News
FG Unveils Plan to More Than Double Nigeria’s Grain Production
By Derick Peretengboro
The Federal Government has launched a new agricultural initiative aimed at raising Nigeria’s annual grain production from the current 11 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes, as part of efforts to improve food security and ease the pressure of rising food prices.
The programme, known as the Renewed Hope Smallholder Agricultural Financing Programme, was inaugurated in Zaria, Kaduna State. It is designed to strengthen local food production by providing farmers with improved access to quality farming inputs, affordable financing and technical support.
Speaking during the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the government is prioritising increased domestic production instead of relying on food imports to stabilise food prices. He noted that the initiative would enhance crop yields, improve food availability and support the country’s long-term agricultural development.
Kyari explained that about two million bags of agricultural inputs would be distributed through registered farm aggregators. These aggregators will also offer extension services to farmers and implement a Guaranteed Minimum Price system aimed at protecting producers from unfair market practices and post-harvest losses.
He described smallholder farmers as the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that although many cultivate less than one hectare of land, they account for the vast majority of the nation’s food production.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Ayodeji Sotinrin, said the programme would provide farmers with subsidised fertilisers, certified hybrid seeds and other essential inputs through the bank’s single-digit interest loan scheme.
According to him, about 500,000 farmers are expected to benefit during the current farming season. The programme is projected to expand to two million beneficiaries next year before reaching about five million farmers across the country.
Sotinrin added that if five million farmers each cultivate one hectare of land and achieve an average yield of five tonnes per hectare, Nigeria could produce about 25 million tonnes of grain annually. He said such output would be sufficient to satisfy local demand, reduce dependence on imports and create opportunities for agricultural exports.
He further disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture intends to support irrigation projects to encourage year-round farming and improve overall productivity.
The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve farmers’ access to finance, increase agricultural output and strengthen national food security.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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