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Nigeria Faces 2 Million-Ton Rice Deficit, Minister Calls For Urgent Action.
Nigeria requires an annual rice production of about 22 million metric tons to meet domestic consumption needs, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has revealed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Abdullahi said that the country currently produces about 20 million metric tons, leaving a shortfall of roughly two million metric tons. He stressed the need for consistent funding and strategic investment in the agricultural sector to close the production gap and enhance food security.
According to Nivo News, the Minister made the remarks while contributing to deliberations on three key agricultural bills aimed at strengthening the sector: the amendment of the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, the establishment of the National Farm Settlements Agency, and the creation of the National Rice Production, Processing, and Research Institute in Argungu, Kebbi State.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s average rice yield of 4.5 to 5 tons per hectare falls significantly short of the global benchmark of 9 to 12 tons. He emphasized that with better funding, research, and innovation, local farmers could achieve yields of 7 to 8 tons per hectare, thereby closing the current two-million-ton deficit.
He warned against converting agricultural institutes into mere employment centers, urging lawmakers to focus on strengthening existing institutions to achieve maximum productivity. Drawing attention to the cassava sector, the Minister revealed that although Nigeria remains the world’s largest cassava producer, its average yield of 11 tons per hectare is far below the 49 tons possible through advanced research systems. He projected that doubling or tripling current cassava yields could significantly boost national output to between 120 and 180 million metric tons, injecting substantial value into the economy.
Abdullahi also highlighted the ministry’s alignment with most provisions of the proposed bills but called for further refinement to ensure consistency with existing laws and ongoing federal agricultural initiatives.
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy Whip Ayokunle Isiaka, said the proposed legislations represent a roadmap for a more secure and self-sufficient Nigeria. He emphasized that the hearing aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security.
The Chairman of the Committee, Bello Kaoje, described agriculture as the foundation of Nigeria’s economy and the key to inclusive growth. He called for collaborative efforts among policymakers, farmers, researchers, and investors to ensure the proposed laws strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and productivity in the sector.
Kaoje reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to crafting legislation that transforms agriculture into a profitable enterprise capable of driving national prosperity.
The Iyaloja General Movement held a prayer session in Lagos on Thursday, seeking victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The event, part of the ninth Annual Ramadan Lecture, special prayers, and palliative distribution, was attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, market leaders, political and community stakeholders, as well as APC supporters from across the country. Notable traditional rulers present included the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba; the Alaige of Orile Agege Kingdom, Oba Ambaliu Adegbeyi; and the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Latif Egbeyemi.
Mutiullahi Oladeebo, the group’s coordinator, said the gathering aimed to support Tinubu’s re-election and mobilize grassroots backing for APC candidates in the upcoming polls. “We are praying for our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his victory in the forthcoming general election. As Muslim faithful, we believe Allah answers prayers during Ramadan,” he said.
Oladeebo added that the event also included distributing food palliatives to vulnerable community members to ease the effects of fasting. He expressed confidence that the APC and its candidates would win and highlighted the group’s role in mobilizing support.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed globally as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity, with religious and socio-political gatherings often seeking guidance for national peace and development.
A 44-year-old trader, Ebere Ezetoha, was arraigned on Friday before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the child’s mother discovered Ezetoha inserting his finger into the girl’s anus after hearing her cry, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Ademigbuji stated that the alleged incident occurred on February 14 at Ezetoha’s residence at 35, Prince Ibeh Arinze Crescent, Ago Palace, Lagos. The act is said to contravene Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Ezetoha pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Omolara Kushanu granted him bail of N500,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case until April 9 for mention.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the construction of buildings on land allocated to foreign embassies in Katampe Extension, Abuja, describing them as illegal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Friday during a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, Wike said the unauthorized structures would be demolished.
During the inspection, the minister visited several roads and projects, including the route linking Wuse to the Central Area, a road near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor. He expressed confidence that many of the projects would be completed ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On the illegal constructions, Wike explained that the plots were originally allocated on March 18, 2008, to various diplomatic missions for residential use. However, an illegal developer seized the land and began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Someone just took over and started developing it without FCDA approval. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.
The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Part of the land had also been reserved for a 132/133KV power station for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Wike stated that the FCTA has directed the Department of Development Control to demolish all illegal structures and restore the land to its original purpose. “I have instructed that every building on this land be brought down,” he said, adding that the embassies would be formally notified to take possession of their plots.
The minister also revealed that the suspected developer had been arrested and would face prosecution. “The man has been arrested, and the police are investigating. He will be charged in court soon,” Wike said.
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