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Boost for Farmers! FG Rolls Out Free Fertilisers as N200bn Agric Push Gains Momentum
The Federal Government has committed more than N200 billion to the agricultural sector in a bid to enhance food production and strengthen national food security.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement released on Sunday, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that the ministry has invested over N200 billion in agricultural interventions and distributed fertilisers valued at over N2.15 million to farmers nationwide—completely free of charge—to boost cultivation and enhance crop yields.
Kyari also commended the Government of The Gambia for seeking a strategic partnership with Nigeria to strengthen food production and foster economic development across the region.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s path to food sufficiency has been challenging, the minister highlighted the notable progress achieved so far, crediting support from key development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Bank.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said that the path to food sufficiency in Nigeria has been tough but productive, with the government intensifying agricultural production through collaborations with development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Bank.
Kyari, speaking over the weekend, reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring food security, noting that when President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, he issued a clear directive to achieve food sovereignty and end hunger in the country.
“The journey has not been easy, but the President gave a marching order: ‘we must achieve food security and food sovereignty,’ and that has remained our guiding principle,” Kyari stated.
He explained that the recent renaming of the ministry—from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security—was a deliberate move to reflect the urgency of tackling food insecurity, especially in light of challenges posed by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters like flooding.
Highlighting the administration’s drive towards mechanised agriculture, Kyari stressed the need to attract Nigerian youth into the sector. “We have enormous youth potential, but traditional, labour-intensive farming practices often discourage their participation,” he said.
The minister also pointed to progress made in local crop production, especially in rice and wheat. He revealed that significant breakthroughs in agricultural research have boosted Nigeria’s self-reliance, particularly in wheat production.
“In 2023, farmers received imported wheat seeds. But as of last year, we no longer import seeds—our research institutes have developed homegrown varieties that allowed us to cultivate nearly 500 metric tons of wheat within the country,” Kyari explained.
While challenges in the rice sector persist—particularly around availability and affordability—Kyari highlighted the outgrower scheme as a key strategy for supporting smallholder farmers.
“The scheme empowers small-scale farmers by giving them access to inputs and financing for short-term cycles between planting and harvest, typically within four to five months,” he added.
Kyari made these remarks during a courtesy visit by a Gambian delegation led by Demba Sabally, The Gambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security. The delegation had earlier visited Kebbi State to study Nigeria’s rice farming and irrigation techniques.
Sabally praised Nigeria’s agricultural strides and expressed particular interest in the outgrower scheme model. “Your outgrower model—post-harvest management, mechanisation, seeds, packaging, and rice trade—is something we are eager to replicate,” he said.
He acknowledged that while Nigeria has made substantial progress in rice self-sufficiency, The Gambia still relies on imports for over 80 percent of its rice needs, a situation that continues to weigh heavily on the country’s economy.
Sabally concluded by calling for Nigeria’s support in appointing a “Rice Ambassador” to help guide The Gambia in replicating Nigeria’s success and advancing its own goal of achieving rice self-sufficiency.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared its intention to present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This comes despite Wike’s open endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, as well as his recent comments suggesting the party may struggle to fund a nationwide presidential campaign.
However, speaking in an interview, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, dismissed claims that the party would not field a candidate, insisting that preparations are ongoing.
He said the party’s National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Monday will address key issues such as zoning arrangements and nomination fees.
According to him, “We are going to have a presidential candidate. The NEC will decide the zoning formula. Our goal is to win the election and take power from the APC.”
Responding to questions about Wike’s support for President Tinubu, he argued that the minister was speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the PDP.
He stressed that there is a clear separation between Wike’s role as a federal appointee and his status within the party, adding that the PDP’s decisions rest with its leadership structures.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has revealed that Ibadan elders have stepped into the ongoing tension between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The development follows rising political controversy in the state after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose alleged that Makinde was plotting against the Olubadan, a claim denied by both the state government and the palace.
Amid the growing tension, some lawmakers also distanced themselves from alleged impeachment discussions involving the governor, insisting they were not part of any destabilising plot.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Oba Ajibola said elders in the city had intervened to calm the situation and urged all sides to avoid actions that could disrupt peace in the state.
He stressed that the Olubadan remains a highly respected traditional ruler and should not be drawn into political disputes.
Ajibola advised Oba Ladoja to remain neutral and act as a father figure to all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, warning that the dignity of the throne must be protected at all times.
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused in connection with the killing of six traders in the Owode Onirin area of Kosofe, Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision followed legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence during a mob attack.
In the advice signed by DPP Babajide Martins, the office stated that investigators failed to provide sufficient evidence, including autopsy and ballistic reports, to support criminal charges such as manslaughter.
It further stated that available facts did not clearly link the suspects to the deaths, while noting that the officers were acting to protect themselves during the chaos. The DPP also said the developer was not physically present at the scene when the incident occurred.
The incident reportedly happened during the enforcement of a disputed court order over a land area occupied by traders, which later turned violent and led to the deaths.
However, the Nigeria Police Force disagreed with the legal advice, insisting that autopsy and ballistic findings were strong enough to prosecute the suspects.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who represents the victims’ families, said the case is not over, adding that additional evidence would be submitted to the DPP while also pursuing compensation through a civil suit.
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