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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
At Iftar With President Tinubu, VP Shettima Urges Reps To Shun Division, Partisanship
** As House donates ₦705 million to support humanitarian efforts
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders of the National Assembly to uphold the sacred responsibility of leadership and to prioritise unity and national development over political divisions and partisan interests.
He spoke on Monday night when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted the leadership and members of the House of Representatives to Iftar (breaking of Ramadan fast) at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the President, VP Shettima urged lawmakers to embrace their responsibility with humility and a shared commitment to progress.
He said, “In the end, history will not judge us by the number of personal battles we fought against one another, but by the bridges we were able to build together. We are gathered here this evening not as adversaries in a contest for power, but as partners in the noble task of nation-building.”
Reflecting on the significance of Ramadan, which coincides with the Lenten season, the Vice President called for deep introspection and a reaffirmation of commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
“This sacred month of reflection and renewal reminds us to choose stability over strife, collaboration over conflict, and dialogue over discord. What binds us as a nation is far greater than what divides us,” the Vice President said.
VP Shettima commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a man of vision and inclusivity.
According to Senator Shettima, “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have not just a leader you can trust, but a leader who trusts you. He sees you as stewards of our democracy, as voices of the people, and as partners in our shared aspiration to build a better Nigeria.”
He further assured Nigerians that the government’s economic policies are yielding results and explained that “The economy has turned the corner. We are now on the path to sustained economic growth, and with perseverance, we will create a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive.”
The Vice President also lauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the House leadership for fostering harmony within the legislature.
“There can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. The unity within the House is a testament to our collective resolve to move Nigeria forward,” he said.
VP Shettima urged the leaders to govern with empathy, fairness, and justice, reminding them that their positions are a sacred trust of the Nigerian people. “Leadership is not about personal gain; it is about service. It is a burden vested in us by God, tested by history, and measured by the impact we leave behind,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the invitation to break fast with him and for always showing respect and concern for the House of Representatives.
“As we all know, the month of Ramadan entails many things, one of them is reflection; where were you before, where are you now and where do you want to be? I believe Nigeria more than ever before needs this type of reflection,” he said.
Imploring both Christians and Muslims to dedicate this time to praying for the country, the Speaker said Nigerians know what the Tinubu administration has achieved within just two years and this period offers a moment for every Nigerian to reflect and pray for the country – prayers for the economy; prayers for improved security, prayers for the leaders and prayers for the citizens.
He assured that every member of the House of Representatives is in support of the President, noting that the policies of the government are for the betterment of the people and Nigeria as a country.
On behalf of the House of Reps, the Hon. Speaker donated the sum of ₦705,000,000 (Seven Hundred and Five Million Naira), which he said is a six-month fifty per cent deduction from their salaries to augment the humanitarian engagements of Mr President and to support vulnerable people in the country.
At Iftar With President Tinubu, VP Shettima Urges Reps To Shun Division, Partisanship
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom has expressed its commitment to the restoration of peace, stability and sustainable solutions to the troubled Northeast region which has been bedeviled by insurgency.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson made the commitment on Monday when she paid a courtesy call on Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri.
Atkinson who commended Zulum for his commitment to fighting insurgency in Borno, said: “On behalf of the British Government, I recognise the effort of His Excellency, the Governor, in tackling insurgency and supporting the people of Borno State, particularly aiming to secure a prosperous future for the people displaced by insurgency.
“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to supporting peace, stability and sustainable solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”
Responding, the Secretary to Borno State Government who received the Deputy High Commissioner on behalf of Governor Zulum, expressed appreciation to the UK Government for their partnership and support.
He said,: “With the UK Government to start with, we have quite a number of very strong partnerships. His Excellency appreciates it, and he specifically instructed me to convey the special message of appreciation.”
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois, Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio, Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga and Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani.
Others in attendance include Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Abdullahi Ishaq, the Senior Technical Assistant, Political, to the Governor, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima, Permanent Secretary of political and cabinet, Danjuma Ali, and the Executive Secretary of Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), Babakura Mamman Gadai.
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
Police Operatives Rescue Kidnapped Victim in Adamawa, Perpetrators on the Run
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force in Adamawa have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Vincent Philemon, during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts in Numan.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Philemon, a resident of Ngwallang, was abducted on March 16, 2025.
The sources said following intelligence-driven operations, police personnel stormed suspected hideouts at about 2020hrs on March 17, leading to his rescue.
The victim was found unharmed and was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Numan for medical evaluation.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime.
Police Operatives Rescue Kidnapped Victim in Adamawa, Perpetrators on the Run
At Iftar With President Tinubu, VP Shettima Urges Reps To Shun Division, Partisanship
UK Expresses Commitment to Restoration of Peace in Northeast
Police Operatives Rescue Kidnapped Victim in Adamawa, Perpetrators on the Run
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