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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 lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
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