the Institute would be ready to integrate the commercial seed components into the seeds system for free to enable farmers to multiply into the certified seeds that will be required for planting.

Dr Yusuf also pointed out that his organisation intend to work with partners to run demonstrations, demand creation activities amongst others, noting that Harvest plus has three phases namely; Research and Development (which led to the release of the varieties), Commercialisation which the Organisation is about going into and are ready to provide support to ensure that Nigerians will continuously have access to the nutritious varieties and the prices with the other conversational varieties is the same.

In attendance were the Country Representatives of Harvestplus Solutions, Propcom, Biofarm, NCRI, and AGRA, amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For Director Information
29/4/2025

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has called for the development of climate smart seeds to enhance food and nutrition security and economic growth.

The Hon. Minister made this call during the meeting with newly appointed Board Chairmen of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges held in Abuja, recently.

Sen. Kyari stated that there is a need for the chairmen of the Boards of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges to work closely with their institutions to develop climate-smart seeds that would help tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges.

The minister said that ‘’ “Climate change is here to stay, we must adapt by breeding seeds that are drought-resistant, heat-tolerant and high-yielding, our research institutions must take the lead in delivering these solutions to Nigerian farmers’’

He tasked the agencies to produce seeds with shorter gestation periods and higher productivity to maximize the limited land resources available.

Kyari appealed for collaboration and open communication with the ministry, noting, “This is your home. Our doors are open for advice, clarification, and constructive dialogue. Together, we can place Nigeria’s agriculture on the path to true transformation.”

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stated that ‘’the focus of the ministry is on food security, the priorities of the ministry will also be shared with you in due course and a retreat to harmonize their mutual thoughts to drive the sector’’

Responding on behalf of the newly appointed Board Chairmen, the Chairman, Rubber Research Institute, Edo State, Mr. Ogar Eba said that there is a need for collaboration between the ministry and board chairmen with the aim of achieving food sovereignty.

He expressed enthusiasm that with the appointment of experienced board chairmen, the ministry is poised to achieve its goals and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.

 

Ezeaja Ikemefuna

AD, Information

For: Director, Information

28/4/2025

The Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security , Senator Abubakar kyari,CON, has revealed the Ministry’s readiness to work with Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), in translating shared aspirations into actionable outcomes for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), led by its President , Arch Kabiru Ibrahim to his office in Abuja recently, the Minister stated that “I am confident that our deliberations will open up new pathways for collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact in Nigeria’s food and agricultural ecosystem”.

He noted that NABG was a private sector platform and also an umbrella of organisation that leads the agribusiness sector in Nigeria, working together to grow Nigeria’s agricultural economy, create jobs and lift millions out of poverty.

He added that the meeting was both timely and strategic, “as we work to implement Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, agriculture remains central to our efforts to create jobs, reduce poverty, and ensure food and nutrition security for all Nigerians. ”

According to him,this requires strong collaboration between the government and the organized private sector, and NABG stands out as a vital bridge in that endeavour.

Kyari outlined the key areas of the alignment to include
Strengthening public-private partnerships to accelerate agribusiness development,
Supporting the implementation and adoption of important agricultural policies such as the National Seed Policy, Dairy Policy, Tomato Policy, and the National Quality Policy,
Advancing approval processes for strategic frameworks like the Agricultural Commodity Standards and Grading System, Climate-Smart Agriculture Framework, and the National Integrated Agribusiness Agenda;
Deepening access to finance mechanisms for farmers and agribusiness operators; and
Reviewing the outcomes of the NABG Presidential Roundtable and other initiatives that align with our national vision.

He lauded the efforts of NABG to amplify private sector participation in policy and program implementation, which is commendable and resonates with the country’s drive to reposition agriculture as a business, not just a development activity.

Speaking further, the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, stated that agriculture is the future of the country.

He urged the group to strive to engage the government at all levels in setting policy directions and regulatory reforms to enable sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth.

Earlier in his speech,the President, NABG, Arch Kabiru Ibrahim, said that NABG is working together as stakeholders in the agriculture sector to diversify the economy of Nigeria away from oil and gas towards agricultural industrialization.

He noted that the group recognizes its role as the engine of economic growth, with the government creating the enabling environment for agribusiness to thrive.

Highlight of the event was presentation of souvenirs to the Ministers by the President of NABG

Ogbuagu Charity Chika
Principal Information Officer
For: Director Information
17/4/2024

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, has inaugurated the Agricultural Sector Working Group (ASWG) to enhance food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural development across the continent.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee, at the ASWG Inaugural and Inception meeting held at Rock View Hotel, in Abuja recently, the Minister pointed out that to achieve this goal requires continuous engagement with critical stakeholders to foster innovative solutions, strengthened collaboration, and effective policy formulation.

In his words, “Through structured dialogue and shared expertise, we can ensure that our policies, programs, and projects are tailored to meet both current and future challenges in agriculture and food security. Given Nigeria’s pivotal role in the global agricultural ecosystem, it is imperative that we establish a sustainable and structured platform that not only tracks our performance but also actively explores alternative strategies to bridge existing gaps”, the Minister emphasized.

He further stated that the ASWG will serve as a critical mechanism, providing a forum for monitoring progress, enhancing accountability, and mobilizing collective action towards the achievement of the shared agricultural goals.

Sen. Kyari noted that he will be the team Lead as Chairperson, supported by the Hon. Minister of State, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, along with his counterparts and colleagues, while the Permanent Secretary will serve as the Secretary.

He pointed out that “together, we will work towards fulfilling the following key responsibilities” by providing advisory services and policy initiatives to guide the sustainability growth and development of the sector in Nigeria; facilitating the implementation of the resolutions of the African Union Heads of state on agrifood system transformation in line with 2025 Kampala Declaration in the country, amongst others.

The Minister, therefore, urged the group who will be meeting quarterly to apprise the performance of the sector, identify the gaps and as well proffer alternatives to drive the sustainable growth and development of the sector to uphold the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, prioritization, and partnership for collective Agrifood System Transformation in the country.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun recalled that the Malabo Agenda discussed in Kampala, January 2025 raised concern about the slow progress noting that the Continent was not on track to meet with the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development programme (CAADP) aimed at reducing poverty and increasing food security by 2025.

According to him, “This concern along with the margin threats of African Agrifood system led to the development of this post Malabo agenda that was discussed in Malabo early this year, we all know that one of the key objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in line with the commitment to ensure food production, food security and indeed making it available and affordable to Nigerians”.

The Minister stressed the need for Institutional Adaptation, pointing out that in Nigeria, we are focused on ensuring that the Agricultural sector value chain is fully developed.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi reaffirmed the critical role of the group in fostering collaboration, policy alignment and coordinated action among government institutions, development partners and other key stakeholders, pointing out that the challenges before us ranging from food security concerns to climate change adaption and agricultural transformation which requires a unified approach and the ASWG would serve as a strategic mechanism to achieve it.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the overview of CAADP/Maputo and Malabo, CAADP progress and Malabo Achievements, and the way forward for ECOWAS and ECOWAS Countries by Mr. Christopher Mensah representing ECOWAS Commission.

In attendance were the Hon. Minister, Livestock Development, representatives of Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Marine and Blue Economy, President All Farmers Association of Nigeria, President Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, IFAD, AGRA, NACCIMA, FAO, ActionAid, Directors of the Ministry, amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
15/04/2025

The Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has said that a revamped cooperative sector would ensure empowerment and prosperity for Nigerians, thereby making Cooperators part of the One Trillion US Dollar Economy within the decade.

The Minister made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the National Training/Workshop for Trustees, Management Committee, and Managers of Cooperative Societies in Nigeria for the South-East and South-South Cooperative Stakeholders Forum, held at Federal Cooperative College, Oji – River, Enugu State, recently.

He stated that‘’ the largest cooperatives globally is about 300 and generate a total turnover of $2.4 trillion, highlighting their crucial role in driving economic growth and social development’’

The Minister added that ‘’they play a significant role in reducing hunger and alleviating poverty worldwide’’

Sen. Abdullahi pointed out that ‘’ agricultural cooperatives contribute 35 per cent to the global cooperative asset base and turnover.’

He revealed that ‘’the capacity building and development programme is a continuous process in the strategic blueprint for the revitalization of the cooperative sector in Nigeria carrying everyone along and let them know that this government has laid down the political will to empower its citizenry’’.

The Minister added that ‘’this training is a prelude to bigger and better things for the cooperative sector as we have some other upcoming events to ensure all stakeholders are carried along in this Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme’’.

He noted that the expected outcomes and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) includes; Review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act N98 LFN 2004 to align with current realities, especially as it relates to technology, Development and Launching of a New National Policy for Cooperative Development & Growth 2025, Establishing a National Regulatory Framework and Standard Operating Guidelines for Cooperatives in Nigeria, Facilitate the establishment of a Bank for Cooperative Societies that will be solely owned and governed by Cooperators themselves to serve their needs, among others.

He stated that the days of fake cooperative societies were gone and measures were being taken to bring sanity, noting that the National Council on Cooperative Affairs will be convened soon to bring synergy, collaboration and partnership with the States’ Cooperative ecosystem.

The Minister further revealed that ‘’ the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform National Training Workshop for the South-West Cooperative Stakeholders Forum would take place at the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, on the 29th & 30th of April, 2025.

He added that the National Cooperative Summit on Renewed Hope for Food Security, which will bring all the stakeholders from the six geopolitical zones and will be hosted in Abuja before the end of this second quarter’’.

He lauded the efforts of the Provosts of the Federal Cooperative College in the South East and South South Geo-Political Zones to align with Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led Administration.

In his remarks, the Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Dr. Jude Ejikeme stated that ‘’ this workshop provides a platform, not just for an intensive training for the participants but also, for key cooperative stakeholders from the South-East and South-South geo-political zones to interact with our dynamic and most versatile Minister in charge of Cooperative Affairs, share their views, and of course, offer opinions on the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme’’.

He added that ‘’we hope to gain valuable insights into what our stakeholders expect from the government to facilitate cooperative development within their zones and Nigeria’’.

He also pointed out that the knowledge shared will focus not only on the core principles of cooperative management but also on the critical skills needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.

Highlights of the event was the inspection of the Cooperative College by the Hon. Minister of State and unveiling of four vehicles, namely (1) Coaster Bus, (1)18 Seater bus, (2) Hilux Utility for the college.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
For: Director, Information
16/4/2025

 

A REVAMPED COOPERATIVE SECTOR WILL ENSURE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND PROSPERITY FOR NIGERIANS – SEN. ABDULLAHI.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has said that the North East Geo-Political Zone was not excluded from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme as claimed by the National Assembly North East Caucus.

The Minister made this known while briefing on the Status Report on Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, held in Abuja, recently

Sen. Kyari stated that “It is crucial to correct the misconception that the North-East was excluded, inclusivity is at the core of this administration, and all stakeholders are carried along in designing, implementing and development of the programme.”

The Minister said that the SAPZ program, which was launched in 2022, began with Phase 1 selection based on an eligibility process. Eight states qualified, including Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the FCT.

He revealed that ‘’the selection was based on states expressing interest and meeting the eligibility criteria after verification by a joint Federal team and the African Development Bank (AfDB)’’.

He stated that ‘’the concern expressed by the North-East Caucus followed groundbreaking ceremonies in Kaduna and Cross River States’’.

According to him, ‘’these events were merely representative milestones and not indicators of regional exclusion, the recent ceremonies simply mark visible progress, not a final list of beneficiaries,” the Minister clarified.

He further explained that SAPZ was structured as a Subsidiary Loan Agreement Program, and state participation is voluntary.

“States have to express interest and meet specific requirements. Some states have not done so,” the Minister stated.

He further revealed that ‘’ I have personally communicated to all the states that are not in phase 1 in writing notifying them of the program , to express interest and the Phase 2 of the SAPZ program is already underway, with 27 states submitting expressions of interest’’.

‘’Ten of these states, including Gombe, Borno, and Bauchi, are from the Northeast, have met the eligibility criteria, and are set to benefit from the first tranche of Phase 2 onboarding’’.

“This proves that the North-East is not only included but actively participating in the SAPZ expansion,” he added.

He appealed to the North- East NASS Caucus ‘’ to engage with Governors of the North East namely Taraba, Yobe and Adamawa to reinvigorate their interest in the Programme and ensure they fulfil the eligibility criteria for the second phase’’.

The Minister noted that ‘’ In the Agricultural Sector, the President approved the Presidential Food System Coordination Council under the leadership of the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON , with inclusion of Governors from the Six Geopolitical Zones and other critical Stakeholders across the Zones.

He pointed out that ‘’The essence is to not only ensure the participation of all tiers of Government but to guarantee that no State is excluded from the design and implementation of all our Agricultural and Food Security Programmes and Initiatives’’.

 

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
For: Director, Information
14/4/2025

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other stakeholders have organized a workshop on the implementation of project “Nourishing Nigeria” to address malnutrition and food insecurity in the country.

Speaking during the inception workshop for Project “Nourishing Nigeria” at Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja recently, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, who was represented by the Director, Agriculture Lands and Climate Change Management Services, Mr. Oshadiya Olanipeku stated that the project was a technical cooperation programme aimed at reviewing Agriculture Sector Food and Nutrition Strategy, ASFSNS, to ensure it aligns with current National and International standards.

He pointed out that the initiative will establish Junior Farmer Field and Business Schools to empower young farmers at the sub-national level with technical skills and entrepreneurial capacity as well as Development of a Policy and Legal Framework to address malnutrition and food insecurity through effective governance and strategic interventions.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi revealed that Nutrition-Sensitive agriculture is pivotal for combating stunting, wasting, and underweight by fostering awareness of healthy diets, improving value chains for nutritious foods, and promoting enabling diverse food production at household levels.

According to him, “the efforts will align with Nigeria’s food systems transformation agenda which seeks to boost dietary diversity and sustainable food security, targeting significant reduction in malnutrition”.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the need to acknowledge the fact that Nigeria is faced by a dual burden of malnutrition, undernutrition and over nutrition with significant public health implications, pointing out that approximately, 79% of Nigerian households experience food insecurity, leading to negative coping mechanisms such as reduced meal sizes and reliance on cheaper, less nutritious foods.

In his words, “this situation exacerbates malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, with anemia affecting 30.5% of young children, 20.3% of adolescent girls, 23.3% of women of reproductive age, and 31.5% of pregnant women”, he added.

He also revealed that in line with the global call of actions, the Ministry is promoting homestead gardening which gives nutrition inputs packs to the vulnerable households to improve access to micro-nutrients through the consumption of bio fortified crops, fruits and vegetables produced at the homestead.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director, Food and Nutrition Safety, Nuhu Adamu Kilishi emphasized on the need for a multifaceted approach that will bring together, stakeholders from agriculture, health, and other sectors as the country still grapples with high level of malnutrition.

In his address, the Chairman House Committee on Food and Nutrition, Hon. John Chike Okafor, stated that the initiative is timely and aligns with the core mandate of the committee which is to provide a very robust legislative support to the executive arms of government to fight against malnutrition and food insecurity.

In his presentation, the FAO Country Representative, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, who was represented by the Programme Officer, Tofiq Braimag stated that the organization in collaboration with the Ministry and the House Committee on Food and Nutrition is launching, the technical cooperation programme “Nourishing Nigeria”, an initiative that Seeks to confront the challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country by paring nutrition sensitive approaches into agricultural planning, implementation and policy.

In attendance were representatives of UNICEF, World Food Programme, State Commissioners of Agriculture, and Permanent Secretaries, among other development partners.

Obe M. Mabel
Principal Information Officer
For: Director Information
13/4/2025

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has commended the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, for its emergency support of 12 Billion Japanese Yen Loan to Nigeria to achieve a sustainable and resilience Agriculture under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).

He noted that the facility will be utilized on three components namely; enhancement of rice seed quality, improvement in delivery of farm inputs, quality extension services and enhancement of private sector participation in the production of Agriculture inputs.

The Minister made the commendation during the meeting with the Economic Development Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, led by the Director General, Mr. Takao Shimokawa to his office in Abuja recently.

He stated that the rice seeds production project was domiciled in the National Cereal Research Institute NCRI, Badeggi, Niger State, under the Ministry was strategic in enhancing the research and development for breeding of high-yield, disease resistant varieties that can withstand climate variability.

Sen. Kyari pointed out that, “we will do our part under the technical cooperation with NCRI and include the National Agricultural Seed Council, NASC, to add value to the seed ecosystem”.

“While enhancing seed quality is crucial, we recognize that knowledge dissemination is equally important. Our partnership on market oriented agriculture promotion with JICA on the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) project from 2020 to 2024, covering 14 states in Nigeria, to include; Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, Ogun, Kogi, FCT, Taraba, Jigawa, Edo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, Gombe, and Kebbi has empowered smallholder farmers and has serve as a bridge between research and practice, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive”, the Minister added.

Speaking further, he stated that the Ministry will leverage technology to enhance extension services, using mobile applications to provide real-time information on weather patterns, market prices and pest outbreaks to make informed decisions and adapt to challenges more swiftly.

He emphasized that implementing emergency food security measures, enhanced rice seed quality, and expanding extension services are not just initiatives. Rather, they are commitments to the future of our communities and nation.

The Minister noted that working together with JICA, researchers, NGOs, and farmers, “we can create a sustainable and resilient agricultural system that ensures food security for all”.

He, therefore, commended JICA for being a long-term strategic partner, considering the impact of bilateral activities JICA undertakes in the agricultural space in more than four decades.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu reiterated that JICA has always been supportive and will not be taken for granted.

He pointed out that the seed issue was very key because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always said “plant the right seed, then you can feed the entire nation, so seed is key to our food security problems”, Sen. Abdullahi stressed.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General Economic Development Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, Mr. Takao Shimokawa expressed gratitude for the long-standing collaboration between the Ministry and JICA.

He stated that JICA would continue to prioritize the collaboration towards ensuring economic prosperity and food security in Nigeria, noting that JICA is fully aligned to the Ministry’s mandate.

In his words, “today i take advantage to report the recent progress of JICA assistance in the Agricultural sector in three key areas to include food security, announcing that the first disbursement of the loan has been paid yesterday”.

He noted that, “now, we are proceeding to supervision and monitoring of the fund utilization”.

The Director General emphasized that JICA and Japan are fully committed to rice production in Africa particularly in Nigeria which is the largest producer of rice, pointing out that the new grant project would provide the machinery for rice production which procurement process is about to commence.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
30/3/2025