Commodity associations pledge strategic action to boost food security

The leaders of various agricultural commodity associations in Nigeria have declared their unified resolve to scale up food production in alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The commitment was made known in a communique signed by Engr Aminu Muhammad, President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), following their inaugural joint meeting […]

The leaders of various agricultural commodity associations in Nigeria have declared their unified resolve to scale up food production in alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The commitment was made known in a communique signed by Engr Aminu Muhammad, President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), following their inaugural joint meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, held over the weekend, brought together key stakeholders representing over 21 agricultural commodities, including rice, maize, cassava, and cotton. Leaders such as Anibe Achimugu of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) and Bello Abubakar Anoor of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) were among those present.

“We are united as a coalition representing millions of grassroots smallholder farmers,” the communique stated. “With our nationwide footprint across 774 Local Government Areas, we are well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.”

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The associations emphasised their critical role in ensuring food security during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their coordinated efforts helped Nigeria avoid a food crisis despite global lockdowns.

They said that their initiatives “significantly” reduced the country’s rice import bill, slashing it from $1.5 billion in 2015 to $18.5 million in 2023.

Beyond economic contributions, the associations highlighted their impact on job creation, having generated 12.8 million direct and indirect jobs across various agricultural value chains.

They also acknowledged their role in grassroots political mobilisation, providing robust support to federal and state governments.

Engr. Muhammad also reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to fostering sustainable food systems and empowering farmers. “Our strategic plans will not only enhance food production but also contribute to national growth and development,” he said.