National News
Nigeria is Susceptible to Food Insecurity Due to Climate Change – FG
Nigeria is Susceptible to Food Insecurity Due to Climate Change – FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has said the raise the alarm that the nation is at risk of food insecurity as it is susceptible to adverse effects of climate change such as erratic rainfall, draught and flooding.
The Government, also noted that this may have a trickling effect on security as food security is the first step to national security, anywhere in the globe.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe said this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the Pre-Food Systems Stock-Taking Moment Media Engagement, organized by Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in Collaboration with United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).
Umakhihe who was represented by the Director, Nutrition and Food Security in the Ministry, Mrs. Sugrat Mahmood, said: “Nigeria is susceptible to adverse effects of climate change such as erratic rainfall, draught and flooding.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, “One of the major challenges to food security in Nigeria is climate change. It has precipitated a lot of conflicts between farmers and herders. The conflict is been driven by struggle for resources. Nigeria is susceptible to adverse effects of climate change such as erratic rainfall, draught and flood. In the past couple of years, we have seen escalation in extreme whether event, particularly flooding, which has strangulated small holder farmers’ investment. This climate variation cause significant threat to crops and livestock production, leading to reduced yields and economic loses’.
On the declaration of state of emergency on food security by the government, Umakhihe said: “We look at the prospect that the declaration of emergency has thrown into the fray for us, and it is very important. It underscores government commitment to address the critical issue of food security. It is a pledge to collaborate with all stakeholders, and the government need everybody on board, including farmers, agri-businesses, research institutions, NGO, and private sector players”.
He said that the government need to unlock the investment potential in the private sector, because they will make it happen and they will sustain it.
He added that: “To develop a holistic and impactful solution, we need everybody to be on board.”
The Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako, said the media engagement is to update and inform the general public and all stakeholders on the upcoming United Nations Food System Summit which is Stock Taking Moment on implementation of the Food Systems Transformation Pathways in Nigeria.
He explained that food systems entail a complex network that includes all the inputs and outputs used in food production, processing and consumption, adding that from, “this systematic thinking, we can see the array of actors involved from the researcher or seller of the grains/seeds or seedlings, to storage, to the farmer, the soil, water for planting, harvester, to the processor, processing technique, equipment used, down to the storage, transportation, marketing, cooking method and serving”.
He recalled that in 2020, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres called on countries to come up with modalities to improve their food systems.
The UN Scribe, he said, called on nations to make their food systems to be more resilient, responsive and sustainable in a quest to achieving the SDGs.
He added that it was in light of the
foregoing that the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning coordinate in line with its mandate to organize stakeholders in the food value chain to address the challenges of
the food systems.
He also stated that all the efforts are aimed at ensuring equity, inclusivity, livelihood opportunities, youth and gender mainstreaming and with the spirit of leaving no one behind.
The Country Programme Analyst, West and Central Africa Division, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Mr. Adebayo Ogunniyi, said, the challenges that lies ahead of the world in food security, are immense, and complex.
He however noted that global food systems are under tremendous strain, grabbling with issue such as climate change, resource scarcity, food insecurity and unequal access to nutrition.
According to him, “Nigeria has multiple shocks that have direct links to the food systems, some of them involves the 2019 COVID pandemic and the Russian Ukraine war, as well as flooding that affected small holder farmers”.
The Country Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Dr. Michael Ojo, said, Nigeria is amongst the few countries that has taken concrete steps to transform the promises and intentions that were made in 2021, when the country share its national food system transformation pathways with the rest of the world at the UN food system summit in 2021.
He disclosed that next week, the world would be in Rome to take stock of what had happened since 2021, stressing that Nigeria will be in a position to reflect on her progress.
He said, “I guess the only problem is that the pace of progress is not keeping up with the scale of challenges. This is where the declaration of state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be welcomed”.
Nigeria is Susceptible to Food Insecurity Due to Climate Change – FG
National News
ECOWAS Issues Biometric Identity Cards to Over 260 Women Traders at Senegal–Guinea-Bissau Border
ECOWAS Issues Biometric Identity Cards to Over 260 Women Traders at Senegal–Guinea-Bissau Border
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Cards (ENBIC) to more than 260 women traders in border communities between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau in a move aimed at strengthening regional integration and easing cross-border trade.
The cards were presented during a ceremony held on March 16, 2026, in the twin border communities of São Domingos and Mpack, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The initiative, led by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, is designed to facilitate the movement of women engaged in cross-border economic activities while addressing administrative barriers faced by vulnerable populations who often lack awareness or access to ECOWAS travel documents.
The event brought together officials from both countries, including the Governor of Cacheu in Guinea-Bissau, Honorina Vasconcelos, and the Governor of Ziguinchor in Senegal, Mor Talla Tine, alongside representatives of national boundary commissions and the ECOWAS Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vasconcelos expressed appreciation to ECOWAS for selecting São Domingos as a beneficiary of the pilot phase of the initiative, describing the programme as an important step toward strengthening regional integration and facilitating free movement across the sub-region.
Also addressing participants, Tine commended the programme and stressed the importance of transforming border communities into hubs of economic opportunity while maintaining vigilance against security threats and cross-border crime. He noted that around 100 women cross the Mpack–São Domingos border daily without adequate knowledge of required travel documents, highlighting the need for broader community sensitization.
Representing ECOWAS’ Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, Obinna Ajugwo said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to translating regional integration policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
He explained that the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card plays a critical role in facilitating cross-border travel while enhancing security through modern identity verification systems.
In total, 262 women traders received the biometric cards, a development that was greeted with enthusiasm and appreciation by beneficiaries who rely on daily cross-border trade for their livelihoods.
ECOWAS said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen border management systems, improve migration governance and advance the free movement of persons across West Africa.
Established in 1975 in Lagos, the regional bloc continues to pursue economic integration and cooperation among its member states, with a long-term vision of building an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All by 2050.”
ECOWAS Issues Biometric Identity Cards to Over 260 Women Traders at Senegal–Guinea-Bissau Border
National News
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
By: Our Reporter
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, joined thousands of muslim faithful to observe the Eid prayers at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.
The two units prayer were observed peacefully at the main Eid ground and other prayer grounds across the state under tight security, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.
In a sallah message shortly after the sermon by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettiima Mamman Saleh, the Vice President called for unity and peaceful coexistence in the state and the country as a whole.
Senator Shettima assures the Federal Government Gommitment to protecting the lives and properties of the citizenry, stressing that the fight against insurgency would be tackled head-on.
The Imam Idaini admonished worshippers to imbibe the lessons learned during the holy month and encouraged Muslim faithful to give alms to the poor (zakatul fitr) and to fast six days in the month of Shawwal to receive Allah’s bounties and rewards.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in a sallah message, called on faithful to recharge their spiritual beings towards rebuilding a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Borno.
He saluted the courage, resilience, and commitment of the people to all initiatives aimed at deepening security and peace-building among the various components of society, fragmented by the Boko Haram insurgency over the years.
The Eid prayer was attended by the Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Almin El-Kanemi; the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Minister of State for Regional Development.
Other dignitaries include members of the House of Representatives and the Borno State House of Assembly, former deputy governors, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, APC stalwarts, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima, Zulum Attend Eid Prayers at Ramat Square as Worshippers Observe Sallah Peacefully in Maiduguri
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
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