As part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s cocoa industry for greater productivity and global competitiveness, the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers across the country. The initiative, launched at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oyo State, forms part of
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s water and irrigation infrastructure through closer collaboration with the World Bank as part of measures to improve food production, expand access to safe drinking water and attract fresh investment into the sector. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr.
Nigeria has resumed large-scale importation of U.S. soybeans after a six-year break, with 62,000 tonnes shipped into the country in early 2025 as rising demand for protein continues to outpace local production. The development was disclosed by Brent Babb, Executive Director of the Soy Excellence Center and Sub-Saharan Africa Lead
An agricultural expert, Tony Bello, has called for accelerated industrialisation of Nigeria’s cassava industry, saying greater investment in value addition is essential to unlock the crop’s full economic potential, generate employment and strengthen the country’s export capacity. Mr Bello, the Chief Innovation and Commercialisation Officer of Matna Foods Ltd., made
The Edo State House of Assembly has approved legislation establishing the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology after repealing the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Law enacted in 2019. The bill received the backing of lawmakers on Tuesday following detailed consideration at the Committee of
The Jigawa State Government has launched a new agricultural support initiative targeting 90,000 smallholder farmers as part of efforts to improve productivity, lower farming costs and strengthen food security across the state. Governor Umar Namadi announced the initiative during the inauguration of the 2026 Wet Season Agricultural Support Programme held
Youth members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the South-West have expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting agricultural activities, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to food production and the livelihoods of rural communities across the region. The concerns were contained in
The ECOWAS Commission has concluded the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Steering Committee for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme – ECOWAS Component, held from June 17 to 19, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia. The initiative, funded by the European Union through the Global Gateway initiative and
The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has introduced a technology-driven credit assessment system aimed at preventing middlemen and fraudulent beneficiaries from accessing agricultural financing and government-backed farm support. The bank’s Managing Director, Ayodeji Sotinrin, disclosed the development in a statement released on Friday in Abuja. According to Mr Sotinrin, the enhanced
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development has approved a $268 million financing package for the Taraba State Government to drive large-scale investments in renewable energy, agriculture and industrial infrastructure, in a move aimed at accelerating economic growth and job creation in the state. The funding was formalised through three
