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Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum proffer steps to end hunger
THE Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum (NZHF) has issued key recommendations and resolutions that should be quickly implemented towards the attainment of Zero Hunger by the year 2025 in the five pilot states comprising , Borno, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto and beyond.
The recommendations and resolutions which formed part of the communique was presented by Dr Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General (Partnerships for Delivery) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The Communique was signed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former President and chairman of the NZHF, and the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima on Friday night as part of activities to end the two-day meeting that was held from 8-9 March 2018.
According to the communique presented by Dr Dashiell, members of the Forum agreed on the following resolutions, and recommendations:
It said, there is need for States to focus on crops/livestock where they have comparative advantage. States were encouraged to select at most 3 crops and one livestock for which they should give priority.
And while large scale industries are good for food processing at scale, the Forum proposed that attention should also be given to small and medium agro-industries as a linkage between smallholder farmers and large industries.
Meanwhile, the Forum recognised the efforts of the Nigerian Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Industry to address financial constraints faced by farmers. Consequently, it was agreed that invitation be extended to the CBN for attendance of subsequent NZHF meetings.
Similarly, the Forum commended the CBN for the financial assistance offered to a private sector in Benue, Titus Agbecha, for the operation of his soybean processing factory and while the investment of Borno State Government in mechanisation was well received. Members of the Forum called on the State to set up appropriate mechanisms that would ensure farmers’ access to the machines. It was strongly recommended that the option of establishing agro-service centres using the public private sector approach should be adopted to ensure sustainability. It was agreed that there was the need for the Borno State to train operators on the use of machines such as tractors, and to train mechanics for repairs and maintenance.
Also, the efforts on the manufacturing of drip irrigation equipment by the Borno State were applauded, and the Forum urged the State Government to market the technology to other States in Nigeria generally, and within its zone in particular.
The Forum identified cassava as a poverty fighter, and a crop that could help the State in job creation for youth and women. Consequently, the Forum proposed that the State Government should commit investments in the cassava value chain.
It stressed further that to attain sustainable development and continuity of programs, the Borno State Government was strongly advised as a matter of urgency to create a window for the inclusion of the public private partnerships in all its development interventions, and to establish small laboratory for analysis and quality assurance.
The State’s investment in education was considered excellent and it was agreed that the Government sustain the momentum to ensure that every child has access to quality education up to secondary school level freely and compulsorily as soon as the present facilities under construction are completed.
The Forum, also commended the IITA for its engagement with States through technical backstopping on various projects such as weed management in cassava, yam aeroponics, and the donation of seeds. Other partners that received commendation were the World Food Program (WFP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The proposal by FAO to join forces and support the NZHF was well received and appreciated.
Agreeing that the next meeting be held during June 2018 by Sokoto State, the Forum also commended the presentations from all the States on the progress being embarked on towards the attainment of Zero Hunger, and the steps being taken by Ebonyi State in addressing the issues raised by the Forum during the previous meeting.
Inaugurated in 2017, the NZHF is a peer review/advisory mechanism formed by former President Obasanjo with IITA as a technical partner in response to calls by the United Nations for countries to achieve Zero Hunger by 2020. The Form adopts moral suasion as a tool to encourage states to work towards the attainment of Zero Hunger.
The meeting in Borno had in attendance representatives of the 5 Pilot States namely Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ogun and Sokoto, and other States: Bauchi, Enugu, Nasarawa, and Oyo.
Other participants comprised the technical partner to the NZHF, IITA; World Food Program (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the private sectors, farmer groups, members of the Borno State traditional council, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
State executives at the meeting were the Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Maman Usman Durkwa; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe; and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga. The Governor of Benue State was represented by the State’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. James Abua.
Each of the pilot States made presentations reflecting what the States are doing towards achieving Zero Hunger, and how the previous NZHF meetings in Benue and Ebonyi influenced their actions. The meeting also heard a testimony from a private sector player (a soybean processor in Benue State), Titus Agbecha, on how the NZHF’s meeting in Benue positively impacted the operations of his factory.
A field visit was conducted to Farm Center, Seed Multiplication Center, Machinery Shade, Drip Manufacturing Center, Girls’ Schools, Industrial Layout, and the State’s University to have a first-hand experience of the practical steps the Borno State Government has taken towards the achievement of Zero Hunger.
A 20-minute video that presented information on several other achievements that were not visited included a new Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp with drip irrigation for additional food production, poultry production, fish production, and special programs for youth and women in agriculture.
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The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who passed away in police custody in the early hours of Friday.
Abdulquadri, who was arrested on December 19, 2024, reportedly died under controversial circumstances, with his family accusing police operatives of subjecting him to brutal treatment during his detention. Reports indicate that the deceased had been detained over an alleged debt of N220,000 owed to an individual identified as Peter.
In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the case. A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the IGP also visited Kwara State to meet with the bereaved family.
During the visit, the IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who represented the family. The IGP expressed his condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation.
“The IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. He has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation,” the statement read.
The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights. He further called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to take its course.
The Federal Government has officially lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, citing improved security and the potential for economic growth in the mineral-rich region.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his representative, Segun Tomori, during a press briefing in Abuja.
“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the minister said in a statement.
Security Gains and Economic Promise
The ban, imposed in 2019 due to escalating insecurity and illegal mining, was described by Alake as a necessary but temporary measure to protect lives and resources. However, he noted that the ban inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners, leading to resource plundering.
Alake praised recent security advancements under the Tinubu administration, highlighting the neutralization of notorious bandit commanders and other strategic wins, including the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the state’s most wanted criminals.
“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity,” Alake said.
He added that with the restoration of mining activities, Zamfara’s mineral wealth—ranging from gold and lithium to copper—could now be harnessed under strict regulation to contribute significantly to national revenue.
Boosting Regulation and Combating Illegal Mining
The minister emphasized that lifting the ban would pave the way for better regulation and monitoring of mining activities. This, he said, would enable authorities to tackle illegal mining more effectively and ensure Nigeria benefits fully from Zamfara’s mineral resources.
“By reopening this sector, we are prioritizing not only revenue generation but also intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining,” he said.
Addressing Controversies
Alake also addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, which had sparked controversy. He clarified that the agreement focused solely on capacity building and technical support for the mining sector.
“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. Similar agreements have been signed with Germany and Australia. Misinformation about ceding control over our mineral resources is uncalled for,” Alake said.
Press as Partners in Progress
Commending the media for their role in promoting reforms in the mining sector, Alake urged continued collaboration to drive transparency and attract foreign investments.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed media reports suggesting that the recently resuscitated old Port Harcourt refinery has been shut down, labeling such claims as baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is “fully operational.”
The facility resumed operations two months ago after years of inactivity.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false, as the refinery is fully operational, as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC,” Soneye said.
He added that preparations for the day’s loading operation are currently underway, emphasizing that the public should disregard the claims.
“Members of the public are advised to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip off Nigerians,” Soneye stated.
The old Port Harcourt refinery is part of the country’s efforts to revive its local refining capacity. Three years ago, the Federal Government approved $1.5 billion to rehabilitate the plant, which was initially shut down in 2019 due to operational challenges.
Despite being one of the largest oil producers globally, Nigeria has long relied on fuel imports to meet its domestic needs, swapping crude oil for petrol and other refined products. This dependency, coupled with government subsidies, has strained the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
The recent return of the Port Harcourt refinery to operation follows the commissioning of the Dangote refinery, which began petrol production in September 2024. These developments are expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and address long-standing issues in the petroleum sector.
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