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Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
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
DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment
By: Michael Mike
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) will convene its second Diplomatic, Security, Trade, and Investment International Conference on May 20, 2026, in Abuja, in a move aimed at tackling the escalating threat of foreign information manipulation and its impact on national security and economic stability.
The summit will focus on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), a growing form of hybrid warfare that can distort public perception, undermine diplomatic relations, and deter foreign investment. Organisers say the conference will serve as a platform for shaping international strategies to detect, neutralise, and prevent the weaponisation of false information.
DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick, explained that the event seeks to “promote collaborative truth across borders, ensuring that misinformation does not destabilise local markets or scare away investors.” He added that building a secure information environment is essential for sustainable trade, investment, and diplomacy.
The summit will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including diplomats, intelligence officials, media professionals, regulators, and business leaders, with the aim of strengthening coordination across key sectors. Discussions will cover international standards for countering state-sponsored disinformation, improving early-warning systems for hybrid threats, and reinforcing credible reporting to protect national interests.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who serves as DICAN’s Grand Patron, will deliver the keynote address. He will be joined by high-profile facilitators, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, alongside security experts, regulators, and private sector leaders.
The conference follows the success of DICAN’s inaugural international gathering in July 2025, which attracted representatives from over 60 diplomatic missions, civil society organisations, and academic institutions.
Organisers say the 2026 summit is particularly timely as governments, media, and businesses worldwide face unprecedented challenges from misinformation campaigns, which threaten to disrupt trade, erode trust, and destabilise economies.
By convening leading voices across diplomacy, intelligence, media, and business, DICAN aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard information integrity, protect investment flows, and ensure that the country remains a stable and attractive hub for international commerce.
This event underscores a growing recognition that defending truth in the digital age is not only a matter of public information but a strategic priority for national security and economic growth.
DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment
Troops recover rustled cattle in Riyom, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have recovered rustled cattle in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops of Sector 6, deployed at Makera, responded to intelligence at about 7:20 a.m. on March 16 on the movement of suspected rustled cattle around Tahoos Community.
The troops conducted a search-and-rescue operation in the area and recovered six cattle abandoned by the rustlers, who fled on sighting the troops.
The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owner.
Troops have continued patrols in the area to deter further criminal activities.
Troops recover rustled cattle in Riyom, Plateau
Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, innovation, and regional cooperation, as both countries seek to expand mutually beneficial partnerships.
This formed the outcome of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
During the engagement, Ambassador Westerholm expressed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality since assuming office in August 2025, describing bilateral relations as cordial and built on strong goodwill. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of shared interest.
Central to the discussions was the expansion of economic ties, with Sweden identifying trade, investment, and strategic partnerships as priority areas. The envoy highlighted Sweden’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a green and digital economy, particularly through collaboration in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology development.
As a globally recognised innovation-driven economy, Sweden sees significant opportunities to partner with Nigeria in enhancing digital connectivity and strengthening its technological ecosystem.
Beyond technology, both countries explored potential collaboration in the energy sector and the creative industry.
Westerholm pointed to Nigeria’s growing global influence in music—especially Afrobeats—as a gateway for partnerships that could merge Swedish expertise in music production and business models with Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy.
In a move signalling stronger commercial engagement, Sweden recently established a trade office in Lagos, led by a government-appointed Trade Commissioner. The development follows earlier high-level engagements, including a visit by Sweden’s Crown Princess, underscoring Stockholm’s commitment to expanding trade and investment links with Africa’s largest economy.
On the multilateral front, Sweden commended Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in promoting a rules-based international order, particularly through cooperation at the United Nations and other global platforms.
Regional security and political developments also featured prominently in the talks, with both sides exchanging views on the evolving situation in West Africa. Discussions focused on the Sahel region and the role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining stability, including its engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Both parties acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in driving regional integration and fostering dialogue amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
In his remarks, Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and regional cooperation frameworks as key responses to security and governance challenges across West Africa. He emphasised ongoing engagement with ECOWAS member states and regional partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable solutions in the Sahel and beyond.
The minister also highlighted progress under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), noting that while frameworks for regional economic integration are largely established, increased private sector participation is essential to unlocking its full benefits.
Both countries agreed to sustain high-level consultations and explore new avenues of cooperation to further consolidate their longstanding relationship. As part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, Sweden’s State Secretary is expected to visit Nigeria in the coming days for further discussions.
The renewed partnership signals a shared commitment by Abuja and Stockholm to leverage trade, innovation, and diplomacy in advancing economic growth and regional stability.
Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability
DICAN to Host Global Summit on Combating Disinformation and Protecting Investment
Troops recover rustled cattle in Riyom, Plateau
Troops arrest suspect as rival Sara-Suka factions clash in Jos
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