Press Release

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Future Programme has strategized to improve agricultural extension services, enhance food production and increase income of Nigerian farmers.

Speaking during the National Impact Workshop with the theme: Innovations in Market –led Extension Service Delivery, held in Abuja recently, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari ,represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr. Deola- Tayo Lordbanjou stated that the collaboration would provide new business solutions, enhance economic growth , create more jobs for youth and women as well as grant access to markets for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Kyari stated that the partnership has led to improvements in extension and advisory services crucial in boosting the productivity and income of Nigerian farmers.

The Minister revealed that “Since 2020, we have jointly identified several impactful agricultural practices as business solutions for farmers, transforming MSMEs into key players in agricultural extension services.

“The results are also visible in the number of farmers that were reached with improved production practices, about 311 MSMEs that received different support to provide farmers with advisory services, and State’s Agricultural Development Programme,” Kyari added.

He noted that the partnership had facilitated the adoption of new agricultural technologies and promoted market access for farmers.

In his welcome remarks, the Director, Winrock International , Jean – Pierre Rousseau state that ‘’we have over MSMEs serving as change catalysts, bringing innovation and productivity-enhancing inputs to the doorsteps of 2 million smallholder farmers across Benue ,Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi , Kaduna, Kebbi and Niger states .”

He added that the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians is vital to the success of agricultural transformation.

In his presentation, Chief of Party, USAID, Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, Dr Ben Odoemena stated that the Extension Activity’s approach was anchored on private sector engagement, with a primary focus on partnering with MSMEs and other private sector extension and market service providers to test, adapt and scale MIPs for smallholder farmers.

Odoemena explained that MIPs are business solutions/opportunities that effectively and sustainably facilitate access to agro-inputs, market, and extension messaging by smallholder farmers.

Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Extension Knowledge Products document by the representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.

In attendance were various stakeholders in the Agricultural Extension Services Sub Sector such as USAID Feed the Future Programme, Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, Agriculture Development Programme (ADP), amongst others.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
Assistant Director, Information
For: Director, Information
25/10/2024

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, has called for a stronger collaboration among stakeholders under the One Health Approach in the implementation of the new National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) to ensure improved Public Health, Food Security and Sustainable Development in the country.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently in Abuja, the Minister stated that the new National Action Plan on AMR has six strategic objectives which includes, strengthening leadership and surveillance systems, improving public awareness, implementing infection prevention and control programmes, access to quality microbials’;, and increasing the knowledge capacity of relevant stakeholders.

The Minister who was represented by the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu pointed out that the implementation plan was aimed at addressing the challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance in the human, animal and environmental sectors.

He further stated that, “in line with the political declaration at the just concluded United Nation’s General Assembly, the Ministry recognize that antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent global health threats and development challenges”.

He revealed that, “Antimicrobial resistance is predicted to cause about 11% decline in livestock production in low-income countries by 2050”.

He added that to curb Antimicrobial resistance, the Ministry has established a network of laboratories to support AMR surveillance, developed national guidelines for the use of antimicrobial drugs in animals to guide animal health practitioners.

He further stated that in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO), the ministry had developed Bio Securities Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for poultry and aquaculture sectors.

He therefore pledged the ministry’s full commitment to the implementation of the activities of the new National Action Plan.

In his remarks the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, emphasized the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting citizens’ health and well-being.

He revealed that, “AMR occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and develop the ability to survive treatments that once killed them or inhibited their growth.”

Prof. Pate also explained that the Second National Action Plan on AMR aims to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance, which claimed 4.7 million lives globally in 2020.

Earlier in his Goodwill Message, the World Health Organization’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, pointed out that the world has reached a critical milestone in understanding the environment’s impact on antimicrobial resistance.

He also noted that this achievement demonstrates leadership, ownership and drive to address the pressing issue.

In his presentation, the Co-chair of the AMR Technical Working Group, Kabir Junaid stated that the adoption of the document was crucial as it would direct the country on what it should focus on combating anti-microbial resistance.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling and launch of the new National Action Plan on AMR and the National Genomics Surveillance Strategy.

In attendance were the former Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and other critical stakeholders and development partners in the sector.

Obe M. Mabel
Principal Information Officer
For: Director, Information
21/10/ 2024

As Nigeria and other nations of the world mark 2024 World Food Day, Federal Government says it will do everything possible to tackle hunger in the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, made the declaration at a ministerial briefing to mark the day, with the theme, the right to food for a better life and a better Future”.

According to the Minister, much has been achieved in the sector as a result of the Federal Government‘s policy initiatives and innovative funding.

He noted that in 2017, Nigeria recorded significant achievement in the global agricultural sector, adding that it ranked first in cassava and yam production with 59.4 million tons and 47.9 million tons, respectively.

He said the country also ranked the 14th in Maize production with 10.42 million tons and 4th in Palm oil with 7.7 million tons in the same year.

Speaking further, the Minister pointed out that in 2019, Nigeria became the largest producer of rice in Africa with a production level of 9 million metric tons. “This indeed is a true testimony of our overall commitment to boosting agriculture and providing sufficient food to the teeming population.”

Building on the momentum to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture, the present administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is implementing lots of policies, programmes and initiatives to ensure the Right to Food for a better life and better future in Nigeria by placing food security as a top-most national priority in its Renewed Hope Agenda”, he stated.

The Minister added that “This year, the Nigerian government has ordered for immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of Maize, Millet, Garri in addition to other food commodities from the National Food Reserve to Nigerians as a temporary response to the nation’s rising cost of food. The administration has also resorted to importing some food commodities as an interim measure to augment food shortages”.

“During the National Broadcast on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR emphasized commitment to reducing food costs and increasing food production. The government is prioritizing mechanized farming with the aim of accelerating agricultural production and promoting economic growth.”

This administration has outlined plans to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet, and other staple crops to boost food supply and affordability.

The strategy involves collaboration with state governments to stem inflation and enhance food security in the country”, the Minister emphasized.

He pointed out that economic opportunities are being enhanced for inclusive participation of small and marginal farmers, women, and youths to create jobs, reduce poverty, and boost economic growth.

He went further to state that “It is the resolve of the present administration to develop the agricultural sector towards the attainment of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially those of zero hunger and to improve agriculture and rural productivity. Agriculture remains a potent tool to fight hunger, poverty, and unemployment. It is against this backdrop that we wish to reiterate our commitment to reducing these menace and ensure prosperity for all Nigerians”.

In his remarks, the Assistant Country Representative, Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, Salisu Mohammed revealed that the March 2024 Cadre Harmonise protected 31.8 million people in Nigeria at risk of food insecurity, and just recently, the country was hit by yet another devastating floods.

Pointing out that, “across Nigeria, an estimated food loss is about 855, 629 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to the amount of food which could feed 8.5million people for six months, Nigeria will face adversities again but there are solutions if we work together,” he stated.

He, therefore, advised the Ministry to provide the enabling environment for food production.

The National President, All farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Kabiru Ibrahim also called on government to incentivize farmers and give them support to produce more food for Nigerians.

Earlier, to commemorate the day, the Officials of the Ministry went on a visit to farm clusters in Bwari Area Council, Government Girl Secondary School, Dutse and also embarked on sensitization road walk, as part of the World Food Day celebrations.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For

In a bid to tackle food price inflation, Federal Government has reviewed the annual Agricultural Performance Survey Report to assess the performance of the agricultural sector during the wet season and forecast the likely production outputs for the year, identify constraints to increase agricultural productivity, amongst others.

Speaking during the presentation of the 2024 Agricultural Performance Survey report by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, NAERLS, in Abuja recently, the Hon Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, CON, pointed out the core mandate of NAERLS to include; advance the frontiers of Agriculture Extension Research and Services, conduct agriculture performance assessment and provide feedback, build capacity of skilled actors for effective extension amongst others.

He recalled that the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Project (NAGS-AP) provided a platform for training the trainers programme for the extension agents across the wheat producing states, amongst others

He noted that NAERLS objective was to plan and coordinate the Research Extension farmers Input Linking System, REFUSE, adding that the activities were designed to ensure that all the prototypes were encamped

The Minister pointed out that “if we are to focus on mechanization under we are supposed to create that platform”.

Based on that, the Minister charged NAERLs to create a platform that would bring about all mechanization tools that we have, identify the right industries, and bring up a round table forum with all stakeholders involved, under the direction of the Ministry to take the recommendation further.

The Minister also stressed on the need to take the survey further to dry season to tackle food price inflation, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised that no one goes to bed hungry and the Ministry is poised to ramp up production back to back.

He assured Nigerians that preparation in that regard was at advance stage as farmers had started land preparation in readiness for the dry season farming.

Abdullahi commended the NAERLS team and all the various actors in the field pointing out that “the report as presented is not perfect but because you have shown us areas we have issues to do and if you don’t know where problems are, how do you improve on them, that is why this performance survey is very significant and has been given high level attention as we have done today. That is all the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about, putting in the front burner, critical issues that are important to Nigerians and the argument about the youths being lazy has been debunked”.

“We have seen it over the years, we had youths that have organized conferences to showcase agriculture, they have shown us the way forward and what they want, more or less validating some of those thoughts in your submission. One of which is to improve on Mechanization”, the Minister added.

Abdullahi, commended the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who said “Agriculture Mechanization was a new deal and way forward for Nigeria and to do that we have seen the emergence, of the Greener Hope, Nigeria Belarus Agriculture Mechanization and the John Deere Memorandum of Understanding, all designed to bring in tractors of various specifications, from low impact to heavy duty including planters, harvesters amongst others”.

In his remarks, the Executive Director NAERLS, Prof. Emmanuel Ikani highlighted the 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Executive Summary.

He noted that the Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) was one of the key mandates of the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, NAERLS, adding that the tools for the survey are reviewed each year, to improve data, analysis and reports.

Prof Ikani pointed out that as part of the review, stakeholders on Agricultural data generation and dissemination consisting of Federal, States, National and International Governmental, non-Governmental organizations and Commodity-based Associations validate the survey tools for inclusiveness of issues in agricultural development across the sector and related sectors.

He noted that the 2024 Wet season agricultural performance survey was conducted from the 8-15th of September, 2024 by NAERLS in collaboration with relevant agencies and the results of the APS were usually presented to the public during World Food Day celebration, noting that the findings in the report would assist the government in assessing the Agricultural sector performance as well as providing policy direction in achieving the desired food security drive of the country.

Highlight of the event, was the handover of the report by the Executive Director NAERLS to the Hon. Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON.

In attendance were the Manager, Central Delivery Coordinating Unit, Bashirat Quadri, representatives from Extension Training and Outreach, Zaria, Directors of the Ministry amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
17/10/2024

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari has inaugurated the National Task Force (NTF) on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with the regulation on deforestation – free agricultural products and boost the economic.

Speaking during the event held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja recently, the Minister said that the inauguration of NTF was a strategic step toward addressing issues in alignment with the EUDR

Kyari added that deforestation and forest degradation were significant contributors to climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Minister revealed that the EUDR came into effect on June 29, 2023, with a mandatory compliance deadline of December 2024.

He noted that regulation targets commodities associated with high deforestation risks, including timber, soya, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and cattle, along with derived products such as chocolate, leather, tyres, and furniture.

Kyari stressed that “Only products that are deforestation-free — meaning they have not contributed to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020 — and are legal according to the domestic laws of the country of origin, will be permitted in the EU market.”

He described the European Union (EU) as a major trade partner, and non-compliance with the EUDR would severely impact Nigeria’s export markets for cocoa, rubber, soya, and timber, which account for 80% percent, 7% percent, 5% percent, respectively of Nigeria’s 523 million Euro export trade to the EU.

He therefore appealed for the extension of the deadline to ensure more countries’ compliance with the regulations of EUDR.

According to him, ‘’ the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) comprising all cocoa producing nations at the recently concluded meeting unequivocally called for a two-year postponement of the EUDR deadline. I therefore use this opportunity to join the call for the suspension of the EUDR’’.

Kyari also stressed the importance of collaboration to establish a central national database for traceability and certification, as well as forest mapping and due diligence to ensure deforestation-free products.

He highlighted Ghana’s progress in mapping 1.2 million farms and preparing to trace cocoa beans from farms to ships. He pointed out that Nigeria would follow suit and avoid lagging in compliance.

The Minister urged the NTF to work with both government and private sector stakeholders, to meet these standards, and to secure Nigeria’s position in the global market.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Temitope Peter Fashedemi, represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Engr. Abubakar Abdullahi stated the Ministry would support the NTF towards achieving its mandate in line with Renewed Hope Agenda in the Agriculture Sector.

The National Task Force’s Terms of Reference (ToR), include; Coordination of relevant stakeholders towards having a national approach on EUDR, Design implementation and funding strategy for National Task Force on EUDR, Review and adopt state plan for Nationwide implementation, Create comprehensive GIS infrastructure for cocoa production, digitization and profiling of all value chain actors and other traceability dimensions, Engage EU on possibility of deadline extension, amongst others.

Ezeaja Ikemefuna
AD, Information
For: Director, Information
9/10/2024

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations, and other Stakeholders will celebrate 2024 World Food Day with the theme ‘Right to Foods for a Better life and a Better Future.’.

The activities earmarked by the Ministry and FAO to Commemorate the Day are as follows;

1. Visit to the Cluster Farms/Selected Secondary Schools and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within the FCT – Tuesday,15th October,2024 @ 9.00 am

2. Walk and Sensitization – Wednesday,16th October,2024 @ 7.00 am

3. Ministerial Press Briefing – Wednesday,16th October,2024 @1.00 pm

In a bid to cushion the effects of high cost of food commodities, Federal Government has flagged- off the sales of 30,000MT of milled rice at subsidized rate of N40, 000 per 50kg to ameliorate the prevailing food crisis in Nigeria.

Speaking during the historic event held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja recently, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, revealed that the kind gesture was made possible at the expense and directives of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who does not want Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry, and in his wisdom deemed it important to initiate the food intervention.

He recalled that in the recent past, precisely aftermath of COVID-19, and due to the Russian-Ukraine war, the climate change amidst other localized factors/challenges, food prices, farm yields, food chains, were distorted globally and Nigeria is not an exception.

According to him, “this has led to increased concern and risk of food insecurity and general decline in the standard of living globally”.

The Minister noted that the present challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria alone, adding that the food intervention was timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation.

Speaking further, he stressed that the Federal Government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sales of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of Government, as put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure transparency, wider reach and success of the exercise.

“This includes one man and one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to the food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens”.

He therefore urged the citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of the government to work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved.

The Minister further stated that “It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each) of this important staple into Nigeria food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives” adding that the exercise would also be carried out across the country.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure stated that the event was an important day to enhance the well-being of Nigerians.

She stressed that the 30,000 metric tonnes of rice embodied federal government efforts to ensure food security.

In an interview with the Director, Strategic and Grains Reserve Department, Engr. Haruna Suleiman revealed that Civil Servants could access the grains from the point of sale with their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and NIN. He added that Nigerians could also use their NIN only to access the rice.

Highlight of the event was the official flag off of sales of the subsidized milled Rice by the Hon. Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security and FCT.

In attendance were the representatives from Nigeria Custom Services, ICPC, EFCC, and staff of FCDA, amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
6/9/24

In a bid to achieve food security, Federal Government has called for stronger partnership with the United Nations to address the pressing challenges of food insecurity, climate change amongst others that pose as significant threats to the Nation’s Development.

Speaking during the visit by the Deputy Secretary PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED NATIONS TO TACKLE FOOD INSECURITY, OTHERS

-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammad, GCON, to his office in Abuja recently, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, stated that Nigeria’s partnership with United Nations was critical to meet the attendant huge consumption demand in the immediate and long-term plan of action.

He added that the visit was expected to strengthen the existing cooperation between Nigeria and the UN to pave the way for new partnerships aimed at sustainable development.

Sen Kyari pointed out that the Ministry was totally committed to providing the desired policy direction to steer the agriculture and food security sector, adding that the Ministry’s mandate was aligned towards the attainment of the key priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda.

He noted that Nigeria has a long-standing history of cooperation with some of the UN agencies across various sectors, including agriculture such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), amongst others with notable success stories.

He maintained that these bodies had been working as key development partners with Nigeria since 1960 to achieve sustainable food systems pathway in delivering and establishing a robust cooperation for formidable agricultural collaboration with the UN.

According to the Minister, “Nigeria has been working with these International partners and paying statutory contributions and counterpart funds to FAO, IFAD, UNDP, UNIDO, ILO, WFP, IOM, among others with a view to increasing food production and encourage multilateral institutions to support the Nigerian food system resilience with sustainable interventions in the agriculture sector”.

“The UN through the UNICEF is providing support to the Nigerian food and nutrition security agenda, notably, by fortification of food crops (vitamins, anti-bodies etc) with a view to mitigating stunted growth, malnourishment and other infant nutrient deficiencies”.

He emphasized that agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy and food system governance which necessitated the joining of the UN Food Security (Call to Action) to affirm the shared desire for a strong and prosperous partnerships as well as discuss critical issues facing world’s agricultural development.

The Minister added that the UN agencies had over the years provided technical assistance in ensuring food systems and nutrition security in Nigeria, noting that the Ministry would appreciate further support on the Value Chain Development Programme.

He further stated that UN Deputy Secretary-General’s visit was timely and apt, which would help create a paradigm shift that would further improve the agricultural sector.

In her remarks, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina Mohammad, GCON, emphasized the need to modernize Nigeria’s agriculture sector, calling for greater investment in green energy and digital technologies.

She noted that these innovations would make farming a more attractive and sustainable profession, especially for the teeming youth.

Dr. Mohammad, therefore, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in achieving food security and promoting regional stability.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
5/9/2024

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Securitarder Development Agency (BBDA) to check agricultural activities at the border.

Speaking while playing host to the Management of the Agency led by its Director-General, Mohammed Garba Danladi, in Abuja recently, the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stated that the partnership would assist the Ministry monitor agricultural activities in that part of the country in liaison with the agency and the host community.

The Minister pointed out the need for data on farmers within and around the border community as there are many agricultural activities in that area, including the movement of Livestock across the border.

He, therefore, directed the setting up of a Joint Action Committee to work out modalities to formalize the relationship between the Ministry and the Agency through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Committee comprised some Directors of the Ministry and Senior Officials of the Babanna Border Development Agency.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the Agency, Mohammed Garba Danladi, expressed delight over his visit to the Ministry, describing it as a home coming.

He pointed out that the agency was the brainchild of the Federal Government charged with agricultural activities including crop production, marketing while watching movements across the border as it is located at the border between Niger State and Benin Republic.

He, therefore, called for cooperation, support, and partnership with the Ministry to achieve the desired goal.

The Joint Action Committee is to be chaired by the Director Planning and Policy Coordination of the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu was expected to present a draft Memorandum of Understanding in the next meeting of the Committee.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)

Chief Information Officer

For: Director Information

1/9/2024

In a bid to curtail harvest losses due to climate change, Federal Government has expedited action to incorporate the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Program, NAGS-AP, to enhance sustainability and food security.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu revealed this during the Agricultural Insurance Train-the-Trainer Workshop held at Debbie’s Upper Class Event and Recreation Centre, Orozo, Abuja recently.

He pointed out that the purpose of integrating the Agricultural Insurance Scheme into the NAGS- AP program was to protect the investment and interventions being made by the government and the financing partner, the African Development Bank (AfDB), via NAGS-AP in addressing the sustainability and security of our local food systems.

The Minister recalled that “we commenced this program in the 2023 dry season with wheat cultivation. So far, we have been fortunate to have favourable production due to good weather, resulting in a bountiful harvest”.

“It is more evident than ever that we need a climate risk mitigation solution to close the many protection gaps arising from climate change risks such as floods, droughts, pests, diseases, etc capable of leading to crop failure or harvest losses”, he added.

Abdullahi noted that these risks have now become central issues affecting the government, financiers, and the beneficiary farmers, who stand to lose the most from seasons of bad harvests, adding that such adverse conditions could wipe out investments and the labour invested in the program leading to significant food price inflation as we are witnessing today.

The Minister pointed out one of the unfortunate incidences of the 2023 wet farming season, in which ginger farmers in Kaduna suffered immensely from the outbreak of the ginger blight disease, losing over 90% of their total harvest for the season.

He stated that only a few of those ginger farmers who took the insurance protection received monetary compensation for their harvest losses, noting that these set of farmers could boast of returning to their farms with little or no financial assistance, unlike their uninsured counterparts who had to dip into their meagre savings to be able to continue farming.

In his words, “it was estimated that Nigerian ginger farmers incurred losses amounting to N12 billion due to the catastrophic blight epidemic that decimated their crops in 2023. That is some food for thought and something that we all have to bear in mind; as we are at all times one or two bad harvest seasons away from losing our food supplies.

Furthermore, guidance from the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook report, recently released by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in the first quarter of this year, has alerted us that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 31 states are high flood-risk areas, while 249 LGAs in 36 States and the FCT fall within moderate flood-risk areas.

In simple terms, 397 LGAs out of the total 774 LGAs in Nigeria, representing over 51% of our farming areas, are at risk of flooding”, the Minister emphasized

He, therefore, pointed out that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is poised to arrest the situation through the deployment of climate-smart agriculture for the establishment of a resilient food security system because climate-smart agriculture remains the only means for adapting to climate change.

“This necessity has driven the Ministry to establish a joint working committee, comprising representatives from the NAGS secretariat of the Ministry, NAIC, and Pula Advisors. This committee has been tasked with creating a practical framework to achieve a national Agricultural Insurance scheme for the NAGS program”.

He added that one of the key deliverables, which the Ministry had approved, was to organize a training and sensitization program on Agricultural Insurance to educate stakeholders on its features and benefits.

The Minister, therefore expressed his gratitude to the Joint Working Committee and looked forward to the outcomes of the workshop and a subsequent report on the next steps towards implementing the Agricultural Insurance component for the ongoing NAGS 2023 wet season and subsequent dry and wet season programs.

In his opening remarks, the National Project Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), Mr. Isiaku Buba noted that the scheme was designed to broaden its operational horizon to carter and accommodate the interest of the farmers and other relevant stakeholders operating along the production line of the chain.

He stressed that the Agricultural Insurance component of the NAGS-AP Project was being designed and propelled by tested and experienced hands from the insurance industry citing that NAIC and PULA Advisors Limited are present to inform stakeholders of the benefits and the proposed implementation strategies to be followed to incorporate the important component into the programme with a view to achieving the desired goals.

In her goodwill message, the Managing Director, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, NAIC, Mrs Folashade Joseph pledged the readiness of NAIC to partner with stakeholders in the Agricultural and other sectors of the economy by providing sound insurance and other risk management expertise with a view to reducing risks bedeviling these ventures and improving national agricultural output towards the attainment of food security.

In attendance were stakeholders from All Farmers Association, NAIC, PULA Advisors, USAID, REX Insurance, and NAIDA, amongst others.

Eremah Anthonia (Mrs.)
Chief Information Officer
For: Director Information
22/8/2024