As farmers continue to lament persisting insecurity, limited finance, and poor infrastructure, agricultural experts have called on the government to regulate commodity market intermediaries to curb hoarding. In this regard, the Federal Government disclosed that it would soon introduce a Guaranteed Minimum Price for agricultural produce for farmers and undertake large-scale offtake of farm harvests. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who announced this at a breakout session on “Catalysing Agricultural Transformation: Capital, Innovation and Growth”, at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit, said the measure aims to protect farmers and consumers amid price volatility. “We’re looking at how to balance the…
The Niger State Governor, Mahammed Bago, has reiterated that his administration remains committed to maintaining green initiatives and ensuring eco-friendly development under his New Niger Agenda. This commitment was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. The governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in his office in Abuja. The statement added that Bago held discussions with the minister, centred on collaboration to address environmental challenges, promote biosafety, and advance sustainable climate action across Nigeria. “Governor Bago also held deeper discussions with the minister, centred on deepening…
When people think of Nigerian food, the first thing that comes to mind is often large portions, palm oil-rich soups, and heavy swallows like pounded yam, amala, or fufu. While it’s true that Nigerian meals can be hearty, the good news is: you don’t have to give up your favourite local dishes to lose weight or stay fit. By making a few smart choices, you can enjoy authentic Nigerian foods while still working toward your weight loss and fitness goals. In fact, traditional Nigerian ingredients, like vegetables, beans, lean proteins, and spices, can be powerful allies in your health journey. Let’s explore the…
Few dishes spark as much pride and friendly debate across West Africa as Jollof rice. For Nigerians, it’s not just food – it’s culture, celebration, and identity on a plate. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party, Sunday lunch, or festive gathering – Jollof rice always takes the centre stage. The smoky aroma, the vibrant red colour, and the unforgettable flavour are what make it the undisputed king of Nigerian party meals. If you’ve ever heard of “Party Jollof” cooked over firewood, you’ll know that Nigerians take their Jollof very seriously. So, grab your cooking pot – it’s time to make the ultimate Nigerian Jollof rice. The story behind Nigerian Jollof rice Jollof rice originated from the Senegambian region, the…
The Federal Government has launched the National Livestock Growth and Advancement Strategy (NL-GAS), a two-phase 10-year plan aimed at doubling the nation’s herd size and sectoral output by 2035 through a strong public-private partnership (PPP) framework. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, unveiled the strategy during an Economic Management Team (EMT) meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. The minister explained that the initiative would focus on modernising livestock production, boosting value chains, and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector, which remains critical for food security and rural livelihoods. Edun described NL-GAS…
The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has secured a US$1 billion intervention fund aimed at transforming the wealth of smallholder farmers and enhancing the entire agricultural value chain from primary production to market access. The fund was secured through a strategic partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), marking a significant step toward achieving national food security and inclusive economic growth. The initiative follows the approval by President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the National Food Security Fund, a revolving matching fund designed in collaboration with state governments. The fund, officially named the National Smallholder Farmers Fund, is tailored to address systemic financial…
The Nigeria Director of the Agricultural Development for Economic Growth Initiative (AgDEG), Mr. Joseph Unogwu has cautioned that the Federal Government’s duty-free food imports and resulting price crash could worsen Nigeria’s food insecurity. Unogwu gave the warning during an interview in Makurdi, Benue State. The Federal Government had, in July 2024, opened borders for a 150-day window to allow duty-free imports of rice, maize, and wheat. The measure, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, was meant to curb food inflation and ease the high cost of living. Unogwu cautioned that flooding the market with imports would cripple local food…
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has started moving the 30,000 cattle from Abuja city centre to the Kawu Grazing Reserve in the Bwari Area Council. The reserve covers 9,000 hectares with solar-powered borehole at the pilot site. The minister, Idi Mukhtar, expressed joy at the event, informing herders that the ministry is working with different agencies to provide vital infrastructure, which include a 15-kilometre access road, solar boreholes, a dam, irrigation facilities, schools, healthcare, markets, electricity, and security. According to the minister, the project aims to stop the free movement of cattle in the Abuja city centre, reaffirming the government’s plan…
The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), has announced enhanced efforts to secure a stable and uninterrupted fertilizer supply for Nigerian farmers, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda vision for food sovereignty. According to a statement by the PFI’s Executive Director, Portfolio, Tajudeen Ahmed, the initiative had launched a new phase, PFI 3.0, aimed at ensuring a steady supply of raw materials to blending plants and ultimately making Nigeria self-sufficient in crop production for both food and industrial purposes. The statement read “As of September 2025, more raw materials have been supplied or ordered than the total supplied in 2024. Additional arrangements with…
The Federal Government has launched an ambitious US$3.14 billion agricultural investment plan in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations Hand-in-Hand Initiative. This initiative aims at transforming five key value chains, such as tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, and fisheries. This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during his presentation at the National Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja, saying the Hand-in-Hand initiative seeks to eradicate poverty, end hunger, and achieve food sovereignty while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Kyari…