Taiwo POPOOLA

The Federal Government has intensified investment in agriculture through the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation to empower smallholder farmers and boost food and nutrition security in the country.

The Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation initiative aimed to empower smallholder farmers with modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.

Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the Ministerial news conference on Thursday, October 15, in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Food Day with the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”

He said the theme emphasised the importance of global collaboration across governments, organisations, the private sector, and communities to build a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future.

Abdullahi said that through supportive policies, rising investments and strategic partnerships taken by the government,  Nigeria’s agriculture is now poised for a stronger performance.

“The present administration has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to tackling the complex issues of food insecurity, economic instability, and agricultural development.

According to him, the government of Tinubu recognises the critical role that agriculture plays in driving economic development and feeding the nation.

“The government has intensified investment in agriculture through various initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.

“Recently, 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialised farming implements were inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu, for the cultivation of over 550,000 hectares of farmland.

” The expected outcome is to produce more than two million metric tonnes of staple foods and create jobs for Nigerian youths and women.

“This initiative aimed to empower smallholder farmers with modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.

“The programme seeks to transform Nigeria’s agriculture sector and make it a global powerhouse.

“It was a momentous occasion that marked a significant milestone in our nation’s quest to enhance agricultural productivity and food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

” It was also a major step forward in the nation’s agricultural mechanisation process that promises to enhance the efficiency of our agricultural practices,” he said.

He said that President Tinubu also approved the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with a massive N1.5 trillion, marking a monumental milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural financing landscape.

“Accordingly, the President has approved the sum of N250 billion credit facility through the Bank for disbursement to smallholder farmers at a single-digit interest rate.

“This unprecedented boost is targeted at promoting the agricultural sector and unlocking new opportunities for growth, development, and food security,” he said.

Abdullahi said in response to the numerous challenges faced by smallholder farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had developed short-term plans to make farm inputs more accessible and affordable.

“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to ease economic hardship, we are supporting smallholder farmers in all the states of the federation and FCT with vital farm implements and inputs.

“I urge you all to get involved by educating ourselves about global food challenges and food insecurity.

“Let us advocate for policies and initiatives that will provide short, medium and long-term solutions to address hunger, food waste, and sustainable farming practices at the local, national, and international levels,” he said.

In a related development, local government leaders in Lagos State have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling hunger, promoting food sufficiency, and empowering farmers and vulnerable households across their communities.

They made this known in separate messages on Thursday to mark the 2025 World Food Day, with the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”.

The Chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Samiat Bada, said her administration remained steadfast in promoting access to nutritious food and supporting local farmers who play critical roles in strengthening food systems.

“At Ikosi Isheri LCDA, our administration is deeply committed to promoting access to nutritious food, empowering local farmers, and supporting small-scale producers,” Bada said.

She noted that since assuming office, her administration had implemented several empowerment and welfare programmes targeted at improving food sufficiency and reducing the impact of economic challenges on vulnerable households.

Bada explained that her council’s agricultural support initiatives were designed to enhance local production capacity and encourage residents, especially young people, to see agriculture and agribusiness as viable pathways to prosperity.

“This year’s theme emphasises teamwork and innovation. It reminds us of our shared responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and healthy food,” she added.

She urged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of agricultural opportunities in the area, while pledging continuous investment in initiatives that promote food security and sustainable livelihoods.

In a similar message, the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area, Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe, said food security transcends individual effort and requires genuine partnership as well as shared responsibility among stakeholders.

“As we commemorate World Food Day, we recognise that food security demands collective responsibility and partnership,” Ogunlewe said.

He noted that the Kosofe Food Bank initiative exemplifies this spirit by ensuring that nutritious meals reach 5,000 households monthly, particularly those most affected by rising food costs and economic pressure.

“To our farmers, traders, and community members, your dedication strengthens our collective food sovereignty.

“Together, we shall build a future where no resident goes hungry, where sustainable agriculture flourishes, and where prosperity flows through our communities,” he said.

Ogunlewe reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deepen agricultural development, empower traders, farmers, and cooperative groups within Kosofe to boost local production and reduce dependency on imported foods.

Also, Sanni Okanlawon, who represents Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said this year’s theme aligns with Nigeria’s drive toward inclusive agricultural reform and economic diversification.

Okanlawon, who also chairs the House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, underscored the importance of unity, innovation, and inclusivity in building resilient food systems that guarantee access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all Nigerians.

He said sustainable agriculture, rural development, and environmental stewardship remain central to achieving lasting food security and economic growth.

“As the world reflects on this year’s theme, I urge every stakeholder from policymakers to farmers, from communities to consumers to work hand in hand toward a future where hunger is eradicated and prosperity is shared,” he said.

The lawmaker further noted that Lagos, being a densely populated and commercially active state, must lead by example through investment in urban farming, waste-to-feed initiatives, and innovative food distribution systems that strengthen resilience against global shocks.

He added that the synergy between government agencies, local councils, and private stakeholders would play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for residents.

World Food Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 16.

The day was established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1979 to raise global awareness about hunger, food insecurity, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring food security in spite of its geographical limitations.

The state made this known at the grand finale of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems event in commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day at the Police College Parade Ground on Thursday, in Ikeja.

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the State Government, vowed the continued commitment of the government to ensure food security.

“I am delighted to join you today on the occasion commemorating the Y2025 World Food Day.

“This significant day underscores the importance of our shared responsibility to strengthen the state’s food system and serves as a collective call to action against hunger and malnutrition.

“This year’s theme: ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’, highlights the urgent need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, development organisations, and communities to transform agri-food systems, promote healthy diets, and safeguard our environment.

“For Lagos State, the challenge is unique. Despite being the smallest in landmass, Lagos is home to over 22 million people, making it the most densely populated state in Nigeria.

“Feeding such a vast population requires innovation, bold investments, and robust partnerships.

“Having recognised the importance of food security, this administration remains deeply committed to ensuring Lagos remains food secure despite its geographical limitations,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also highlighted achievements in the government’s roadmap towards achieving a food-secure Lagos, while collaborating with all relevant stakeholders in the sector.

“Our dedication is evident in the continuous provision of support for food production, infrastructure, and market systems designed to reduce high food prices and build a sustainable food reserve management structure.

“Agriculture remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic resilience—a sector that nurtures livelihoods, drives innovation, and sustains prosperity.

“In Lagos, we are redefining agriculture as a dynamic engine for growth, inclusion, and sustainability.

“As we commemorate World Food Day 2025, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to work hand in hand for better food systems and a better future for all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

In his goodwill message, an Executive Director at the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Mr Yarub Al-Bahrani, restated the foundation’s commitment to advancing agriculture and food security in the country.

“This year’s theme for the 2025 World Food Day: ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” echoes the mission of BATNF, which, over the last two decades, has remained committed to empowering rural Nigeria and advocating the rights of smallholder farmers, laying the groundwork for a truly sustainable future.

“I am proud to reassure our unwavering commitment to this cause and our continued efforts to uplift rural communities across Nigeria.

“We firmly believe that the key to sustainable development lies in uplifting smallholder farmers, the backbone of our food systems.

“Through targeted initiatives that deliver training, capacity building and financial support, we have profitably impacted over 300,000 farmers and reached more than 1.7 million beneficiaries, including women and youth all over the 36 states of the federation.

“Food security is not something we can do alone, but it’s a collaborative effort,” Al-Bahrani said.

Also, as part of the 2025 World Food Day celebration, the Lagos State Government celebrated farmers.

Best Agro-processor of the year was awarded to Farm Junction, while Erikorodo Poultry Association was awarded the Best Farm Estate, and Ajara Farm Settlement bagged the Best Farm Settlement in the state.

Also, the Lagos Island Local Government Area bagged the Best Livestock Champion and Apapa Local Government Area was awarded the Best Agriculture champion.

Yaba Local Community Development Area won the best local government in agricultural practice.

The Best Artisanal Champion went to the Ejalonibu Fishermen Cooperative, while the Best Crop champion was won by the Daddy Louis Tomatoes Growers Association, Badagry.