Press Release

The Federal Agriculture and Food Security hereby disclaims any association with the circulated form and advises the public to disregard it.

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, has reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensuring food security in Nigeria. The Minister made this assurance while chairing a high-level meeting on the Presentation of the Integrated Climate Resilient Initiative Project (I-CRIP).

The meeting, which took place at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, had in attendance the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON; the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu; delegation from Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA); representative of the Honourable Minister of Environment; as well as Permanent Secretaries from the relevant ministries.

Discussions focused on the implementation of the I-CRIP, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector through sustainable practices, technological innovations, and policy-driven interventions. The project is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production, ensure efficient resource utilization, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

As part of the deliberations, renowned renewable energy consultant, Professor Kishore Koka, made a Zoom presentation on improving dairy production in Nigeria and securing more climate change funds. He provided detailed insights on how Nigeria’s dairy production could be tripled, significantly increasing foreign exchange earnings and contributing to economic growth. His recommendations emphasized innovative dairy farming techniques, value chain optimization, and strategic investments in climate-smart livestock production.

Reaffirming the administration’s dedication to food security, Senator Kyari emphasized that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes agricultural transformation as a key pillar for national development. He assured stakeholders that the government would continue to foster collaborations that drive climate-smart agriculture and improve food production systems.

The Honourable Minister commended the commitment of all stakeholders present and reiterated the need for a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector. He urged continued synergy between relevant ministries, agencies, and partners to ensure the successful implementation of the I-CRIP initiative for the benefit of Nigerian farmers and the nation at large.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the next steps for rolling out the initiative, with an emphasis on policy alignment, review of the concept note presented by NIHSA, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement to achieve sustainable food security in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, has launched the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to improve productivity and farmers’ livelihood as well as enhance agricultural extension service delivery.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit with the Theme: Sustainable Agriculture Extension Service Delivery in Nigeria, held in Abuja recently, the Minister stated that the platform would strengthen the linkage between research institutions and Nigerian farmers.

Sen. Abdullahi revealed that NEEP is designed to work with the National Agricultural and Extension System (NARES) and other relevant institutions to address the low extension agent to farmers.

The Minister stated that the Platform would provide real-time access to vital agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while mitigating security risks faced by field agents.

He pointed out that” farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector will now have access to good and impactful agricultural information on real-time basis as the platform is interactive, cost effective, and bypasses the risk of insecurity associated with extension service delivery in the country.”

He further stated that the ministry had deployed technologies to improve labour productivity through the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi highlighted the historical challenges faced by Nigeria’s extension services due to inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and limited technological adoption.

He stated that despite past shortcomings, the use of digital technology, as outlined in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027, presented a significant opportunity for improvement and noting that adequate funding and effective deployment of digital tools will ensure greater results.

In his welcome address, Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Dr. Deola Tayo Lordbanjou emphasized the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings, innovative practices, and new technologies into practical solutions for farmers.

He added that research is crucial to the agricultural development of any nation and that the beauty of the efforts made by Agricultural Research Institutes is fully realized through a well-structured extension service.

Lordbanjou explained that ‘’the NEEP platform would be accessible in English, pidgin ,Youraba, Hausa ,and Igbo languages ,even farmers with limited formal education can benefit.
‘’farmers will be able to ask questions and receive real time answers, while agents will have a database of agricultural knowledge at their fingertips’’, he added.

In his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubut stated that the need to review the achievements in agricultural research and extension activities can not be over emphasize, stating that

“We must be proactive and take immediate steps to address the food security crisis by encouraging more farmers to engage in irrigation farming, conducting advocacy, sensitization campaign, and providing farmers with the farm inputs”, he stressed.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the NEEP by the Hon. Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary, and other dignitaries.

In attendance were Vice Chancellors of the University of Agriculture, Deans of Faculty of Agriculture, Project Managers of the Agricultural Development Programmes, and World Bank’s Representative among others

Umar Rashida
Principal Information Officer
For: Director Information
4/3//2025.

The Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to revamp cooperative societies and weed out fake and corrupt ones who steal and scam innocent citizens.

The Minister made this known at the flag-off ceremony of the National Intensive Training workshop for trustees, management committees, and managers of cooperative societies in Nigeria held at Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna recently.

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 stated that, “as we embark on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the cooperative sector, we are serious about overhauling the system through our reform and revamp program. We aim to bring innovation by renovating first, revitalizing the sector to restore confidence in the masses and bringing back the glory of the cooperative movement as a force to reckon with in socio-economic development in Nigeria”.

He added that the reform and revamp will focus on review and amendments of the Nigeria Cooperative Act to bring it up to date with global best practices and the local realities; development of regulatory framework to ensure compliance and due diligence in management of cooperatives; robust stakeholder mapping and analysis to guarantee participation.

He noted that the reform will include very robust and all-inclusive human capital development of which was kick-started.

He commended the efforts of the Provosts of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano, Dr. Ibrahim Auwal and Dr. Mohammed Gwaram for kick-starting the laudable educational initiative, aligning to the reform and revamp programme.

The Minister of State also acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Cooperative Colleges in Ibadan, Oyo State, and in Oji-River, Enugu State, for planning the same intensive training workshop for the Cooperative Leaders and Managers within the Western and Eastern geo-political zones to ensure we have it cut across the nation.

In his remarks, the Provost, Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Ibrahim Auwal pointed out that the training would mark the beginning of a journey that will equip participants with the essential tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to advance cooperatives and strengthen the communities they serve.

He added 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 paper presentations by the Provosts of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and Kano.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
27/2/2025

The Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to change the narrative of the Cooperative sector to enhance sustainable economic growth, inclusivity, and food security, amongst others.

The Minister disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony of the National Intensive Training workshop for trustees, management committees, and managers of cooperative societies in Nigeria held at Federal Cooperative College in Kaduna recently.

He pointed out that, according to the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), over 12% of the global population was engaged in one of the 3 million cooperatives worldwide, adding that Cooperatives was vital for sustainable economic growth, providing stable employment and work opportunities for 280 million people, which accounts for about 10% of the world’s workforce.

He revealed that the largest 300 cooperatives generate a total turnover of $2.4 trillion, as reported by the World Cooperative Monitor (2023), noting that with the above statistics, the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognized the cooperative societies’ crucial role in driving economic growth, social development, and community empowerment.

The Minister stated that the priority given to reforming and revamping the sector was one of Mr. President Campaign promises, of which they are actualizing it with vigour and a patriotic sense of duty and obligation to the citizens, adding that to meet the expectations of revitalizing the sector, “we are committed to providing capacity-building and development opportunities for cooperative society leaders and managers in the 36 States of the Federation including the FCT. This training flag-off is a testament to that commitment”.

“As we embark on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the cooperative sector, we are serious about overhauling the system through our reform and revamp program. We aim to bring innovation by renovating first, revitalizing the sector to restore confidence in the masses and bringing back the glory of the cooperative movement as a force to reckon with in socio-economic development in Nigeria”, the Minister pointed out.

Sen. Abdullahi added that the reform and revamp will focus on review and amendments of the Nigeria Cooperative Act to bring it up to date with global best practices and our local realities; development of regulatory framework to ensure compliance and due diligence in management of cooperatives; robust stakeholder mapping and analysis to guarantee participation; and monitoring strategies to weed out fake and corrupt cooperative societies who steal and scam innocent citizens.

He, therefore, commended the efforts of the Provosts of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano, for kick-starting the laudable educational initiative, aligning to the reform and revamp programme.

In his remarks, the Provost, Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna, Dr. Ibrahim Auwal pointed out that the training would mark the beginning of a journey that will equip participants with the essential tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to advance cooperatives and strengthen the communities they serve.

He added 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 paper presentations by the Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and Kano.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
26/2/2025

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has donated Free Agricultural inputs namely; 10,000 Water Pumps with all accessories, 10,000 pieces of Knapsack’s sprayers, 10.000 liters of Herbicides, 10,000 liters of Pesticide and 10,000 liters of Organic Fertilizers to the Jigawa State Government to support Agricultural Transformation in the state, increase production as well as achieve Food and Nutrition Security.

Speaking during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Celebration organized by Jigawa State Government and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), held in Dabi village, Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa State, recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the free agricultural inputs would assist in driving down food inflation while helping farmers transit from producing for consumption to making good money from agribusiness.

He noted that agriculture is the cornerstone of Jigawa State’s economy, contributed over 60% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and employed more than 90% of its population.
Sen. Kyari added that ‘’Jigawa is renowned for its food crop production, livestock farming, and cash crop exports, notably sesame and hibiscus flower which has positioned the state as one of the leading producers of sesame, and the largest producer of hibiscus in Nigeria’’.

He revealed that ‘’during the 2023/2024 wheat production season, Federal Government through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket Programme (NAGS-AP) supported the cultivation of 40,000 hectares of wheat in Jigawa State, while the state government and other partners contributed to an additional 15,000 hectares, resulting in a total production of over 55,000 hectares’’.

According to him, “In that year, the timely provision of inputs at subsidized prices, coupled with the commitment and resilience of the farmers, led to a bumper harvest,”

“Following the success recorded in Jigawa State last season, the Federal Government agreed to increase its intervention and support to 60,000 hectares, while the state and other partners will cover an additional 20,000 hectares, bringing the total to 80,000 hectares, Today, we are here to celebrate the cultivation of over 80,000 hectares of wheat, with more than 160,000 farmers supported through subsidized agricultural inputs”, the Minister added.

The Minister lauded the collaborative efforts of the African Development Bank under the amiable leadership of the Bank’s President, Dr. Akinwunmi Ayodeji Adesina who supported the platform that birthed the NAGS-AP, the World Food Programme, other Multinational organizations and the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria for thriving agricultural community in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Food and Nutrition Security of President bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his remarks, the Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards supporting the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone for achieving food security and prosperity in the state and the country.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Agric sector, which has led to groundbreaking agricultural innovations and milestones in achieving national food security.

Governor added that “In Jigawa State, we are targeting to expand our wheat production to 500,000 hectares by 2030, and we will partner with any potential collaborators to achieve this goal,”

In his welcome address, the National Program Manager, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, FMAN, Dr. Aliyu Samaila said that ‘’ this year, FMAN, in collaboration with Jigawa State Government, is supporting 10,000 farmers with input loans while training over 50,000 farmers across six wheat producing states

He added that FMAN had established 200 demonstration farms and centres of excellence, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed for higher yields and better productivity.

Highlight of the event was the distribution of agricultural inputs to the small holder farmers and inspection of Wheat farms in Ringim Local Government Area.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Directors of FMAFS, Members of Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, Rep of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, among others.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
For: Director, Information
19/2/2025

The Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, has announced plans by the federal government to recapitalize the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to enhance food security by making food more accessible and affordable to Nigerians.

The Minister made this known when he received the Emir of Borgu, Barr. Mohammed Sani Haliru and his entourage who came on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja recently.

Abdullahi pointed out that the government was reforming the Bank of Agriculture to better serve Nigerians.

According to him, “We are reforming the Bank of Agriculture to serve Nigerians. We are recapitalizing the Bank of Agriculture to make food accessible and affordable to Nigerians”.

“We must keep producing and keep producing food for Nigerians,” the Minister said.

He expressed his gratitude to the Emir for the visit and for his prayers, wishing him success in his role.

Abdullahi further assured that efforts were underway to intensify the development of various cluster farms in Borgu Kingdom.

He promised to continue representing the people of Borgu with truth and honesty in his duties.

In his remarks, the Emir expressed his support, stating that the visit was to show solidarity and offer prayers for the minister’s success.

“We are here to show our support to the minister physically so that all of you working with him will know that he has our prayers,” he said.

The Emir also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of Borgu’s sons as Minister of Agriculture at a crucial time, adding that, “Agriculture has become very necessary in Nigeria”.

He pointed out that “Fortunately, Borgu is a place that has the potentials if well tapped, in terms of agriculture can feed the nation. And that is why the Governor can boast that Niger State can feed the nation, Borgu also constitute the great percentage of the land to feed this nation”.

Sani Haliru, therefore, called on the Minister to give attention to the kingdom’s potential to feed the nation. “We know there are issues in terms of economic challenges. Once we diversify and support agriculture, these challenges will be a thing of the past”, he added.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, FNSE, stated that he is highly honoured to be associated with the Emir of Borgu Kingdom and assured him that “the management of the Ministry are extremely competent to support your son to succeed, we have no business being here except he succeed”, he stated.

“Like I always tell my management staff that when the Ministers succeed, we have succeeded and when they fail, we have failed also and I know fully well that they will not fail”.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
14/2/2025

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has reaffirmed its readiness to revitalize the Cooperative Sector as it would drive economic growth, promote social cohesion, enhance food security as well as reduce poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking during the Technical Strategy Session on the Implementation of the Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme held in Abuja, recently, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stated that there is a need to chart a new course for the cooperative sector, built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

Sen. Dr. Abdullahi revealed that “our mission today is to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic growth and development”.

The Minister outlined key areas of focus, including the review of the final report from the Ministerial Technical Working Group on cooperative reform.

He added that the implementation strategies developed would be in line with the President’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.

He stated that the global impact of cooperatives and its combined asset base worldwide is valued at approximately $19.6 trillion while generating an annual revenue of $2.98 trillion.

Abdullahi stated that there is a plan for restructuring the Federal Department of Cooperatives, enhancing institutions such as the Federal Cooperative Colleges and the National Centre for Cooperative Development.

According to him, ‘’the goal is to equip these institutions to provide high-quality training and prepare Nigerian youths for a modern, people-centric cooperative movement’’, the minister added.

He also underscored the importance of collaboration, calling for partnerships with private sector operators, civil society organizations, and cooperative societies across different categories.

“We must work together. The cooperative movement thrives on democratic principles and progressive thinking. Our success will depend on active participation and teamwork,” he said.

In his welcome address , the Director, Federal Department of Cooperative, Mr. Idris Sani stated that ‘’ there is need to create a vibrant and inclusive cooperative sector that benefits all Nigerians, we must work together as a team to promote social inclusion and position cooperatives as catalysts for socio-economic transformation’’.

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Cooperatives and Farmers’ Welfare, Hon. Victor Oyegoke pointed out that the programme would provide a comprehensive approach toward integrating youths, people with Disabilities (PWDs), and Gender inclusiveness into cooperatives by fostering collaboration with organizations like the European Union.

Ogbuagu Charity Chika
Principal Information Officer
For: Director Information
13/2/2025

The Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has said that the timely release of Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) would ensure that Nigerian farmers are well informed in decision-making and agricultural planning, thereby enhancing their productivity.

The Minister made this known during the Presentation of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) with the theme ‘’The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio Economic Development”, by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) held in Abuja, on Tuesday 4 February, 2025.

He stated that ‘’the SCP is a useful advisory guide to farmers. It offers site-specific downscaling and, when applied, will boost the adaptive capacity and resilience of farmers to the impact of climate change.”

He noted that “early warning systems and climate intelligence are indispensable for resilience, adaptation, and economic stability. Seasonal climate prediction is germane to the nation’s agricultural sector. It will serve as a strategic guide for planning, decision-making, and risk mitigation.”

Sen. Dr. Abdullahi said that ‘’the agricultural sector contributed 17.22 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2024, with smallholder farmers making up more than 70 per cent of the workforce’’.

He added that the ‘’SCP will enable farmers to increase productivity, while poverty, hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition, food imports, and unemployment will reduce, even as women’s empowerment in agriculture and environmental performance will increase’’.

The Minister lauded the collaborative efforts between NiMet and the Ministry in integrating climate intelligence into agricultural practices, stating, “the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is fully supporting and committed to the early warning system, climate-smart agriculture, and every development initiative to achieve food security and a resilient environment.”

Abdullahi further revealed that the present administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has prioritized SCP and given the nod for the office of the Presidential Special Envoy on Climate Action to serve as the lead negotiator on climate-related matters and coordinate climate-action-related activities across federal ministries.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
For: Director, Information
5/2/2025

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, FNSE, has called for a strong partnership between the Ministry and the media in achieving food security.

The Permanent Secretary made the call during a one day workshop with Agriculture Correspondents, with the theme, “Building partnership with the media for food security”, held at Frankville Hotel, Karu, Abuja recently.

Ogunbiyi pointed out that the ministry’s mandate aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, which focuses on promoting agricultural development, improving food security, creating jobs, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.

In his words, “the press has significant power to change negative narratives. I encourage you to use this power to sensitize Nigerians and encourage them to take a renewed interest in agriculture. Together, we can feed ourselves and develop our nation,” he said.

He further urged the media to support the Ministry’s efforts by educating farmers on various farming methods, farm inputs, and agricultural practices to boost productivity.

“Through your constructive engagements with the Ministry, you will be in a unique position to educate farmers on methodologies, inputs availability, and how these can be accessed to improve their yield,” he stated.

In his welcome address, the Director of the Department of Information, Dr. Joel Oruche emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, especially given the current administration’s focus on food security.

He said, “Your duty is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programs, and activities of the Ministry that impact farmers, especially smallholder farmers who rely on your ability to inform them on methodologies, input availability, and application of techniques.”

In his presentation, the National Project Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket, NAGS-AP, Ishaku Buba, highlighted the mandate of project to include; increase in total food production to crash the continued rises in prices of agricultural commodities and to make it affordable to the average Nigerian.

He pointed out the goals, objectives of the project and the achievements made so far to include; a total of 647,500 farmers registered across the 37 States including FCT on the NAGs-AP project platform since its commencement in 2023/2024 dry season out of which 628,406 farmers were supported with subsidized Agricultural Inputs packages, amongst others.

In his response, the Chairman, Agriculture Correspondents of Nigeria, ACAN, Mr. Collins Nnebuife commended the management for their support and appealed to the Technical Directors to make themselves more accessible to clarify issues.

He also solicited for the media to be carried along in programmes outside Abuja and called for the possibility of holding the workshop quarterly to keep them abreast of the developments in the agriculture sector.

Highlight of the event was presentations delivered by Director, Extension Services Department, Director Rural Development, National Project Coordinator, NAGS -AP, and the representative of Director Mechanization.

In attendance were various agricultural correspondents drawn from print, electronic media, and online publishers.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
23/1/2025