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Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
By Hamza Suleiman
Prior to the Boko Haram insurgency Borno was one of the most agriculturally advanced states in Nigeria with more than two-third of its population engaged in cereal crops, livestock, fishery, and poultry production.
This contributed significantly to Nigeria’s food supply chain, making it a crucial player in feeding the country’s vast population.
However, the insurgency had a devastating impact on agriculture, similar to its effects on the economy and social sectors and residents took refuge in other parts of the country.
The damage was monumental, leading to malnutrition in children and breastfeeding mothers, as well as hunger and starvation among the population, ultimately culminating in a humanitarian crisis in the entire North-East region.
The aftermath of the devastation was estimated to be in the billions of dollars, leaving a significant portion of the population without livelihoods and dependent on food aid from the government and humanitarian organizations.
In 2019, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum assumed office as the elected governor of Borno State, inheriting one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world at the time, with approximately 2.5 million displaced persons.
These individuals, who previously engaged in rain-fed and irrigation activities, cultivating thousands of hectares of arable land across the state’s 20 local government areas, also lost their livelihoods as fishermen and animal breeders.
This significantly reduced the state’s food production capacity to almost zero.
As a result, citizens faced hunger and starvation, and the supply of well-bred animals, dried fish, and other fishery products to markets across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon Republics was severely impacted.
Notably, the Federal Government established the Lake Chad Basin Development Commission (LCBDC).
This was in recognition of Borno’s significant contribution to agriculture. There was also the establishment of Lake Chad Basin Research Institute in Maiduguri, to enhance studies and innovations in various fields of agriculture.
Zulum also built on the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement program initiated by his predecessor, Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This programme prioritised agriculture, which received significant attention.
During the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Agricultural Support Programme (RHI-WASP), Zulum emphasised the importance of agriculture in Borno’s development.
“Our government has made agriculture a top priority, and we are committed to mobilizing resources to boost its growth.
“To achieve this, we have procured essential agricultural machinery and inputs like tractors, chemicals, and fertilisers.
`This will significantly enhance our farmers’ productivity. Our goal is to support our farmers in every way possible to increase their agricultural output and promote food security.
He said, “We must shift our focus from short-term humanitarian support to medium and long-term sustainable solutions, and that is agriculture”, Zulum said.
RHI-WASP is the initiative of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, designed to encourage women to engage in agricultural activities and contribute to the food sufficiency agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Zulum’s administration has empowered 120 women farmers from the North-East region with N500,000 each, and 100 persons with disabilities from Borno with N100,000 each, to support their agricultural endeavors’’, the document said.
The Borno government recognises the importance of logistics support to farmers hence it has taken to meet some of their challenges.
For instance it procured one million liters of petrol which was distributed at a subsidized rate to farmers across the state and distributed 20,000 bags of fertilisers to them.
The government also provided 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 5,000 water pump machines to farmers in the three senatorial districts.
Among others, the state government established modern, innovative and climate-smart irrigation schemes at Bokkoiri in Konduga; Kulunnam in Magumeri, Jaffi in Kwaya Kusar, Mafa in Mafa, Bulabulin, Shuwari and Gajibo in Dikwa and Logomane in Ngala LGA, respectively.
Similarly, the Zulum administration is investing hugely in drip irrigation to accelerate cash crop production such as maize, cassava and sesame seeds, even as it has inaugurated a 20-hectare sesame plantation at Koiri pilot drip irrigation scheme.
“Let’s carefully put things in order. Borno State will start exporting sesame and other cash crops in the near future.
“We will subsequently change focus and invest our resources in irrigation farming or, rather, food production.
I assure you that we will provide the political will needed to achieve food sufficiency.
“We need to expand our scope; we should identify bigger lands, we can expand with another 100 hectares each in Borno Central, South and North Senatorial Districts.
“My predecessor has procured about 10,000 hectares of drip irrigation kits. After this year’s rainy season, we hope the state will be able to cultivate at least 1,000 hectares”, Zulum said.
The Zulum administration recorded significant success in enhancing extension and farmers support services as it distributed improved variety seeds, fertilisers, chemical and knapsack sprayers to 3,000 rice farmers at Ngala and Gwoza.
It also provided 250 water pumps, 250 tubewells, assorted seeds, and agrochemicals to 1,000 Dry season farmers in Baga resettled community, while 1,000 tubewells and 1,000 water pumps were distributed to rice growers at Damasak in Mobbar LGA.
Farmers in Tarmuwa-Banki also received 50 units of water pumps with accessories, 50 tubewells, seeds, fertiliser, and chemicals to dry season farmers.’’, among other initiatives.
The efforts of the administration have not gone unnoticed by experts and other stakeholders in the sector.
Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne urged all stakeholders to emulate Zulum in his agriculture sector revolution.
He spoke at the inauguration of projects executed by NALDA in Jere Local Government Area of Borno.
“I want to call on all stakeholders to quickly key into this agricultural revolution of Mr President (Bola Tinubu) by adopting the method of Borno State, the method of unconditional land donation and method of total commitment.
“I thank you, Mr governor, for your support for agriculture, your support for the development of Borno…NALDA will continue to partner Borno because Borno has the potential to develop food production and achieve food security in Nigeria’’, Ikonne said.
A social media influencer, Abudulla Ayofe, has also commended Zulum over his steps to transform the agric sector in Borno.
“Governor Zulum’s administration is turning desert into green fields in a bid to push the modern agriculture revolution in Borno State’’, he said in one of his verified social media posts.
Gaji Ngari, a grain farmer in Dille village in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, said Zulum had not only transformed farming but also the lives of farmers.
“The government has done a lot for us, particularly given our recent history; gradually, we are picking ourselves up’’, he said.
Agric experts say in spite of the achievements, more still needs to be done to position Borno in a position to reach its agric potential.
They say the state government should further explore technology in providing logistics for farmers. They say such tools can be used to predict weather and latest agriculture inputs.
They also call for strengthened security in the state, particularly around farmlands, which are still vulnerable to sporadic security breaches, as well as provide financial security for farmers through soft loans.
Hamza Suleiman is a Senior Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Borno: From ashes of insecurity to agric revolution
NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.
NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.
The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.
A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.
She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.
He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.
NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.
NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Millions of naira were realized at the Unveiling Potentials of Kukar-Gadu, Launching of History of Kukar-Gadu Book, Presentation of Kukar-Gadu Physical Development Plan, and Commissioning of Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town of Yobe state.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative (KEDI), TPI, Barnabas Atiyaye, said the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative was triggered by Victim Support Funds’ (VSF) proactive intervention activities chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma from inception to its closure in 2024.
He said through KEDI, we aim to create opportunities where there was once struggle to restore hope, where there was once despair, and to build bridges where there was once division. We are resolved to work for a Kukar-Gadu that is empowered, self-reliant, forward-looking, and united. We desire to be a springboard for the development of not only the Kukar-Gadu or Fika local government area, but the entire Yobe state and, by extension, the nation.
Mr. Barnabas revealed that the master plan of Kukar-Gadu is more than a technical document; it is a covenant with the future, a clear roadmap that defines how we as a community shall shape the physical, social, and economic destiny of our community, and it will also provide guidance for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, education, commerce, and environmental sustainability.
“The history of Kukar-Gadu” is more than a collection of dates and events. It is the story of our fathers, their struggles, their courage, their triumphs, and their faith. It tells of the foundations upon which we now stand, and in commissioning this book, we are not only honoring our past, we are preserving it for generations yet unborn.
Atiyaye appeals to individuals, schools, libraries, and government institutions to obtain copies of this book; it serves as a source of knowledge and inspiration for our youth so that they may know their roots and carry our values forward with pride. We pray that this book will keep alive the spirit of unity, courage, and progress that defines Kukar-Gadu. Ameen.
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ali Adamu Tikau (Talban Tikau), ably represented by Professor Dauda Abubakar, said that to have the Emir of Fika, along with the Emir of Pataskum, along with representatives of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, the representative of the Senator of the National Assembly, and many other personalities to come to this village in the Fika local government area, I will say that we are so excited and very proud of what is happening today.
He said the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu is also a milestone at the program, and it is one of the highlights. It was a book written by Malam Ibrahim Sara Bangalu, who is also a son of Kukar-Gadu, and I had the opportunity of editing the book and making the necessary corrections before it was taken to press. It is a history that will help us reflect on who we are as a people. When a people do not know their history, when a people do not know where they come from, they will easily get lost. That is the purpose of launching.
“I would say that Kukar-Gadu, Goya district, Fika local government, and Gudi are places that are very special because of the type of educated people they have produced. I am a product of this community, and I am a living testament to the opportunities this community gave me, and I believe many are benefiting from it.
Also speaking, the district head of Goya, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya, said what the people of Kukar-Gadu did has become a big challenge to all the people of Goya district; they broke the record and urged the people to wake up to create something for the betterment of the people.
“If you observe, they print a master plan of Kukar-Gadu and focus on many years ahead. So this initiative—I am so impressed with it because it will help for the fiscal planning of the area for over ten years, as Alhaji Musa Garba Daya said.
According to him, the people of Kukar-Gadu are also commissioning the Empowerment Development Initiative, which was triggered by Victim Support Funds (VSF), chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, and I appreciate it so much because these will greatly assist both our youth and women of the area.
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the budget could worsen Nigeria’s debt burden and further sideline key social sectors critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
In its review of the ₦58.18 trillion budget proposal, the organisation said the 5.8 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget does not sufficiently address long-standing fiscal and structural challenges. Instead, it noted that the financing plan, size of the deficit, and sectoral priorities pose risks to fiscal sustainability and accountability.
ActionAid Nigeria expressed particular concern over the continued extension of budget implementation timelines, which has resulted in the 2026 budget running alongside extended 2024 and 2025 budgets. According to the organisation, operating multiple budgets simultaneously weakens transparency, limits effective legislative oversight, and increases the risk of mismanagement of public funds, especially for capital and social sector projects.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, also pointed to repeated post-submission changes by the National Assembly, including upward adjustments to allocations without secured funding sources, as a key factor contributing to funding gaps, delayed releases, and the rollover of projects across fiscal years.
On the fiscal outlook, ActionAid Nigeria highlighted that the proposed 2026 budget projects revenue of ₦34.33 trillion against total spending of ₦58.18 trillion, leaving a deficit of ₦23.85 trillion. It described the figure as the largest deficit in Nigeria’s history, representing sharp increases over the 2024 and 2025 deficits.
It warned that heavy reliance on borrowing, without strong investment in productive and social sectors, could deepen inequality and constrain long-term development.
ActionAid Nigeria said that despite government claims that education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security are priority areas, lamented that allocations to social sectors remain inadequate.
Mamedu, in the statement, noted that education allocated ₦3.52 trillion, about six per cent of the total budget, and health receiving ₦2.48 trillion, just over four per cent—are both far below international benchmarks, and in contrast with defence allotted spending standing at ₦5.41 trillion.
The organisation also faulted the budget for failing to address underemployment and poor-quality jobs, particularly among women and rural populations, noting insufficient investment in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and women-led enterprises. It further warned that weak funding for social protection programmes could worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians facing rising living costs.
ActionAid Nigeria also criticised the late submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The organisation urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to end the practice of running multiple budgets, strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce dependence on borrowing, and significantly increase funding for education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
It stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome poverty through debt-driven spending, but through a people-centred and accountable budget that prioritises human development.
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
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