Author: Adewale Kupoluyi
The Federal Government, in partnership with China, is planning a US$900 million investment in large-scale poultry projects aimed at producing up to six million eggs daily, as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s protein deficit and strengthen food security. The Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe disclosed this in an interview in Abuja, explaining that the initiative represents a shift in the bilateral relationship from infrastructure-focused cooperation to deeper development partnerships anchored on agriculture, industrial production, and technology transfer. According to Tegbe, the plan involves the establishment of six integrated poultry farms across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,…
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development convened a two-day meeting in Abuja to assess and address Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a viral disease affecting sheep and goats, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock health and productivity. Speaking at the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) meeting, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON) and Director of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches to disease control. “This meeting provides an opportunity to evaluate the burden of animal diseases in Nigeria. By establishing reliable databases, we can guide targeted interventions and inform government…
Nigeria’s push towards export diversification showed measurable progress in 2025, as non-oil exports stood at N12.36 trillion, up from N9.09 trillion in 2024. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that agricultural products contributed 41.04% of total non-oil exports, highlighting the strong role of agriculture in Nigeria’s export performance, with exports driven primarily by cocoa, which accounted for 24.61% of total non-oil exports. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria’s non-oil export volume also rose to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 10% increase. This indicates that the growth in…
Nigerian farmers have been urged to prepare for heavy rain and not to rush into full-scale planting despite the recent onset of rainfall. The Founder of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development, Micheal Ale, gave this advice in a statement released in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He noted that current rains being experienced in parts of the country may not translate into the sustained rainfall needed for optimal agricultural yield. It was reported that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Federal Government have earlier issued warnings to farmers against early planting following recent deceptive rains in February and early March 2026. They…
The Federal Government has called on investors to collaborate with Nigeria in harnessing its agricultural potential while tackling the growing impact of climate change on food production and security. The appeal was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, through a statement signed by the Head, Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna. According to the statement, “The Federal Government has called on investors, financial institutions, and development partners to collaborate with Nigeria in its vision of building a resilient food system, climate-smart farming, and expanding sustainable agricultural production, as well as unlocking the enormous potential of Africa’s…
The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has raised serious concerns that existing cocoa pricing models are failing to protect farmers across Africa. In a statement made available, COFAAA Global President, Adeola Adegoke, said “These systems were designed to stabilise prices in cocoa-producing countries, but in practice, prices have been quickly adjusted to match international market fluctuations. “Instead of providing stability and protection, the current models are leaving farmers vulnerable to the volatility of the global cocoa market”. The organisation noted that despite the historic cocoa price boom in 2024, when international prices reached about US$12,000 per metric tonne, many farmers, particularly…
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that food inflation rose in February to 12.12%, reversing from its first single-digit win in January, on the back of rising prices of food in markets. The NBS reported that this increase comes as a result of a renewed spike in food prices like cassava, beans, yams, and crayfish, basically food staples in the Nigerian diets. However, while food inflation rose, headline inflation eased further to 15.06% in the period, down from 15.10% in January, defying the usual trend of food inflation directly driving headline inflation. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation rose by 0.80%,…
Plantain is more than just a staple in Nigerian homes, it is a nutrient-packed superfood loved for its versatility, affordability, and deeply comforting taste. Whether fried as dodo, boiled, roasted as bole, mashed into plantain porridge, or transformed into plantain flour, plantain remains one of the most nourishing foods you can add to your diet. For many African households, plantain is not merely food, it’s a tradition. It shows up at family celebrations, weekend breakfasts, and even as a quick street snack. But beyond its satisfying flavour and cultural significance, plantain is a nutritional powerhouse that promotes heart health, supports digestion,…
The Federal Government has launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YALTF), in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to expand opportunities for young Nigerians in agriculture and address barriers such as limited access to land, skills, and financing. The initiative was unveiled in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and IITA. Six million youths will benefit from the new agribusiness initiative. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was designed to empower Nigerian youths to become key drivers of agricultural productivity,…
The Federal Government says it has deployed about N250 billion in agricultural credit and released 2.15 million bags of fertiliser to support farmers and boost food production across the country. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this during an interview, saying the intervention forms part of measures by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to address food security challenges and increase agricultural production. “The policies are very progressive, very functional, and very responsive”, he said. He added that the government began implementing emergency measures after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in…
