The Federal Government of Nigeria is prioritizing long-term agricultural investments to address the country’s food insecurity crisis, emphasizing that short-term relief measures are insufficient for sustainable growth. At the Green Agric West Africa Expo (GAWA) 2025 held in Lagos, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, reiterated the need for commercial and modern farming techniques, including irrigation and green technology, to ensure food sufficiency. Represented by the Ministry’s Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Omolara Abimbola-Oguntuyi, Kyari underscored the importance of shifting from short-term palliatives to strategic, long-term solutions. FG Advocates Sustainable Agricultural Development Highlighting Nigeria’s growing population and dwindling food supply, Kyari stressed that the government is committed to implementing medium- and long-term strategies to enhance food security. He noted that commercial agriculture and modern innovations such as precision farming and climate-smart agricultural practices must be prioritized. “We must focus on commercial and sustainable agriculture, incorporating irrigation systems, green technology, and modern techniques. Our food production capacity must align with our population growth to avoid prolonged food insecurity,” Kyari stated. He further emphasized that government palliatives are temporary measures and do not provide a lasting solution to the country’s food challenges. Instead, the focus must shift to sustainable investments that tackle both agricultural and security concerns. Agriculture: A Pillar of West Africa’s Economy Describing agriculture as the backbone of West Africa’s economy, Kyari highlighted the importance of sustainable policies that promote environmentally friendly farming techniques. He noted that fostering sustainable farming practices will help protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and maintain a resilient agricultural sector. According to Kyari, the Federal Government remains dedicated to creating networking opportunities for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs in the agricultural industry. He emphasized that the private sector must lead the agricultural transformation, while the government will provide essential infrastructure and oversight. “We are focused on policies that ensure access to nutritious food while promoting regenerative farming techniques to sustain the ecosystem,” he added. Call for Financial Support to Farmers During his keynote speech, Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigeria Stock Product Research Institute, called on the government to facilitate access to credit facilities for farmers. He stressed that financial support is crucial for attracting youth into the agricultural sector. “The government must provide farmers with credit facilities at single-digit interest rates to ensure their growth and productivity,” Sanni stated. GAWA 2025: A Platform for Agricultural Innovation Earlier in the event, Mr. Abiodun Olaniyi, Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network Ltd., noted that the expo was organized to advance agricultural development in West Africa. He emphasized the need to integrate climate-smart agricultural solutions and soil health restoration techniques to enhance food production. “We are looking at the future of agriculture by adopting innovative solutions, focusing on regenerative agriculture, and ensuring sustainability in farming practices,” Olaniyi remarked. The Green Agric West Africa Expo 2025 serves as a vital platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate and implement forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of agriculture in the region. Read more on sustainable agriculture strategies from FAO READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
IntroductionFood security is the foundation of any prosperous nation. Without a stable food supply, economic growth and national stability remain elusive. Nigeria’s agricultural sector has long struggled with challenges such as low productivity, inadequate funding, and outdated farming practices. However, under the strategic leadership of Alwan Ali Hassan, the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), significant improvements have been made. Through farmer-friendly financial policies and innovative agricultural initiatives, Hassan has aligned his vision with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a policy framework designed to promote self-sufficiency and economic sustainability through agriculture. Alwan Ali Hassan: A Visionary Leader in Agriculture Financing More than just a banker, Alwan Ali Hassan is a seasoned financial expert and administrator with over three decades of experience. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980 and later obtained an MBA in 1987. His career spans key roles at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank, and the defunct Bank PHB. Now at the helm of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Hassan is leveraging his extensive financial expertise to revolutionize agricultural financing and boost food security in Nigeria. His leadership aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic development. Transforming Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector: Key Achievements 1. Improving Access to Agricultural Financing Historically, Nigerian farmers have struggled to access credit due to high interest rates and complex loan requirements. Under Hassan’s leadership, the BOA has introduced low-interest agricultural loans, making funding more accessible to farmers. These financial policies have: 2. Introducing Flexible Loan Repayment Structures To address the financial burdens on farmers, Hassan spearheaded repayment structures aligned with harvest cycles. This innovation allows farmers to: 3. Promoting Agricultural Mechanization A major challenge facing Nigerian farmers is the lack of mechanized farming tools. Hassan has facilitated special funding programs that encourage farmers to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. These programs: 4. Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture Recognizing the critical role of women and young entrepreneurs in agriculture, Hassan has implemented: This approach ensures the sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural economy by engaging the next generation of farmers. 5. Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Agriculture Financing Corruption and mismanagement of agricultural funds have historically hindered sector growth. Under Hassan’s leadership, the BOA has introduced strict financial oversight mechanisms, ensuring that: The Impact on Nigeria’s Food Security and Economic Growth Hassan’s innovative policies have led to: ✅ Increased food production, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.✅ Better distribution channels, making food more accessible and affordable.✅ Boosted agricultural exports, generating foreign exchange for Nigeria.✅ Reduced reliance on oil revenue, aligning with the economic diversification agenda. With these achievements, Nigeria is becoming a key player in the global agricultural market. Sustaining the Momentum: The Way Forward To build on these gains, continued support from the government, private sector, and financial institutions is essential. Policymakers must: ? Strengthen agricultural funding programs.? Enhance rural infrastructure to support food production.? Promote public-private partnerships in agriculture. Under Alwan Ali Hassan’s leadership, Nigeria’s agricultural future is brighter than ever. By sustaining these policies, the country is on track to achieve full food security and economic stability. READ ALSO: ollow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Government Initiative to Strengthen Local Agriculture In a bold move to enhance food security and support farmers, the Lagos State Government is set to launch a ₦500 million agricultural intervention fund, tagged “Ounje Eko”, on February 5, 2025. This farmers’ subsidy programme aims to improve domestic food production and ensure affordability for over 23 million Lagos residents. Strategic Partnership for Food Sustainability Speaking at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, emphasized that the initiative will be executed in collaboration with the private sector and key agricultural stakeholders. This partnership will help regulate food prices, making essential commodities more accessible to consumers. Key Benefits for Farmers Under this scheme, the state government will provide a 25% subsidy on animal feeds to boost production in poultry, fishery, and crop farming. Additional incentives include: ✅ Tractorisation Services – Support for large-scale crop production.✅ Fertilizer Distribution – Farmers will receive subsidized fertilizer to enhance soil fertility and crop yields. Objectives: Enhancing Food Security and Economic Stability The “Ounje Eko” programme is designed to: ✔️ Sustain and increase agricultural production in Lagos.✔️ Ensure a steady supply of poultry and fish products in local markets.✔️ Prevent farm closures and support struggling farmers.✔️ Reduce Lagos’ dependence on food imports and promote self-sufficiency.✔️ Strengthen the agricultural value chain to enhance productivity and economic growth. A Step Towards a Sustainable Future According to Commissioner Olusanya, this intervention aligns with the broader vision of the Lagos State Government to transform the agricultural sector, ensuring food affordability and availability. By empowering farmers and reducing reliance on food imports, Lagos is taking a significant step toward a self-sustaining food economy. Conclusion The “Ounje Eko” farmers’ subsidy initiative is expected to have a profound impact on food security, local farming, and economic resilience in Lagos State. As the government continues to invest in agriculture, this program will serve as a model for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged the Federal Government (FG) to authorize the use of sophisticated weapons for personnel of the Amotekun security network in the South West. This call aims to strengthen security efforts and curb the rising threat of banditry in the region. Afenifere’s Stand on Amotekun and State Policing Following a crucial meeting in Akure, the hometown of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere expressed deep concerns over the increasing influx of bandits into Yoruba-speaking states. According to a communique released by Jare Ajayi, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, licensing Amotekun to carry lethal weapons would serve as a preparatory step towards establishing State Police. Key Recommendations from Afenifere Addressing Food Price Inflation Beyond security concerns, Afenifere also highlighted the rising cost of food items in Nigeria. The group urged state and local governments to support local farmers by providing essential resources at subsidized rates. Benefits of Government Support for Farmers Conclusion Afenifere’s demands reflect the urgent need for proactive measures to tackle insecurity and economic hardships in Nigeria. By empowering Amotekun and supporting local farmers, the government can foster a safer and more prosperous society in the South West region. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Poultry farmers in Nigeria face significant losses as unsold chicken stocks pile up after the holidays. Poor sales during Christmas and New Year highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and government support for the poultry industry. Nigerian poultry farmers are facing massive losses after experiencing poor sales of chicken during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Onallo Akpa, Director General of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), highlighted the struggles of poultry farmers, citing economic challenges and reduced purchasing power as major factors that discouraged families from buying chicken. Preparation for the Festive Season Poultry farmers entered the festive season with high hopes, expecting robust sales as families traditionally include chicken in their holiday celebrations. Investments in broiler production skyrocketed, especially among small-scale backyard poultry farmers, despite the high costs of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) and poultry feed. Dr. Akpa noted that almost every poultry producer, regardless of scale, stocked broilers in anticipation of high demand. “The belief was that, no matter the circumstances, families would prioritize buying chicken for Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he explained. Challenges Faced by Farmers Unfortunately, the reality fell short of expectations. Over 50% of the broilers produced for the holidays remained unsold due to the declining purchasing power of Nigerians. Families, struggling to meet basic needs, deprioritized poultry meat in favor of more affordable food options. “Poultry farmers are now grappling with unsold stock, which adds to their costs as they continue feeding the birds without corresponding sales,” Dr. Akpa revealed. This situation has left many farmers facing severe financial losses, with some contemplating shutting down their operations entirely. Impact on the Poultry Industry The poor sales during the holiday season have had devastating consequences for the poultry sector. The livelihoods of families who rely on small-scale poultry farming are being threatened, while confidence in the industry has taken a significant hit. Many farms are closing down due to unsustainable production costs and diminished demand. Dr. Akpa stressed that the cost of production, compounded by the economic hardship faced by consumers, has created a dire situation for the poultry industry. A Path Forward in 2025 Despite the challenges, Dr. Akpa remains hopeful. He emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the agricultural sector, particularly poultry farming, which employs over 25 million Nigerians directly and indirectly. “To revive the industry, there must be a focused effort on boosting the economy and addressing critical issues in agriculture,” Dr. Akpa suggested. He also called for policies that support nutrition and food security, highlighting the vital role of poultry in achieving these goals. Conclusion The struggles faced by Nigerian poultry farmers during the 2024 festive season highlight the urgent need for economic reforms and targeted interventions in the agricultural sector. Without swift action, the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and the nation’s food security could be at risk. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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According to the October Cadre Harmonisé (CH) Report, between June and August 2025, at least 33.1 million people in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory would experience a food and nutrition crisis. The CH Analysis Report, which was made public in Abuja on Friday, made the prediction. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other partners carried out the analysis. Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger, and Benue are among the states that are impacted. Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory are more. According to the study, 514,474 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara are included in this number. It showed that there are currently food problems affecting almost 25 million people in the 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The FAO’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Kouacou Koffy, urged immediate action and a coordinated strategy to address the nation’s food and nutrition security. He said: “We can get closer to eradicating hunger and easing suffering for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations with the combined efforts of the government, CH stakeholders, and the international community.” “We are dealing with hitherto unseen issues that impact livelihoods and the security of food and nutrition on a national, regional, and worldwide scale.” According to Koffy, Nigeria is dealing with a number of shocks, such as insecurity, climate-related disasters like floods and droughts, and economic variables that impact the prices of agricultural commodities and staple crops. These sessions, he said, also seek to suggest suitable ways to stop or lessen ongoing food shortages. “The most dependable and commonly used early warning tool for livelihood response targeting, food security, and humanitarian programming, as well as for prioritizing development programs,” he said. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Temitope Fashedemi, promised that the government will use the report’s conclusions to direct food and nutrition security initiatives in all states. READ ALSO: Breaking: FG releases funding for retiree benefits and NASU salary Flooding, insecurity, and high food and non-food prices are the main causes of the food crisis, according to Balama Dauda, CH Focal Person for the National Programme on Food Security. (NAN) We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter,
