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Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change

Published

2 years ago

November 7, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change

By: Michael Mike

All relevant institutional and statutory agencies have been asked to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production in order to ensure food security in the country.

Speaking at the First Regional Workshop on Climate Smart Soil in Abuja organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with African Climate Action Partnership, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Chris Nkwonta said soils are integral to the functions of all terrestrial ecosystems and to increased and sustainable food production.

He noted that: “Consequently, conscious efforts must be made by relevant institutional and statutory agencies to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production.”

The lawmaker said “climate change is currently disrupting agriculture and food production in every corner of the world, from droughts or floods that damage crops to rising seas and other environmental pollutions that threaten rural and agricultural communities.

“In the context of climate change, agriculture faces complex and unique problems. Crop production is directly dependent on natural resources, weather and climatic conditions. As a result of raising temperatures, variable rainfalls, environmental pollutions, invasive and alien species of pest and other unpredictable environmental factors have invariably exposed farmers and agricultural communities to several challenges that are inimical to increased food production and sustainable food security.

“The aforementioned environmental challenges adversely affecting farmers and food producers tend to worsen as climate change issues accelerates globally, making it most critical to implement mitigation strategies and appropriate responses as soon as possible to curb it’s long-term negative impacts on food production and food security.”

He asked that a blend of climate smart soil and agriculture must be emplaced to transform farming with the aim of delivering positive outcomes on the basis of adaptations and mitigations to support and improve food security under the new realities of global climate change.

Nkwonta said: “It is my believe that this workshop is a catalyst towards achieving improved food security in the country in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo
said: “Today’s event organized by the National Council on Climate Change in collaboration with the African Climate Action Partnership, is extremely important because it recognizes the critical intersection between healthy soil, climate change, hunger, poverty, and the consequent diseases and insecurity that come from them. As we all know, without fertile soils, we cannot grow food, and without food, there will be hunger, loss of livelihood means for land-dependent people, displacement, forced migration, climate refugees, insecurity and conflict arising from competition for scare resources.”

He noted that: “The United Nations has recognized the critical link between Climate Change and food security. The UN Resolution 68/212 of December 20, 2013, reaffirmed that “Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time…, particularly developing countries are vulnerable to the adverse impacts… including persistent drought and extreme weather events, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further threatening food security and efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development and in this regard emphasizes that adaptation to climate change represents an immediate and urgent global priority.”

He noted that: “With an area of 923,769 square kilometers and an ever-increasing population of about 223million people, 70 percent of which depend on agriculture as a means of livelihood, the recurrent issues of losing arable land to desertification, erosion, drought, and unsustainable agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) has opened up the country to the danger of food insecurity. As changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events continue to challenge our agricultural sector, sustainable soil management practices and initiatives aimed at increasing soil organic carbon sequestration hold the promise of addressing food security, mitigation, and adaptation challenges.”

He said “mechanization is absolutely essential, good quality seeds, fertilization, improved agricultural practices, smart agriculture, these are the solutions we seek because the whole mantra is on increase in yield.”

Onuigbo further said: “The degradation of our soils, especially in Africa, is a pressing concern that impacts not only our food security but also our ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. According to the World Bank, the consequences of soil degradation have far-reaching effects, particularly for the agricultural sector which employs more than half of Africa’s workforce, and accounts for 30-40 percent of its GDP.

“Increasing the availability of arable land must start from climate-smart and sustainable soil practices which I am happy that this event is about. We can produce enough food to feed our nations, and the continent of Africa, attract foreign direct investment, earn foreign exchange and create employment. So, what we are doing here today, and what the potentialities are, provide an optimistic springboard for addressing some of the most germane challenges we face in the country.”

On his part, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru said the workshop was organized with a deep sense of purpose and urgency, recognizing the pivotal role that soil plays in shaping the future of our nation and the world at large.

Dahiru, who was by the Deputy DG, Mrs. Halima Bawa Bwari said: “Soil health, food security, and climate change are inextricably linked, forming a triad that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts. The state of our soils directly impacts our ability to feed a growing global population, adapt to a changing climate, and mitigate its effects. It is a complex challenge that requires the prioritization of Adaptation and Climate Smart Agriculture in line with Nigeria’s NDCs as well as a holistic approach, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders involved.”

Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change

News

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

Published

3 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has stated that he does not know who will succeed him after the expiration of his tenure in May 2027.

The governor reiterated that his administration was focused on strengthening security and providing needed development to the people.

He spoke on Sunday evening during a critical All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.

Addressing party leaders, elected officials and members, Zulum reiterated his stand for a fair, transparent and just process in the election of party officials during the forthcoming congresses.

He emphasised that the integrity of the process was paramount for the party’s unity and future success.

The governor strongly advocated a fresh set of individuals to occupy the various party positions.

He urged stakeholders to allow new faces to emerge through a democratic process, thereby strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and inclusivity.

Governor Zulum also dismissed speculation about his influence on the party’s future ticket.

He firmly and publicly reaffirmed that he had not anointed any candidate for the upcoming party positions or for any elective position.

“I have no candidate for any position, and I do not know who will succeed me. I have entrusted the choice of leaders to Almighty Allah, in accordance with the democratic will of the party members and the people of Borno State.

The governor set up two committees to scale up the APC e-registration and reconciliation among party members.

The 10-man committee will be headed by Nigeria’s former Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda and will include members drawn from the state’s 3 senatorial districts.

The meeting was attended by the acting governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; the former governor of Borno State, Maina Ma’aji Lawan; APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, State APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba and three former deputy governors, including Ali Abubakar Jatau, Adamu Shettim Dibal and Usman Mamman Durkwa.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and 10 members of the House of Representatives, including Dr Midala Balami, who announced his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), were in attendance.

The speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; the deputy speaker, Engr Abdullahi Askira and 25 other members also graced the occasion.

Others in attendance included former Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, Dr Bulama Mali Gubio and senior government and party officials.

I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

News

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

Published

3 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

By: Michael Mike

Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State visit to Türkiye, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Monday paid an official visit to Ankara where he held high-level talks with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, Tuggar’s first official visit to Türkiye, focused on strengthening political, economic, security, and multilateral cooperation. Minister Fidan commended Nigeria’s constructive role in promoting regional stability, peace, and prosperity in West Africa, noting Nigeria’s leadership within regional and continental frameworks.

Tuggar placed strong emphasis on expanding bilateral trade and increasing mutual investment, particularly in sectors of interest to Turkish companies, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. Both ministers acknowledged the steady growth in economic relations and underlined the need to unlock further potential through structured public–private engagement.

On security cooperation, the two sides highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration in military affairs and the defence industry.

The visit reflects the growing strategic character of Nigeria–Türkiye relations, anchored in shared positions on sovereignty, institutional cooperation, and pragmatic partnership, with both sides expressing confidence in the prospects for deeper engagement in the period ahead.

Alkasim Abdulkadir

SA Media and Communications to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Tuggar Meets Turkish Foreign Minister in Ankara Ahead of Tinubu’s State Visit

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has held strategic discussions with Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, in Ankara as part of preparations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s forthcoming state visit to the country.

The meeting, which marked Tuggar’s first official visit to Türkiye, focused on strengthening bilateral ties between both nations across political, economic, security and multilateral fronts. The talks underscored the growing importance of Nigeria–Türkiye relations and the shared commitment of both governments to expanding cooperation.

During the engagement, Fidan commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, particularly its efforts in promoting peace, stability and regional prosperity. He acknowledged Nigeria’s influence within regional and continental institutions and its constructive contributions to addressing common security and development challenges.

Tuggar, in his part, emphasized Nigeria’s interest in deepening economic collaboration with Türkiye, calling for increased trade volumes and stronger investment flows. He identified construction, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure as key sectors offering significant opportunities for Turkish investors. Both ministers noted the steady improvement in economic relations and stressed the need for enhanced public–private sector engagement to unlock further growth.

Security cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides expressing readiness to strengthen collaboration in military relations and defence industry partnerships.

The high-level talks highlight the increasingly strategic nature of Nigeria–Türkiye relations, built on mutual respect for sovereignty, institutional cooperation and practical partnership. Both countries expressed optimism about expanding engagement and delivering tangible outcomes in the period ahead.

Tuggar Holds Strategic Talks with Turkish Counterpart in Ankara

News

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue

Published

8 hours ago

January 26, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue

By: Michael Mike

Leaders and people of Ogoniland have petitioned President Bola Tinubu over alleged attempts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to undermine the ongoing Federal Government–Ogoni dialogue process aimed at resolving the decades-long Ogoni crisis.

The petition was submitted under the auspices of the Conscience of Ogoni People (COOP), formerly known as the Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates, a group of concerned Ogoni stakeholders advocating peace, justice, and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by COOP’s Leader and Spokesman, Chief Gani Topba, the group expressed strong support for the dialogue and peace process being facilitated by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, describing it as the most credible effort so far to address the long-standing Ogoni question.

COOP alleged that Wike has been engaging in actions intended to frustrate the dialogue, tracing the dispute to unresolved issues from his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

According to the group, the controversy is linked to a long-standing compensation dispute between the Ejama Ebubu community in Ogoni and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) over environmental damage claims that were decided in favour of the community.

The group stated that the Rivers State Government became deeply involved in the matter during Wike’s administration, a development that has remained contentious and unresolved in public discourse.

COOP further alleged that during the recent visit of the NSA to Ogoniland, political associates of the FCT Minister were instructed to boycott and undermine the engagement. The group claimed that efforts were deliberately made to sabotage the dialogue at the community level.

Raising security concerns, COOP alleged that armed youths recruited from different parts of Rivers State are currently being mobilised and camped around the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters, allegedly to destabilise the peace process.

The group also claimed that Wike is displeased with Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalaiyi Fubara, for cooperating with the NSA to ensure the success of the Ogoni dialogue. According to COOP, local government chairmen in Eleme, Tai, Gokana and Khana LGAs were allegedly directed to recruit armed youths to disrupt the dialogue and frustrate the proposed resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland.

COOP warned that if these alleged actions are not checked, they could pose serious threats to public peace and security in Rivers State and derail the fragile but promising dialogue process.

The group noted that the ongoing engagement has been widely welcomed by Ogoni people as a sincere and inclusive initiative aimed at achieving lasting peace, environmental remediation, economic reintegration of Ogoni communities, and the safe resumption of oil production in Oil Mining Lease (OML) II. They added that a successful outcome would significantly boost national revenue, foreign exchange earnings, energy security and employment.

COOP appealed to President Tinubu to intervene by calling on the FCT Minister to desist from actions capable of reigniting tension in Ogoniland. The group urged the President to protect the dialogue process and mandate relevant security and intelligence agencies to investigate the allegations.

They call on the President to ensure that no individual, regardless of position, undermines national interest for personal or sectional gain, expressing confidence that decisive intervention would help secure peace in Ogoniland and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to justice, national unity and economic recovery.

Ogoni Leaders Petition Tinubu, Accuse Wike of Undermining Peace Dialogue