Category: Nigerian Tribune

Following the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Monday, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the incident.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser on Information and Strategy, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and preventing similar incidents across the state.

The statement said the incident happened following a severe thunderstorm, which claimed one life, while several occupants were reported to have narrowly escaped.

According to the statement, preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only portions of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the vicinity.

Two women and their children reportedly escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before it gave way.

The statement said that emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated search-and-rescue operations.

Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also swiftly deployed heavy equipment to the site, joining the rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the collapse.

It was gathered that initial surface searches did not locate any victims, while traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble prompted emergency teams to undertake a carefully controlled excavation exercise.

The operation eventually led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time of the report.

The investigation team noted that while adverse weather conditions preceded the collapse, the exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined at the scene. Experts explained that only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would establish whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials, or other underlying factors.

Consequently, Governor Abiodun has directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to conduct comprehensive assessments of the collapsed structure, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials, and inspect adjoining buildings to determine whether they have also been compromised.

Governor Abiodun expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, while sympathising with all those affected by the collapse.

He also commended emergency responders, first responders, volunteers and community members for their prompt intervention, which led to the successful rescue of several occupants and helped minimise further loss of life.

The Governor assured residents that the State Government would provide every necessary support to those affected while investigations continue. He stressed that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans, or compromised construction standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Ogun State Government also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening enforcement of physical planning regulations across the state, the government urged property developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing any construction project and to adhere strictly to approved building plans and specifications issued by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The government warned that unauthorised alterations to approved building designs, the use of substandard materials, and non-compliance with established construction standards pose grave risks to lives and property. It stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains the most effective safeguard against avoidable structural failures.

The Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB) has commenced the payment of ?3 billion in gratuities to more than 1,000 retired primary school teachers, local government workers and next of kin of deceased pensioners across the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, said the payment exercise would be carried out across the state’s geopolitical zones.

Ige disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde approved and released the ?3 billion for the exercise, describing the gesture as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired workers.

He said, ‘The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, has approved and released the sum of Three Billion Naira for the payment exercise. I congratulate all the beneficiaries of this gratuity payment.’

The Chairman urged residents to continue supporting the Makinde administration, saying, ‘A government that cares for its workers and pensioners deserves our collective support and prayers.’

He also advised the retirees to make prudent use of their benefits and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Tpl. Olufemi Akinwale, said the Governor had remained committed to the welfare of pensioners since assuming office.

According to him, ‘In his characteristic manner of ensuring that adequate planning is put in place for sustainable payment of gratuity and other retirement benefits, the Governor has recently approved the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Unlike other states, the Oyo State Government will contribute 12 per cent, while the enrollees will contribute eight per cent.’

He added, ‘All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure the successful implementation of the new pension scheme that will run alongside the Defined Benefits Scheme.’

In his goodwill message, the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adewoyin, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Governor Makinde for sustaining the payment of gratuities and other retirement benefits. He also praised the appointment of Hon. Ige as Chairman of the Board, describing him as experienced, committed and dedicated to the development of the state.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adisa Gafar and Mrs. Bejide thanked Governor Makinde for prioritising the welfare of pensioners and consistently putting smiles on the faces of retired workers and senior citizens.

Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone I, Barr. Jubril Alaga; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Musibau Ladele; Chairman of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu; Chairman of the Retired Local Government Staff Association, Alhaji Muniru Adesope; Secretary of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Tunji Ogunwale; and heads of departments of the Local Government Staff Pension Board.

The Federal Government has identified strategic public procurement as a critical tool for strengthening Africa’s logistics systems, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting food security, saying procurement decisions must go beyond routine government spending to drive economic transformation and sustainable development.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, made the call on Tuesday at the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit and Awards 2026 held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Public Procurement is Live: Creating Opportunities for Sustainable Growth in Africa,’ Ogunbiyi said public procurement had evolved into a strategic instrument for institutional strengthening, industrial development, and improving the quality of life of citizens.

He noted that governments across the continent spend between 12 and 20 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on public procurement, making every procurement decision an opportunity to stimulate local industries, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and deliver greater value to the public.

According to him, the agricultural sector remains one of the biggest beneficiaries of efficient procurement systems, particularly in addressing logistics and supply chain bottlenecks that continue to fuel food losses and rising food prices across Africa.

He noted that poor transport networks, inadequate logistics infrastructure, fragmented cross-border systems, high freight costs, limited warehousing facilities, and delays in moving goods continue to undermine public investments and weaken Africa’s competitiveness.

Ogunbiyi explained that the challenges are more severe for farmers who rely on timely delivery of seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and extension services, while harvested produce must be transported quickly to aggregation centres, storage facilities, processing plants, and markets.

‘Weak logistics and transportation systems contribute significantly to post-harvest losses, reduce farmers’ incomes, increase food prices, and weaken food security across the continent,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary urged African governments to deploy transparent and well-planned procurement systems to invest in critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, inland waterways, ports, cold-chain facilities, warehouses, and digital logistics platforms capable of linking producers to markets and supporting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He also advocated the adoption of digital procurement platforms, electronic contract management, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, and smart logistics solutions, while calling for stronger regional collaboration to modernise procurement and supply chain systems.

According to him, transparent, technology-driven procurement and resilient supply chains are essential to achieving the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and unlocking the full economic opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

Highlighting reforms within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ogunbiyi said procurement is being deployed as a strategic mechanism for implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding mechanisation, strengthening irrigation, improving storage and processing infrastructure, and developing competitive agricultural value chains.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, noting that procurement processes would continue to be guided by integrity, transparency, competition, due process, and effective contract management.

The Permanent Secretary also outlined ongoing reforms within the ministry, including the digitalisation of procurement processes, stronger monitoring and evaluation systems, professionalisation of procurement officers, and increased stakeholder engagement to improve service delivery.

The summit ended with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding individuals and organisations for excellence in procurement and supply chain management across Africa.

Ogunbiyi congratulated the award recipients and called for sustained collaboration among governments, development partners, and the private sector to build procurement and supply chain systems capable of strengthening public trust, supporting industrialisation, improving logistics, enhancing food security, and driving shared prosperity across the African continent.

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the deadly attack on Naridon Village in Kaduna, ordering security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators and rescue abducted residents.

The attack, which occurred early Monday in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area, claimed about 30 lives, including women and children, while several houses were burnt.

Tinubu described the assault as a barbaric and cowardly act of terror against defenceless citizens.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja.

‘I have directed the Armed Forces, police, and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations across the affected areas to track down the perpetrators swiftly, secure the release of abducted individuals, and restore normalcy to the region,’ he said.

The president warned that those seeking to undermine the hard-earned peace and security enjoyed in Kaduna would not escape justice.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families, Gov Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Government and the people of the state.

Tinubu assured the state government and affected communities of the Federal Government’s support in confronting security challenges.

‘Our administration has an unwavering commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel, and neutralising criminal networks attempting to disrupt the peace of the nation,’ he said.

The president also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence to enhance prompt response to threats.

‘I urge our local communities to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence that would help early response efforts,’ he added.

This statement reflects the views of industry experts and stakeholders advocating comprehensive regulation of Africa’s real estate industry as a crucial step toward attracting investment, protecting consumers, and promoting sustainable housing development.

During AIHS forum in Abuja, the experts emphasised that introducing stronger regulatory systems, similar to those in the UAE, could reduce fraud, enhance transparency, encourage mortgage financing, and attract both local and international investment into Africa’s housing sector.

They argued that effective regulation has become essential rather than optional. By recommending the adoption of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) real estate regulatory system in Nigeria and other African nations, the experts highlighted how the UAE has become one of the world’s most attractive real estate investment destinations due to a robust regulatory framework that fosters transparency, professionalism, investor confidence, and market stability.

Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have transformed into global property hubs because government institutions established clear rules that protect buyers, developers, investors, and financial institutions while ensuring that only qualified professionals operate within the sector.

Unlike many emerging markets with loosely regulated real estate activities, the UAE has implemented a structured system where accountability is a cornerstone of the industry.

The stakeholders explained that real estate in UAE is regulated by government agencies with clearly defined responsibilities. In Dubai, for instance, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) oversees all property transactions, title registrations, and ownership records, while the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) regulates developers, brokers, property managers, and other industry practitioners.

‘These institutions formulate regulations, issue licenses, monitor compliance, and impose sanctions when necessary,’ they stated.

They noted that every property developer in Dubai must obtain government approval before launching any project. Developers are required to demonstrate financial capacity, submit approved building plans, and comply with all regulatory requirements before they can market or sell properties. This process reduces the risk of fraudulent developments and protects buyers from incomplete projects.

One of the UAE’s most successful reforms has been the compulsory use of project escrow accounts, where money paid by buyers is deposited into regulated bank accounts dedicated solely to specific projects. Developers can access these funds only based on construction progress certified by independent professionals. This system prevents the diversion of buyers’ funds and significantly reduces the number of abandoned housing projects.

Moreover, every real estate broker, agent and property management company must be licensed. Professionals are required to undergo training, pass certification examinations, and adhere to a strict code of ethics before practicing. Government regulators continuously monitor their activities and can suspend or revoke licenses for misconduct.

The stakeholders also noted that the UAE’s real estate success is enhanced by digital land registration, with property ownership records fully digitised. All land transactions, title verifications, mortgage registrations, and ownership transfers in the UAE are conducted electronically, making the processes transparent, efficient, and challenging to manipulate.

These digital systems have reduced fraud and increased investor confidence.

In terms of dispute resolution, the UAE has established effective mechanisms. Buyers, tenants, landlords, and investors can access specialised real estate dispute centers where complaints are resolved quickly, avoiding prolonged litigation. This has strengthened public confidence in the property market.

Additionally, the UAE enforces strict anti-money laundering compliance. Recognising that real estate can be susceptible to illicit financial flows, the UAE has implemented robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Developers, brokers, and agents are mandated to verify clients’ identities, report suspicious transactions, and comply with financial intelligence requirements. Violations result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and criminal prosecutions.

Finally, the experts pointed out that transparency in property transactions is crucial.

Information regarding sale prices and ownership details is made public, further enhancing the integrity of the real estate market.

The G6 group of governorship aspirants in the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s claim that he is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, insisting that the APC is yet to produce a standard bearer.

The group also dismissed Alli’s assertion that aggrieved aspirants had embraced reconciliation and agreed to support his candidacy, describing the claim as premature.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the aspirants maintained that the party must adopt a credible consensus process capable of producing a candidate acceptable to the majority of members.

The G6 said it remained committed to the success of the APC in the 2027 general election but stressed that the current process should be reviewed.

‘As loyal party members, we remain committed to the victory of the APC and are ready to work with whoever President Bola Ahmed Tinubu picks as the consensus candidate,’ the group said.

‘We are good party men and we will be pleased to work for the victory of the party with anyone that Asiwaju Tinubu picks as the consensus candidate.’

The aspirants insisted that Senator Alli’s claim to the party’s governorship ticket was unfounded.

‘Oyo State APC is yet to have a governorship candidate, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who has been parading himself as the candidate of our great party, is living in delusion,’ the statement added.

The group reiterated its demand for a credible consensus arrangement to be supervised by President Tinubu, rather than what it described as attempts by an aspirant to impose himself on the party through propaganda.

‘While G6 is committed to the success of our party in the 2027 general elections, we insist that the process must be reviewed to produce a consensus candidate that most party members will accept and support, not an aspirant who is using propaganda in his bid to impose himself as the party’s candidate,’ the statement read.

The aspirants maintained that the APC in Oyo State remains ‘one indivisible family with a strong electoral profile,’ stressing that their position on the governorship race has not changed.

Their reaction followed comments by Senator Alli, who, during the ‘A Day With BSA’ interactive session organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, claimed that the party was making progress in reconciling aggrieved members.

Alli had disclosed that one of the G6 members visited him on Monday to assure him of the group’s willingness to cooperate with the reconciliation process.

He also revealed that he recently met with another governorship aspirant in Abuja to discuss strategies for strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.

‘On my part, I have also been going round to reconcile with members, both the governorship aspirants and the senatorial aspirants. I can tell you this party is going to resolve all that you think is crisis,’ Alli had said.

The Kano State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers and repelled an attack by suspected bandits on the Jos-Kano highway in Doguwa Local Government Area, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of three remaining victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, at about 5:30 p.m. along the Folgore Forest axis between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.

According to the statement, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BKK 6824 XA, travelling from Jos to Kano, was intercepted by five armed men wielding machetes and a firearm.

The assailants reportedly blocked the highway, attacked the vehicle and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.

The statement said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Doguwa Division received a distress call and immediately mobilised tactical police operatives to the scene.

On arrival, the officers engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.

‘As a result of the swift and coordinated response of the Police team, nine victims were successfully rescued, while another male victim later escaped from captivity,’ the statement said.

The command, however, confirmed that three passengers-one man and two women-remain in captivity.

The rescued victims were evacuated to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation and are said to be in stable condition and receiving treatment.

The police said additional tactical teams have been deployed while intelligence-led operations have been intensified to rescue the remaining captives and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended members of the public for providing timely information that aided the operation.

He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly women and children, and urged the public to continue reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

The command added that investigations into the incident are ongoing and that further updates would be communicated as developments unfold.

An Ekiti State Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the arrest of disqualified All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, Abimbola Olawumi, over alleged blackmail, cyberbullying and death threats against the Chief Executive Officer of agro-allied company YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe (YSJ).

Tribune Online had reported that she was first arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on July 23, where she pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge preferred against her and was granted bail on self-recognition. The case was adjourned until July 28, 2026.

However, Olawumi’s failure to appear in court in person angered the magistrate, who viewed her action as a sign of disrespect for the court.

Counsel to the defendant, Odunayo Okunade, apologised to the court over his client’s absence, explaining that she was unable to attend the proceedings due to health challenges.

In his argument, the Police Prosecutor, Samson Osobu, strongly opposed the defence’s explanation, insisting that the defendant’s absence was unjustifiable.

Osobu argued that despite claiming to be ill, Olawumi was allegedly active on social media on July 26 and 27, where she reportedly continued to abuse, curse, threaten, bully and terrorise the complainant, as well as other prominent personalities in Ekiti State.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant’s conduct amounted to a gross abuse of the bail earlier granted by the court.

He urged the court to revoke her bail and issue a bench warrant for her arrest.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun expressed displeasure over the defendant’s failure to appear in court.

The magistrate stated that the court was disappointed that Olawumi failed to honour its proceedings despite being granted bail, noting that parties granted bail are expected to strictly comply with the conditions attached to it.

He subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted and issued a bench warrant for her arrest while adjourning the case until August 17, 2026, for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff, who is the Chief Executive Officer of agro-allied company YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe, expressed satisfaction with the court’s pronouncement.

According to her, the time had come for Olawumi ‘to pay for all her terrible actions, which were carried out with utmost impunity.’

She said, ‘Nobody is above the law, and I am ready to get justice through the court. She has consistently bullied me and allegedly masterminded the kidnap of my staff.’

Leading figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Chief Koforola Akerele-Bucknor, party leaders, friends and associates on Monday gathered in Lagos to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, Engr. Funsho Williams.

Williams, who flew the PDP flag in the 2003 Lagos governorship election, was brutally murdered on July 27, 2006, by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

The remembrance service was held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, George described the late politician as an epitome of civility, humility and service, saying the pain of his death remains fresh even after two decades.

‘Twenty years is a long time, but it still feels like yesterday. The pain of his loss is still with us. I remember receiving a call from the President around 7 a.m. informing me that Funsho had been murdered. We immediately flew to Lagos, and I went straight to his house. Seeing him lying lifeless is a sight I can never forget,’ he said.

George recalled that Williams was his junior at the university and praised him as a gentle, compassionate and selfless leader.

‘He was an epitome of civility, a true icon, a humanist and a gentleman. We lost a gem. Twenty years later, I want to appeal to Nigerians to embrace peace. Has the nation truly found peace? Who is happy today? Those in government should always work for the good of the country. Though it is a painful memory, we thank God for his life. I pray that God guides our affairs and reassure Nigerians that our great party will endure.’

Also speaking, politician Dr. Funso Doherty described the late Williams as a leader whose legacy continues to inspire many.

‘Late Engr. Funsho Williams left behind a shining legacy across Lagos and Nigeria. He was a man many of us admired and sought to emulate because of his character and commitment to public service,’ he said.

Lagos State PDP Chairman, Dr. Amos Fawole, described Williams as a distinguished gentleman, accomplished engineer and a true Omoluabi whose vision for a prosperous Lagos could not be extinguished by violence.

According to Fawole, Williams believed governance was a sacred responsibility aimed at improving the lives of the people, particularly the less privileged.

‘He was a compassionate leader whose humility, generosity and selfless service transformed countless lives. His vision for a greater Lagos was built on competence, integrity, inclusiveness and genuine love for humanity,’ he said.

Fawole urged Lagosians and Nigerians to sustain the ideals that defined Williams’ life, including integrity, compassion, sacrifice, excellence and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

In his homily, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Dominic Mbom, urged the congregation to live exemplary lives rooted in faith and righteousness.

‘Every great person has a humble beginning. It is by living according to God’s principles that one grows into greatness,’ he said.

The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has unveiled an ambitious strategy to transform the country’s cashew industry, targeting an increase in national raw cashew nut production from about 300,000 tonnes to one million tonnes over the next decade while ensuring that half of the output is processed locally.

The target, outlined during the inauguration of the association’s national and state chapter executives in Abuja on Tuesday, is expected to deepen industrialisation, boost non-oil exports, attract investment and create thousands of jobs across Nigeria’s cashew-producing states.

Speaking at the event, NCAN National President, Ademola Adesokan, described the initiative as a practical roadmap rather than a mere aspiration, stressing that its success would depend largely on activities at the state level.

According to him, although policies are formulated at the federal level, the real drivers of the cashew value chain, production, aggregation, storage and quality assurance, are rooted in farming communities across the country.

‘We have set ambitious targets of growing national production from about 300,000 tonnes to one million tonnes within the next decade, with 50 per cent of that volume processed right here at home. That is not a slogan; it is a roadmap with measurable milestones,’ he said.

Adesokan noted that the newly inaugurated state chapters would serve as the operational backbone of the national strategy by ensuring quality control, strengthening aggregation systems and improving traceability throughout the supply chain.

He said improved coordination at the grassroots would enhance confidence among processors and exporters, making Nigerian cashew more competitive in international markets.

‘Our processors and exporters can only thrive when they receive consistent, high-quality supplies. That responsibility begins with our state chapters,’ he added.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) pledged continued policy support for the industry, describing the inauguration as a critical step toward implementing the recently validated Nigeria Cashew Roadmap.

Delivering the ministry’s goodwill message on behalf of the Director of the Industrial Development Department, Olumuyiwa Jayi-Ade, Assistant Director Popoola Abimbola said the inauguration marked the transition from policy formulation to implementation.

He commended NCAN for its active role in developing and validating the Nigeria Cashew Roadmap, saying the association’s contributions strengthened the framework for a sustainable and globally competitive cashew industry.

Abimbola disclosed that the ministry, working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NCAN and development partners, would immediately begin developing implementation strategies and institutional frameworks for the roadmap.

A major component of the implementation plan, he revealed, is the establishment of the Nigerian Cashew Project Office (NCPO) to coordinate reforms, stakeholder collaboration, monitoring and execution of programmes across the value chain.

He said the ministry was committed to expanding domestic processing capacity, promoting value addition, attracting investments, generating employment, increasing farmers’ incomes and positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of processed cashew products.

The ministry also urged NCAN members to strengthen the association financially through prompt payment of dues to enhance its capacity for advocacy, member services and collaboration with government.

Similarly, the Director of the Commodities and Export Department, Obasi Edozie, described the establishment of state chapters across all cashew-producing states as a major institutional milestone that would improve stakeholder coordination and governance within the industry.

He noted that the cashew sector remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic non-oil export commodities with significant potential to generate foreign exchange, drive rural development, stimulate industrial growth and create employment opportunities.

Edozie reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing policies that would improve productivity, strengthen quality standards, expand processing capacity and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian cashew products.

He also called on stakeholders across the value chain to remain united in promoting traceability, attracting investment and accelerating local processing as Nigeria seeks to capture greater value from its expanding cashew industry.