Category: Nigerian Tribune

ONGOING efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption have received further legislative backing with the passage of a bill that seeks to protect whistleblowers, as well as widening the extant legislation on forfeiture of suspected assets and assets acquired by proxy.

The legislative framework, which passed through the mandatory Third Reading during last Thursday’s plenary, followed the adoption of the report of the House’s Committee on Financial Crime on the bill, which proposed amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, No. 92, 2022 and other matters.

The bill, with 24 clauses, in Clause two, seeks to amend Section 1(c) of the existing law with a new provision, which ‘makes provisions for non-conviction-based forfeiture procedure for the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime or unlawful activity;’ and insert a new paragraph ‘(h) to provide legal framework for whistleblowing, witness protection and connected matters.’

The House introduced Clause five to amend the existing Section nine, which stipulates that: ‘An interim order or a preservation order shall be granted by the court to preserve property reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activities and represents instrumentality of unlawful activity or unclaimed property.’

In section five (two), ‘the amendment states that, relevant organisation may, by an ex-parte application, apply to the court for an interim forfeiture or preservation order, where there are reasonable grounds that the property concerned -(a) represents the proceeds of unlawful activity, whether they are – (i) in the hands of the person who unlawfully acquired the property in the first instance, or (ii) traced to any person to whom the property that represents the proceeds have been passed;

(a) is involved in the facilitation of unlawful activity; or

(b) is intended to be used to facilitate unlawful activity.’

The House also approved in Section nine(four) that:

‘Where further property has been acquired as a result of profits accruing from the proceeds of unlawful activity, that further property shall be treated as the proceeds of unlawful activity.’

The new law empowers the court making a preservation order to, at the same time, make any other ancillary orders it considers appropriate ‘for the proper, fair, equitable and effective execution of the interim forfeiture or preservation order.’

The proposed law equally stipulates that: ‘The court in making interim forfeiture or preservation order, shall direct the relevant organisation to publish same in any widely circulating national newspaper to notify any interested party of the order.’

According to the proposed law, any person, who has an interest in the property subject of interim forfeiture or preservation order shall, within 14 days of the publication referred to, file his notice of intention to show cause.

It states that upon the receipt of the notice of intention to show cause, the relevant organisation shall, within seven days, file and serve its motion for final forfeiture of the said property.

The amendment empowers any interested party to, upon the receipt of the motion for final forfeiture, file and serve its counter affidavit within five days. The party shall then be entitled to a reply within three days, while the court shall thereafter hear and determine the application with dispatch.

The proposed law states that the absence of a person whose interest in a property that may be affected by a forfeiture order shall not prevent the court from making an order.

To preserve the value of a forfeited property, the amendment guarantees in the amended Section 13 which deals with the ‘Disposal of property subject to Preservation order,’ that: ‘Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a property, which is subject to a preservation order, an interim forfeiture may have its value diminished, or be disposed of, destroyed, or damaged, removed contrary to the order or may deteriorate in terms of quality or utility, the relevant organisation shall promptly apply to the Court ex-parte for an order to sell the property at the prevailing market value.’

It permits the relevant organisation to deposit the proceeds from the sale of any property under forfeiture in a designated account opened for that purpose.

The amendment also allows the relevant organisation to appoint an asset manager where a forfeiture order has been made and that the manager is allowed to administer the property and take any act necessary.

The bill provides that the Federal Government shall have and exercise all rights of ownership in every forfeited property without let or hindrance.

In the case of a joint ownership of a suspected property, the bill in Clause 13 also amended Section 25(1) to provide that: ‘Where a person has an interest in property, as a joint owner, his death after an interim forfeiture or preservation order is made in respect of the interest does not, while the order is in force, operate to vest the interest in the surviving joint owner or owners, and the preservation order shall continue to apply to the interest, as if the person had not died.’

In Section 80 of the bill, which focuses on whistleblower protection, the bill provides that: ‘The provision of this Part is to encourage and facilitate whistleblowing, provide legal framework for reporting credible information that will lead to the recovery of properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity or abandoned properties or properties representing instrumentalities of offence, provide for the protection of whistleblowers; and connected matters.’

It states that where the whistleblower’s information is found credible, the relevant organisation shall proceed to recover the suspected proceeds of unlawful activity or properties.

However, Section 80(d) of the bill states that where the information is found to be false and knowingly so supplied by the whistleblower, the whistleblower shall be guilty of an offense, and shall upon conviction, be liable to a term of imprisonment of two years or a fine of N2million, or both.

Besides, the bill mandates the relevant organisation to protect, secure and resettle, where necessary, whistleblowers whose information led to the recovery of proceeds of unlawful activity or abandoned properties or properties representing instrumentalities of offence.

In line with legislative practice and convention, the bill is expected to be transmitted to the Senate for further legislative action.

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to improve water transportation, enhance safety on the nation’s waterways, and promote economic development.

Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, and members of the authority’s management team at his official residence in Lokoja.

The governor announced that the state government would immediately constitute a joint committee with NIWA to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the sustainable development of inland waterways in Kogi State.

According to him, the roadmap will prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of jetties in rural communities, improve water transport infrastructure, and create employment opportunities for young people across the state.

He expressed appreciation to the NIWA management for the visit, describing it as a significant step towards fostering stronger cooperation between the state government and the authority.

He also expressed optimism that the partnership would accelerate the development of inland waterways in Kogi and across the country.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NIWA Board of Directors, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, noted that Kogi State occupies a strategic position due to its extensive inland waterways, which, if properly harnessed, could significantly contribute to the economic growth of both the state and the nation.

He explained that NIWA’s efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Blue Economy agenda and reiterated the authority’s commitment to working closely with the Kogi State Government to unlock the vast potential of the state’s waterways.

Shagari said NIWA would seek the state’s collaboration in the development and rehabilitation of jetties and landing sites, dredging and maintenance of navigable channels, promotion of safe water transportation, and strengthening security and safety along inland waterways.

He assured Governor Ododo of NIWA’s readiness to partner with the state in transforming Kogi’s waterways into a major driver of sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s Blue Economy Vision.

The NIWA delegation included the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Umar Girei; General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Abdullahi Dabai; General Manager, Procurement, Ibrahim Sade; General Manager, Audit, Japhet Maisaje; General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, Muazu Dan’azumi; General Manager, Engineering, Engr. Fidelis Ejike; General Manager, Ports and Environment, Engr. Titus Adoga; and Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama.

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal which nullified the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court that sought to deregister the ADC, calling it ‘a victory not just for the ADC, but for Nigeria’s democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.’

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC National Chairman said the judgment has restored confidence in the nation’s judiciary and reaffirmed that the courts remain ‘the last hope of the common man and a dependable guardian of democratic values.’

‘The verdict is a reassuring reminder that our judiciary can still rise above pressure and protect democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional rights of citizens and political parties,’ Senator Mark stated.

He noted that the attempt to deregister the ADC was a direct assault on multiparty democracy and an unfortunate effort to undermine the constitutional right of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the political process.

The ADC National Chairman commended the Justices of the Court of Appeal for their courage, impartiality, and fidelity to justice, adding that the judgment has strengthened public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.

Senator Mark urged all ADC candidates, members and supporters across the country to remain resolute, united and focused on the party’s mission of rescuing Nigeria through purposeful leadership and good governance.

He stressed that the legal victory should serve as renewed motivation for party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and continue working tirelessly towards the success of the ADC in the 2027 general elections.

‘Our attention now returns fully to building a stronger, more united and people-oriented political platform that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027. We must remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to the task ahead,’ he said.

Senator Mark reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to democracy, the rule of law and peaceful political engagement.

He assured Nigerians that the ADC will continue to champion policies that promote national unity, security, economic prosperity and justice for all.

Former Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem housemate, Ike Onyema, has admitted that he regrets not showing more emotion during the 2019 reality show, saying he would have done ‘anything’ to win the grand prize had he better understood how the competition worked.

Onyema made the revelation in an interview with Kaptain Jeff TV posted on Monday, explaining that he initially believed winning tasks and challenges would be enough to secure victory.

‘I regret not crying. If I knew what the show was, guy, I’d have been in that house doing emotional displays, crying up and down. But I thought if I went in there, won all my challenges and kept winning, I’d win the money,’ he said.

The reality TV star disclosed that he earned less than ?4 million from his first appearance on the show despite winning several tasks.

‘The first time, I can’t remember, but it shouldn’t be more than four million. It should be three point something million,’ he said, adding that most of the rewards came in bits of ‘?500,000 here, ?300,000 there.’

Reflecting on his relationship with a fellow housemate during the show, Onyema insisted it was genuine and not a strategy to attract votes.

‘For me, it was a normal relationship. I even think I tried because, normally, like I said, I’m not really a relationship person. I’m focused on business. How can I make this? How can I do that?’ he said.

Asked if he regretted the relationship, Onyema said he had no such regrets, maintaining that his only wish was to have adopted a different strategy to win the competition.

‘How am I going to regret it? I enjoyed it for the time it lasted. The only thing I would change is I would try to win that money.

‘See, I would try different ways. I would win that money. But other than that, I wouldn’t change anything,’ he said.

The entrepreneur also explained that he relocated to Nigeria despite being born in the United States because he believes the country offers entrepreneurs greater opportunities and fewer regulatory hurdles, citing the ease of obtaining a liquor licence compared to the US.

The Director-General of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Dr Oluwatosin Ajayi, on Tuesday failed to appear before a Federal High Court in Abuja to testify in the two-count charge filed by the Federal Government against activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly calling President Bola Tinubu a ‘criminal’ on his Facebook page and X handle.

The DSS boss claimed he was not served with the subpoena, but court records showed that it was served on the Director of Legal Services of the DSS.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who appeared for the Federal Government, said Dr Ajayi was not aware of the service, contrary to the claim by Sowore’s counsel, Mr Olumide Fusika, SAN.

The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, asked the court registrar whether the subpoena had been served on the witness. The registrar confirmed that the court process was served on the Director of Legal Services of the DSS.

After an application seeking his appearance to testify in the matter, Justice Umar ordered Dr Ajayi to appear before the court.

However, at the continuation of the trial, the AGF argued against the subpoena and urged the court to set aside its order directing the DSS Director-General to appear, asking instead that the defendant be directed to proceed with his defence.

But Dr Fusika urged the court to discountenance the AGF’s submission, arguing that the AGF could not take over proceedings at any stage without proper notice.

‘I am not withdrawing the application. I am not moved by the submission of the AGF. I do concede that the AGF can appear in any matter at any time, but I submit that it has to be properly done.

‘He can’t appear in court with this type of application without notifying us,’ Fusika said.

It would be recalled that Sowore had filed a no-case submission, asking the court to discharge and acquit him of the two-count charge brought against him by the Federal Government. However, in a ruling, the trial judge held that the Federal Government had successfully linked Sowore to the alleged offences and established a prima facie case requiring him to enter his defence.

Shortly after the ruling, Sowore openly accused the judge of bias, saying he would not get justice in the court. He subsequently asked Justice Umar to recuse himself from the case and allow another judge to handle the trial.

Sowore alleged that the judge was working with the Federal Government to secure his conviction in order to prevent him from contesting the 2027 general election.

Justice Umar agreed with counsel to the Federal Government, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, that he would only hear applications made through Sowore’s counsel on record and dismissed the recusal application.

In the amended charge filed on December 5, 2025, Sowore was re-arraigned by the Federal Government on a two-count charge bordering on the alleged defamation of President Tinubu.

Sowore pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge when it was read to him, prompting the DSS to call its witnesses and tender exhibits in an attempt to establish the cyberbullying charges.

THIRTY-THREE suspected drug peddlers and other criminals were, on Monday, arrested by the police in Lagos State.

The suspects were arrested by the operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on the Environment and Other Related Offences.

The raids took place in Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and other adjoining locations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Spokesperson for the agency, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the arrests, in a statement, on Monday.

Gbadeyan said: ‘In furtherance of its statutory mandate and in alignment with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State government, particularly its zero-tolerance stance against environmental degradation, drug abuse, and criminality, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) has intensified its routine enforcement operations across the metropolis.

‘The early morning operation, conducted on Monday, July 27, targeted street urchins, miscreants, suspected drug addicts and peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), street traders, illegal ticket touts, and other criminal elements whose activities pose threats to public safety and environmental order.’

According to him, ‘areas covered during the exercise included Ikate Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, and other adjoining locations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where the presence of suspected criminal elements had become noticeable.’

Gbadeyan added that, ‘at the end of the operation, a total of 33 suspects were arrested, while several exhibits were recovered. Items seized include substances suspected to be Tramadol, Indian hemp, Colorado, marijuana, cannabis, as well as dangerous weapons and objects such as scissors and cutlasses.’

He explained that the decision to purchase the aircraft was made long before the recent abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area, noting that the incident did not influence the state’s decision.

According to him, the size of Oyo State made it necessary for the government to invest in aerial surveillance to enable security agencies to monitor more areas within a shorter period.

The governor said some people had questioned the delay in the arrival of the aircraft. He added that the aircraft had now arrived and expressed confidence that the government would continue taking decisions that served the interest of the people.

Makinde also said insecurity could hinder meaningful development, adding that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers had allowed the state to continue pursuing its development agenda.

He disclosed that the aircraft were flown into Ibadan by Nigerian Air Force pilots, adding that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to jointly operate the surveillance aircraft.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to serve the people and remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

He said, ‘He said, ‘When we took the decision to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of Oyo State. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground. We didn’t know Oriire was going to happen.

‘You know, I’ve seen people criticise us and say, ‘Where’s the aircraft? Now they require it at Oriire.’ But we planned for the aircraft, you know, for us to be able to cover as much of the landmass in Oyo State as possible within the shortest possible time. I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people.

‘Because in an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything. People say I look better now because our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with the plan for Oyo State.’

Ahead of the 2026 World AIDS Day, OGWA Studios has announced the lead cast for its upcoming short film and national awareness campaign, BI30, a project aimed at tackling the deeply rooted stigma surrounding HIV testing in Nigeria.

Nollywood actors Durotimi Okutagidi and Adeola Awodein have been tapped to lead the cinematic campaign.

According to the studio, the announcement goes beyond traditional casting, marking the beginning of a nationwide conversation on sexual health, trauma, and healing under the theme ‘The Courage to Know.’

Okutagidi will play the role of Ehi, a young Nigerian man approaching his 30th birthday who finally decides to confront a fear he has carried since childhood by taking an HIV test.

The narrative is centred around a deeply personal counselling session. Awodein stars opposite him as the HIV counsellor-a character designed to represent compassion and to remind the public that testing is an act of self-respect and responsibility, rather than an admission of guilt.

The film’s writer, director, and executive producer, Prosper Light, explained that the casting process was heavily focused on finding performers who could carry the emotional weight of the subject matter and connect with viewers on a visceral level.

‘BI30 was never conceived as a film that lectures people. It invites audiences into a deeply human experience,’ Light stated. ‘Before we cast actors, we searched for people capable of creating empathy. Because empathy changes behaviour in ways information alone sometimes cannot.’

Scheduled to commence production in the coming months, the film will officially premiere on December 1, 2026.

However, OGWA Studios noted that the screening will serve merely as the launchpad for a broader grassroots movement.

Following its debut, the BI30 project will extend beyond the screen into university tours, community conversations, healthcare partnerships, and youth-focused public awareness activations. The studio hopes these initiatives will encourage informed, stigma-free dialogue around HIV testing and sexual health across the country.

The Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of basic education through stronger community participation with the inauguration and orientation of newly elected State, Senatorial, and Local Government Education Area (LGEA) executives of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC).

The event, held at St. James CAC Mega Primary School, Irowo, Akure, featured the official presentation of the Revised School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Operational Documents, designed to enhance the effectiveness of SBMCs across the state in line with the current policies and guidelines of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Delivering her address at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of ODSUBEB, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the collective effort to strengthen community participation in the delivery of quality basic education in Ondo State.

The Permanent Secretary, in a statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, ODSUBEB, Mr Banjo Egunjobi, noted that the School-Based Management Committee remains one of the strongest links between schools and the communities they serve, emphasising that the commitment, transparency, and dedication of committee members are critical to improving access to education, promoting equity, and enhancing learning outcomes for every child.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the revised operational documents clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and operational procedures of SBMCs to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

She encouraged participants to study the revised guidelines carefully, ask relevant questions during the orientation, and fully understand their responsibilities for effective implementation.

Princess Bayo-Ilawole charged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and selfless service.

She urged them to provide purposeful leadership that promotes inclusive community participation, prudent management of school resources, effective school improvement planning, and sustained support for the enrolment, retention, and successful completion of basic education by every school-age child.

She also expressed concern over emerging social challenges confronting learners, including drug abuse, negative attitudes, and other harmful behaviours, stressing that SBMC executives must work closely with schools, parents, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and other stakeholders to address these issues and create a safe, supportive, and conducive learning environment.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated the Board’s determination to build a vibrant and high-performing SBMC structure that will serve as a model for other states across Nigeria.

‘Your selection is a call to service and a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of education in our dear state. I urge you to discharge your responsibilities with diligence, fairness, commitment, and dedication,’ she said.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Ondo South Senatorial District, Comrade Babajide Adesina, described education as the greatest investment any nation can make in achieving sustainable development.

Comrade Adesina observed that the government alone cannot provide all the resources required to achieve quality basic education.

According to him, the establishment of the School-Based Management Committee provides an effective platform for communities to actively participate in the planning, management, monitoring, and overall development of their schools.

In his presentation, the resource person, Professor Ayeni Adeolu John of the Department of Educational Management, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, highlighted the significance of the revised School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) Operational Documents, stressing that effective implementation of the guidelines would enhance community participation, strengthen school governance, improve accountability and transparency, and promote sustainable development in the basic education sector.

The newly inaugurated State Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Dr. Olutayo Olujuyigbe, expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) for the confidence reposed in the committee members and assured the Board that they would discharge their responsibilities with dedication, integrity, and commitment.

He pledged that the committee would not fail in its mandate but would work diligently with relevant stakeholders to strengthen community participation and support the delivery of quality basic education across Ondo State.

Earlier, the Director of Social Mobilisation, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB), Mrs. Olukemi Akinmoladun, urged the newly inaugurated State, Senatorial, and Local Government Education Area (LGEA) executives of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to strengthen collaboration among schools, parents, communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and government agencies.

Mrs. Akinmoladun emphasised that the Board expects the new executives to provide purposeful leadership that will promote community ownership of schools, improve accountability and transparency, increase learners’ enrolment and retention, and support the effective implementation of school improvement initiatives.

The inauguration and briefing marked another important step in ODSUBEB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen school governance, deepen community ownership of education, and improve learning outcomes for every child in Ondo State.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has unveiled a 10-Year Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan that would be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval as part of efforts to align Nigeria’s food security agenda with the African Union’s CAADP Kampala Declaration (2026-2035) as well as revolutionising the agricultural ecosystem

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Agrifood System Working Group Meeting in Abuja.

Senator Kyari said the directive that came from President Bola Tinubu, with a clear charge to move beyond rhetoric, beyond pilot projects, and fragmented interventions, and deliver a coherent, bankable, and implementable plan to transform Nigeria’s agrifood system, considers food security a national security imperative.

He said: ‘Governance is not merely one of six strategic objectives of the Kampala Declaration; it is the bedrock upon which all other pillars sustainable production, investment, food security, inclusivity, and resilience must stand,’

He noted that the Strategy was developed following extensive stakeholder’s consultations and validations across the six geopolitical zones and at the national level to ensure broad participation, inclusivity, and national ownership.

The minister, Nigeria, as a dedicated Member State, is fully pledged to the Kampala Declaration adopted in Uganda in January 2025. Key targets include achieving a 2.45 percent increase in agrifood output, tripling intra-African trade, reducing post-harvest losses by 50 per cent, mobilising $100 billion in public and private investment, and reinvesting at least 15 per cent of agrifood GDP annually.

Kyari disclosed that the Strategy and Action Plan will be presented for adoption by the Working Group and subsequently forwarded to Federal Executive Council for approval. This, he said, will ensure every ministry, Department, and Agency align programmes and budgets with the unified vision.

Highlighting milestones under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister highlighted that the administration has distributed over 10 million bags of fertiliser alongside a Guaranteed Price Model for 2 million smallholder farmers, adding that an additional 1.9 million bags of fertilizer have also been distributed to over one million farmers.

Other achievements include the distribution of over half a million bags of free fertilizer to over 120,000 farmers across 25 states and the FCT by NADF, also through its on-lending product has disbursed over 16 Billion to all value chains while also championing blended finance initiatives.

”Establishment of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), government-enabled, private-sector-led areas that bring infrastructure directly to farming communities, enabling farmers to process raw produce into packaged goods”.

”In addition, the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme has deployed 2,000 tractors and other equipment to modernize farming practices, while the distribution of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings is repositioning Nigeria’s cocoa industry for greater global competitiveness”.

Sen. Kyari revealed that the impact of these interventions is already evident, with essential food commodities recording price reductions of up to 50 per cent nationwide.

To drive implementation, he said, the Agrifood System Working Group whose membership cuts across public and private sectors, development partners, academia, farmers’ associations, and civil society, will meet biannually to review progress and proffer solutions.

The Minister also revealed that a Community of Practice meeting for State Commissioners overseeing agrifood systems will hold in September 2026 to strengthen coordination and drive domestication at the sub-national level.

‘I enjoin all stakeholders to embrace governance as our collective responsibility. Let us strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and ensure that accountability is not an afterthought but a guiding principle,’ Sen. Kyari urged.

‘The time to act is now. Let us demonstrate the political will, the governance capacity, and the collective resolve to transform our agrifood systems and deliver the Nigeria we want,’ he added.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated that there is a need to provide robust and accurate data system in the agricultural ecosystem.

He commended the Agrifood System Working Group as a practical pathway to strengthen productivity, nutrition, and market access, and extended appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing the enabling environment for the milestones being celebrated.

Speaking during the Ministerial Statements on Agrifood system Transformation, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha stated that ”the successful implementation of this Strategy will require adequate financing, innovative funding mechanisms, strong public-private partnerships, active participation of State Governments, and sustained support from our development partners”.

He added that ” we must ensure that resources are deployed efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that delivers measurable results”.

In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated that ”the Kampala Declaration provides a clear framework for coordinated action across the agrifood system, promoting investment, resilience, policy coherence, and mutual accountability. Nigeria’s agrifood system remains central to our national development objectives. It supports livelihoods, fuels rural economies, and offers significant opportunities for job creation and inclusive growth”.

Dr. Ogunbiyi pointed out that ”the setting up of the Agrifood System Working Group to strengthen governance mechanisms holistically, addressing these interconnected issues and proffering lasting solutions toward food security for our people. This is why a collaborative approach is not just an option; it is an absolute imperative. We need the ingenuity of our researchers and academia to provide cutting-edge solutions’.