The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mr Mohammed A. Ibrahim, has restated the Fund’s dedication to smallholder farmers through targeted interventions, provision of quality inputs, and stronger extension services. He was represented by Dr Yakubu Hosea at the Farmers’ Field Day 2025, organised by Jimsan Smart Agri Limited under the theme, Farming for a Resilient Future.

The event brought together farmers, government representatives, and agricultural stakeholders to showcase smart farming practices, highlight the progress of smallholder farmers, and push for improved rural infrastructure and wider public support for agriculture.

In his remarks, Dr Hosea delivered the Executive Secretary’s message, saying, “Today, we celebrate the hard work and resilience of our farmers. Your dedication is crucial to Nigeria’s agricultural growth and food sufficiency.” He explained that NADF is working to tackle challenges within the agricultural value chain and improve food security.

The Managing Director and CEO of Jimsan Smart Agri Limited, Mr Abubakar Saidu Dansadau, acknowledged the role of NADF in helping farmers, noting that “NADF has been instrumental in this farmer support initiative.” He further stressed the company’s work in training lead farmers and enhancing extension services aimed at promoting better agronomic practices among farmer clusters.

The Farmers’ Field Day created a platform for dialogue on sustainable agriculture, recognising the role of farmers in driving national food production. The gathering also fostered collaboration between public and private sector actors in shaping a resilient agricultural future and promoting investments that benefit farming communities.

Plateau State Government has officially flagged off the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit, PFSCU, under the leadership of His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. The ceremony also featured the presentation of a certificate of recognition to the governor for pioneering the National Agricultural Policy Mechanism, NAPM, Risk Mitigation Initiative, which has already benefited 27,100 farmers across the state.

Representing the governor at the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Ishaku Bugama, explained that an insurance policy had been developed for every farmer to cover risks that often make farming difficult. He expressed gratitude to stakeholders, PULA, and Leadway Assurance for supporting the sensitization of farmers on the initiative.

Presenting the NAPM Insurance Policy on behalf of the Executive Secretary of PFSCU, Dr. Akubo Adegbe, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, stressed the importance of protecting farmers from challenges in the agricultural sector. He said, “The success of this initiative depends on collaboration among states to ensure farmers receive the support they deserve.” An interactive session followed, where farmers raised questions and commended the governor for driving agricultural development.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Kwapdimma Yakzum, also praised the PFSCU team, stakeholders, and farmers for their participation. He noted, “The collaboration with the Food Coordination Unit under the Presidency will bring immense benefits to Plateau State, especially as a leading producer of crops like strawberries, potatoes, and bell peppers.”

The event concluded with a symbolic flag-off as Governor Mutfwang led a caravan to signal the official commencement of the program. The ceremony took place at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, marking another milestone in the state’s agricultural investment drive.

The Federal Government has launched the National Livestock Growth and Advancement Strategy, a 10-year plan designed to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector as a key driver of food security and economic growth.

The strategy, which will be implemented in two phases, was unveiled by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the Economic Management Team meeting.

He explained that the initiative aims to double the national herd size and expand sectoral output by at least 100 per cent by 2035. Maiha stressed that the plan will be anchored on strong collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure long-term results.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the livestock strategy as consistent with the government’s broader economic reform programme.

He noted that it demonstrates a deliberate move to attract investment and reduce reliance on food imports. “Initiatives such as NL-GAS align with our reform agenda and demonstrate government’s commitment to unlocking investment and enhancing food security,” Edun said.

“The objective is to lay a foundation for sustainable, private-sector-led growth that will deliver long-term benefits to Nigerians.”

The unveiling coincided with the Economic Management Team’s review of Nigeria’s economic performance and sectoral priorities. Officials pointed out that the economy continues to show stability, supported by a competitive exchange rate and disciplined reforms.

They highlighted that inflation has eased for the fifth consecutive month, now standing at 20 per cent, while Gross Domestic Product growth remains above 3 per cent.

Nigeria also recorded a merchandise trade surplus of ₦7.4 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting stronger export performance compared to imports, which government officials said further strengthens the outlook for economic growth.