The Niger State Government has renewed its efforts to drive agricultural reform as the State Council of Agriculture met in Minna to set a new direction for the sector.
Speaking at the meeting, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Mathew Ahmed, said the session aimed to address key issues such as low productivity, weak infrastructure and the impact of climate change. He pointed out the need to close the gap between policy design and its actual implementation.
He highlighted the urgent need to close the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation, noting that significant progress depends on greater alignment, collaboration and accountability.
Ahmed also acknowledged the continued support of AGRA and other development partners, and urged all participants to work together to build a more innovative, resilient and inclusive agricultural sector for the benefit of farmers and communities.
Earlier, AGRA Program Officer, Godswill Aguiyi, reaffirmed the organisation’s strong partnership with the Niger State Government, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, improve service delivery and boost productivity of smallholder farmers.
He outlined AGRA’s key investments, including a $1.4 million rice system project and a $1.2 million Business Development Service initiative that expands access to certified seeds, fertilizers, mechanization, climate-smart agronomic information and business development support.
AGRA is also helping the Ministry develop an integrated data system for evidence-based planning and working with financial institutions to expand access to finance for SMEs and farmer groups.
Meanwhile, a presentation on private sector-led livestock and fisheries development by the Chairman of Niger Foods Systems and Logistics Company Limited, Mr. Sammy Adigun, represented by the Niger Food Program Coordinator, Bashir Tanko, provided a detailed overview of the Nigerian livestock sector.
He underlined their vital role in food security, rural livelihoods and economic growth, while identifying important constraints such as low productivity, inadequate feed supply, insufficient veterinary services and climate-related pressures on grazing resources.
Bashir, in the presentation, also highlighted risks including disease outbreaks, market instability and post-harvest losses.
He called for strategic interventions such as better breeding programmes, stronger extension services and climate-smart production systems, reiterating Niger Foods’ commitment to driving innovation, resilience and sustainable growth across the livestock and fisheries value chains.
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