Nigerian Governors Adopt Regional Strategies to Tackle Food Insecurity

• The report highlights collaboration between state governments, federal agencies, and international organisations
  

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Nigeria’s governors are implementing state-specific agricultural strategies to address regional challenges, according to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

In a report by its Head of Publications, Halimah Ahmed, the NGF explained that state leaders are tailoring their approaches to suit local agricultural strengths and weaknesses.

This includes tackling drought in the North and managing flood-prone areas in the South.

The report highlights collaboration between state governments, federal agencies, and international organisations.

“From drought-prone northern states to the floodplains in the South, governors are working with federal authorities and international bodies to boost food production and combat hunger,” it said.

In the North-West, states such as Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto are focusing on boosting the output of key crops like rice and millet, with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. In Kano, officials are implementing a series of masterplans to improve irrigation and livestock farming.

Efforts include rehabilitating irrigation canals and promoting the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone programme, backed by $130 million from the African Development Bank.

Meanwhile, in Zamfara, mechanised farming and improved fertilizer distribution are part of efforts to reduce post-harvest losses.

The report also noted the North-East’s struggle with food insecurity due to prolonged conflict.

States like Borno and Yobe are working with international partners, including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to help displaced farmers return to the land. Initiatives such as the FAO’s “Green Shoots” project are offering seeds and tools to help revive agricultural activities.

However, the region continues to face a severe food crisis, with aid from humanitarian organisations still essential for survival.

In the North-Central region, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” states like Benue and Niger are focusing on staple crops such as yams and maize to sustain national food supplies.