Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

Coconut rice is one of those meals that feels both comforting and special at the same time. Rich, aromatic, and naturally creamy, this dish is loved across Nigeria for its irresistible flavour and simplicity. Whether cooked for family lunch, festive occasions, or as a comforting weekday meal, coconut rice stands out as a dish that turns everyday rice into something truly memorable. Beyond its delicious taste, coconut rice also offers nutritional benefits, especially when prepared with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. What is coconut rice? Coconut rice is a rice-based dish cooked in fresh coconut milk or coconut extract instead of plain water…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for another year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. The approval, announced in a State House press release, signals the administration’s continued push to boost domestic processing, deepen value addition, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity within the agricultural value chain. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision aligns with the government’s industrialisation objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives…

If you’ve ever visited Port Harcourt or any part of southern Nigeria, chances are you’ve smelled bole (semi-ripe plantain) and fish before you even saw it. The smoky aroma of roasted plantain, the sizzling sound of grilled fish, and the spicy scent of pepper sauce together create one of Nigeria’s most iconic street food experiences. Bole and fish is more than just a meal, its culture, community, and comfort wrapped in foil. What is bole and fish? Bole and fish is a popular Nigerian street food made with roasted ripe or semi-ripe plantains (bole) served alongside grilled fish and spicy pepper sauce. It…

My recent visit to Kaduna State, particularly Zaria, was a revelation in agricultural productivity that could serve as a model for other states in Nigeria wrestling with rising food costs. Traveling along the express-road from Abuja to Kaduna, I was struck by the extensive crop plantations flanking the road for several kilometres. This unambiguously contrasts with my experiences in southwest Nigeria, where the open landscape is often dominated by encroaching bushes that require government funding for clearing – money that could be better invested in productive agricultural initiatives. In Kaduna, particularly along the expressways, I observed the efficient use of land.…

Beans are one of the most underrated, yet powerful foods in the Nigerian diet. From akara to moi-moi, porridge beans to beans and plantain, this humble legume has fed generations, providing strength, energy, and nourishment at an affordable cost. But beyond being a budget-friendly pantry staple, beans are a true superfood packed with nutrients that support growth, energy, heart health, digestion, and long-term wellness. If you’re looking to improve your health or find healthier food options for your family, beans deserve a permanent space on your plate. Why beans are so important in the Nigerian diet In many Nigerian households, beans are a weekly (even daily)…

In a bid to bridge the over 50 million metric tonnes supply gap of yams, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has unveiled plans to increase national yam productivity from the current 10 metric tonnes to 30 metric tonnes yield per hectare. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja, during the National Yam Advocacy Summit convened by IITA, in partnership with the ministry, saying that Nigeria produces 67.2 million metric tonnes of yams yearly, accounting for 67% of global production. He said that despite this impressive output, the…

Experts have identified Nigeria’s rich biodiversity conservation and its ecosystems, as crucial to global environmental health and support key sectors like agriculture, water, health, tourism, and industrial development, but also zeroed in on the threats which they face. They all spoke during the Validation and Inauguration of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Biodiversity Need Assessment Study on Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Use of Lowland Forest Mosaic Landscape in Ogun and Edo States. It was organised by the Nigeria National Park Service in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Global Environmental Facility-GEF 7 Project. The event, launched a GEF-7 Biodiversity project, is aiming to…

Food inflation hit a single digit of 8.89% in January of 2026, for the first time in a decade, in line with projections of analysts. This comes following an import waiver policy on select foods, which eases logistics bottlenecks and a steadier naira after years of sharp price increases that strained household budgets. The last time Nigeria recorded single-digit food inflation was in May 2015, when the price index stood at 9.78%. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the January reading was spearheaded by a monthly decline in prices of water yams, eggs, green peas, groundnut oil, soya beans,…

The Federal Government has launched 2,000 tractors to boost mechanised farming nationwide, and unveiled a N50 billion seed fund through the Bank of Industry to strengthen agricultural financing. The government also disclosed that it had mobilised N250 billion to support smallholder farmers in a renewed push to enhance food production, improve rural livelihoods, and drive economic growth across the country. Delivering his keynote address at the official flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative marked a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. He explained that…

When Nigerians talk about foods that are nutrient-dense, healing, and comforting, ewedu always makes the list. Popular among the Yoruba and enjoyed across the country, this green, silky soup made from jute leaves, is more than just delicious, it is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and proven health benefits. If you’ve ever wondered why ewedu is so cherished, or why health experts increasingly recommend leafy vegetables for better well-being, this guide breaks it all down. What is ewedu? Ewedu, made from Corchorus olitorius (jute leaves), is a traditional Nigerian soup that is usually cooked with crayfish, locust beans (iru), and a little seasoning.…