The Kaduna State Government is set to launch a crop risk insurance scheme for 100,000 smallholder farmers, while also distributing 400 trucks of fertilizer free of charge across the state. This development is part of the state’s broader plan to improve food security, increase rural incomes, and promote inclusive agricultural growth.

At a flag-off event attended by Governor Uba Sani, his deputy, and senior government officials, the state government began distributing the fertilizers to farmers in all 23 local government areas. Each farmer is expected to receive two bags of fertilizer at no cost. The initiative follows the 2024 distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer, also provided free to farmers.

Commissioner of Agriculture, Murtala Dabo, described the move as a continuation of interventions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and reaching underserved communities.

He stated, “The remarkable increase in voluntary allocation to the sector over the past two years, the bulk reform and the practical support of small holders and commercial farmers alike reflect the clear direction administration is taken towards building a modern productive agricultural economy.”

Dabo added that the state’s efforts include increased access to inputs, mechanization, rural infrastructure development, and support for marketing systems. He also emphasized plans underway for a major project in the agro-industrial processing zone and the establishment of a quality assurance center to improve value chain development.

“Today’s event is one of many interventions designed to empower our farmers, especially those in the most rural and underserved communities. From increased access to inputs and mechanization to rural infrastructure development blocking development for improved farm market and the groundwork being made for major project in the Agra industrial processing zone and the quality assurance center the momentum is strong and the direction will be very in prioritizing agriculture as the key driver of inclusive growth. food security and rural prosperity,” Dabo explained.

The Kaduna State Government has budgeted over 74 billion naira for agriculture this year alone. According to Governor Sani, the current fertilizer distribution and insurance enrollment are part of a larger strategy that links smallholder farmers to agro-industrial processing hubs.

“This is not a standalone event,” he said. “It is a strategic and system-based approach to agricultural transformation involving farmers and agro-industrial processing zones. We are proud to maintain this farmer-first policy, particularly for our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”

In addition to fertilizer distribution, the state will enroll the 100,000 smallholder farmers into a crop risk insurance program to shield them from losses caused by climate-related diseases. This initiative addresses the rising challenges linked to climate change and aims to strengthen agricultural resilience.

Abubakar Mustapha, Co-Chairman of the Kaduna Elders Forum, highlighted improvements in security across the state. “We must thank God for an allowing environment that is now relative peace for farming to take place. Things were not that easy. People wanted to farm but no way because of insecurity. With the administration of Senator Uba Sani, we are witnessing fantastic and improved security situations.”

Kaduna has also launched a special agro-industrial processing zone to combine production, processing, and marketing in one location.

The focus is on key crops like maize, tomatoes, ginger, and soybean, where the state has continued to maintain leadership.

Oyo State has launched a major agricultural and industrial project with the groundbreaking of the Jaiye Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Akinyele Local Government Area. This marks a new chapter in the state’s efforts to convert farming into a profitable, job-creating industry. Once a quiet farm settlement, Jaiye is now set to follow the path of the successful Fasola Agribusiness Hub.

At the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the Jaiye project as part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program. Backed by the federal government, the SAPZ is intended to boost agricultural processing, create jobs, and expand local production capacity.

“Today’s event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress,” Senator Kyari said. “The SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. A vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking our vast potentials and creating opportunities for every citizen.”

Governor Seyi Makinde, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasized his administration’s determination to replicate the success of Fasola by building agribusiness hubs across all zones in the state.

“Let today’s event be a reminder to every citizen of our state. Governance is not theory. It is action. And when we say we will deliver, we mean it,” Governor Makinde said during his keynote speech.

African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who has been an active supporter of agricultural development across Africa, highlighted the benefits of the hub. He stated that the project would tackle key challenges such as post-harvest losses and help farmers make more money from their produce.

“Our goal is very clear. It is to reduce massive post-harvest losses, develop logistics and improve linkages between farm production, agro-processing and value addition, transform rural economies and of course to create jobs,” Dr. Adesina said.

The Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, explained that the Jaiye hub is projected to directly and indirectly create over 100,000 jobs and impact the lives of more than 500,000 families.

“This all will be state-built and private-sector managed. The establishment of two other agribusiness industrial hubs will host over 40 agricultural industries creatively employing directly and indirectly over 100,000 people,” Dr. Akande said.

Dr. Simeon Ehui of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was also present and expressed IITA’s continued support for the project. He praised the state’s commitment and reiterated the importance of collaboration in boosting agricultural value chains.

“IITA was proud to support the first agribusiness hub at Fasola. We are ready to do the same in Eruwa and we are here again committed to supporting this journey in Jaiye, both as a technical partner and as a trusted source of leadership,” Dr. Ehui noted.

With rising food demand, this initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing rural unemployment, increasing food production, and boosting agricultural income.

The Jaiye Agribusiness Hub stands as a symbol of Oyo State’s strategic development efforts and its strong partnership with national and international stakeholders.

The Federal Government has launched a set of Agribusiness Industrial Hubs in Oyo State to address post-harvest losses and boost value addition across Nigeria’s farming communities. This move is part of a national strategy to modernize agriculture and create jobs under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The initiative was formally commissioned by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a flag-off event in Fasola. Two additional hubs are also planned for Eruwa and Atan-Ijaiye.

According to Shettima, the launch of these hubs marks a “watershed moment in the country’s economic diversification strategy.” He emphasized that the centers are expected to significantly cut Nigeria’s dependence on food imports and improve food security.

“These agribusiness hubs will serve as catalytic centers for food processing, storage, and distribution. By reducing post-harvest losses which currently account for up to 40% of total agricultural output we are unlocking significant economic value and securing livelihoods for millions,” he said.

The Oyo State hubs will accommodate over 40 agribusiness ventures, projected to generate direct and indirect employment for more than 100,000 Nigerians. They will also support over 500,000 farmers, from smallholder to medium-scale operators.

The project forms part of the broader Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) program, a collaboration involving the Federal Government, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Under the SAPZ initiative, the government aims to establish agro-processing and storage infrastructure across 28 states. The objective is to reduce post-harvest losses from 45% to 20% and create nearly 500,000 new jobs.

The AfDB has pledged $2.2 billion to the SAPZ rollout. The funding will support the construction of modern facilities close to farming areas, helping farmers reduce waste and increase earnings.

Efforts are also being supported by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), which has set up post-harvest facilities that include solar dryers, hermetic silos, and multi-crop storage units.

A recent example is the hub at Rivers State University, created in collaboration with NSPRI, to fight Nigeria’s ₦3.5 trillion annual losses due to poor post-harvest management.

The new hubs will provide services such as drying, packaging, value addition, and cold chain storage for key crops like cassava, maize, rice, and onions. The federal government plans to replicate this model across other states to encourage private sector investment and grow the agricultural value chain.

Stakeholders, including local entrepreneurs, research bodies, and international partners, have welcomed the move, calling it an important step toward sustainable agricultural development.

The Ekiti State Government has officially invited the public to the launch of the Ekiti State Food Security Project, which will take place on August 6, 2025, at 12 noon. The event will be held at the Ilu Eye Agrotrading Warehouse, Odua Textile, Bashiri, Ado-Ekiti.

According to Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, Chairman of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, “This project is a testament to the administration’s commitment to improving food systems, supporting local farmers, and making quality food accessible and affordable.”

The launch will unveil two key initiatives: the Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub and the Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet. These developments are part of a broader effort to address post-harvest losses, reduce food insecurity, and improve the food distribution network within the state.

“This is an initiative of the Ekiti State Government towards building resilience against post-harvest losses and food insecurity through enhanced food storage, aggregation, and efficient distribution,” the committee chairman added.

The project is expected to positively impact agriculture, food accessibility, and economic growth in the region.