28 April 2025
16:35

TOSCAD NEWS NIGERIA

News as it breaks

Category: Agriculture

AgricultureFeatured

Experts Urge Kwara Farmers to Tap Aquaculture Potential, Seek Government Support

Wendy R.

In a bid to enhance the profitability and sustainability of fish farming in Kwara State, over twenty local fish farmers have received specialized training on best practices in aquaculture. The capacity-building workshop, held in Ilorin, the state capital, was organized by the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), a non-governmental organization committed to promoting food security and economic growth through agriculture. During the training, facilitators Mr. John Domozoro and Mr. Sofolabi Sofela emphasized the immense opportunities available in Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. They highlighted that Nigeria currently holds the position of the second-largest producer of fish in Africa, underscoring…

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FeaturedAgriculture

Farmers Protest Alleged Land Grab as Border Communities Takeover

Wendy R.

Tensions are rising in border communities between Obi and Awe local government areas as over 2,000 farmers took to the streets in a peaceful protest against the alleged forceful takeover of their farmlands for a government-backed rice project. The farmers, whose livelihoods depend on these lands, accuse the region’s traditional ruler of selling over 10,000 hectares without their consent. Carrying placards with messages like “Our land is our only source of livelihood—please don’t take it away!” and “The same government telling us to farm is taking away our land—this is unfair!”, they marched through Agwatashi, stopping at the palace of…

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AgricultureFeatured

Nigeria Secures 12 Billion JICA Loan to Boost Agriculture, Strengthen Food Security

Wendy R.

The Federal Government has applauded the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing a 12 billion Japanese Yen emergency loan aimed at fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria. The financial support falls under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), an initiative designed to drive agricultural innovation and productivity. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, expressed the government’s appreciation during a meeting with the Economic Development Department of JICA, led by Director General Mr. Takao Shimokawa, in Abuja. He emphasized that the loan would be strategically invested in three key areas: enhancing…

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AgricultureFeatured

Nigeria, Brazil Seal $1.1B Green Imperative Deal to Boost Food Security, Investment

Wendy R.

In a landmark move to enhance food security and private-sector investment, Nigeria and Brazil have signed the commercial phase of the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project (GIP). The initiative, which stands as Africa’s largest agricultural project focused on sustainable, low-carbon farming, is set to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, described the project as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s strategy to improve food production and investor confidence. He emphasized that the GIP aligns with the government’s eight-point agenda and will integrate small-scale farmers into agricultural value chains. “This…

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AgricultureFeatured

Jigawa Invests N1.5 Billion in Farm Mechanization

Wendy R.

In a major push to modernize agriculture, the Jigawa State Executive Council has approved over ₦1.5 billion for the establishment of the Jigawa Farm Mechanization Service Company. The initiative is designed to boost efficiency and reduce costs across the state’s agricultural sector.   Announcing the decision after a recent council meeting in Dutse, State Commissioner of Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed, revealed that an additional ₦969 million has been sanctioned to cover customs duties and taxes on imported agricultural equipment and spare parts from Chin   Meanwhile, the council also reviewed a draft bill for the…

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FeaturedAgriculture

Tinubu Appoints Ex-INEC Chairman Jega Special Adviser on Livestock Reform

Wendy R.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative. The appointment is aimed at advancing sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s livestock sector, a key area of the administration’s national development strategy. Jega’s Role in Livestock Reform Professor Jega, a former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, previously co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee alongside President Tinubu. The committee’s work led to several key recommendations, including the establishment of the Livestock Ministry to address challenges in the sector. A statement from Bayo Onanuga,…

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AgricultureFeatured

VP Shettima Calls for Climate-Smart Agriculture to Strengthen Nigeria’s Food Security

Wendy R.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged increased investments in climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming, and digital innovations to enhance Nigeria’s food security and resilience. Speaking at a strategic workshop on agriculture and food security in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the vital role of the private sector in transforming the country’s agricultural sector. The event, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), aimed to validate key findings from the Agriculture and Food Security Survey. Represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibo, Shettima underscored the…

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FeaturedAgriculture

ECOWAS Invests $2.2M in Youth Agriculture Training

Wendy R.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has allocated $2.238 million to strengthen youth employment in agriculture, funding 10 Agricultural Research Centres and five Agroecology and Organic Production Centres, including Songhai Centres, across the region. Announced during a workshop in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin, the initiative aims to train 3,850 young people—40% of them women—equipping them with essential skills for sustainable agricultural development. Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, emphasized the program’s alignment with ECOWAS’ vision for inclusive and innovative agriculture. “Training young people is an investment in our collective…

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AgricultureFeatured

170 Youths Engaged in Wheat Cultivation as Jigawa Pushes Agricultural Growth

Wendy R.

The Jigawa State Government has committed to training youths involved in wheat cultivation in the Birnin Kudu Local Government Area as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and job creation. Governor Umar Namadi made the pledge during an inspection of wheat farms in the area, where he commended the Chairman of the local council, Dr. Muhammad Uba Builder, for spearheading the initiative. He described the program as a crucial step toward empowering youths and strengthening the state’s agricultural sector. During his visit, Governor Namadi also inspected a newly established solar-powered water supply site in Birnin Kudu. He directed the…

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FeaturedAgriculture

Senator Barau Applauds Tinubu’s N1.5 Trillion Boost for Agriculture

Wendy R.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the N1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Senator Barau made this statement on Thursday after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BOA for a N2.79 billion loan scheme designed to empower 558 young farmers across the North West geopolitical zone. “The recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion in the N54.9 trillion 2025 budget is a commendable step by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the agricultural sector,” Senator Barau stated. He explained…

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