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Nigeria Seeks FAO Support to Revive Lake Chad, Expand Irrigation, and Strengthen Food Systems
Nigeria is calling on the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to help restore the Lake Chad Basin, expand irrigation systems, enhance agricultural mechanisation, and develop a national farmers’ database to improve food security and support smallholder farmers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari made the request during a bilateral meeting with FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu at the 2025 World Food Forum in Rome. Kyari emphasized the need for FAO’s technical and financial support to address Nigeria’s food security challenges.
Key Areas of Focus
Lake Chad Basin Revival
The Lake Chad Basin, once a vital water source for millions, has shrunk dramatically over the past decades due to climate change, overuse, and regional conflicts. Kyari highlighted the importance of FAO’s assistance in revitalising the basin to restore agricultural activities and livelihoods in the region.
Expansion of Irrigation Systems
To promote year-round farming and reduce dependence on seasonal rainfall, Kyari called for increased FAO partnership in expanding irrigation systems. This initiative aims to improve water management and resilience for smallholder farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity.
Agricultural Mechanisation
Recognizing the need for modern farming techniques, Kyari stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural mechanisation initiatives. This would improve efficiency, productivity, and value addition among rural farming communities.
National Farmers’ Database
Kyari also noted the necessity of establishing a comprehensive national farmers’ database. Such a database would aid in policy planning, resource allocation, and program monitoring, ensuring more effective support for the agricultural sector.
FAO’s Commitment
Dr. Qu Dongyu reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural priorities. He expressed the organization’s dedication to advancing mutual goals of food security, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. Dr. Qu praised the Nigerian government’s proactive approach and leadership in addressing food security challenges.
Broader Context
Nigeria faces significant food security challenges, including rising food prices, climate change impacts, and regional conflicts. The government’s initiatives, such as the Green Revolution Project and the Lake Chad Basin revival efforts, aim to address these issues and promote sustainable agricultural development. Collaboration with international organizations like FAO is seen as crucial in achieving these goals.
The Nigerian government plans to continue its engagement with FAO and other international partners to implement the proposed initiatives. Efforts will focus on securing technical and financial support, mobilizing resources, and ensuring the successful execution of projects aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in the country.
This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
latest
Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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