National News
NEC Outlines Initiative To Ensure Food Security, Affordability

NEC Outlines Initiative To Ensure Food Security, Affordability
*With collective effort we’ll overcome our challenges – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The National Economic Council (NEC) has taken bold steps to ensure food security and put an end to the economic challenges confronting the nation, including making fertilizer available to farmers and the establishment of Agro-Rangers to tackle insecurity in farms.
The decision was taken on Thursday during the 139th meeting of the Council held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
This is just as the Vice President has said with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges in the country.
Following a presentation by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari @SenatorAKyari, on food security in the country, Vice President Shettima directed a meeting of the federal government with major fertilizer producers in the country, including Indorama, Dangote and Notore.
NEC noted that fertiliser is a major ingredient of agricultural productivity which the government is striving to attain and urged the state governors to embrace modern agricultural practices to increase productivity.
Council also considered the establishment of Agro-Rangers in the short-term and the possible creation of state police in the long-term to address security threats on farmers. This was after a presentation by the Minister of Police Affairs @MinofPoliceNG, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam.
The government is also planning to release 42,000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to address rising prices.
Minister of Agriculture called for action against dollarization of locally produced commodities like urea, which is impacting negatively on fertilizer prices and agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima has called for sound economic decisions that will reverberate with the expectations of Nigerians.
He expressed hope that with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its current economic challenges.
The Vice President also regretted that Nigeria had been a victim of strong averseness to evolving and keeping up with the changing global economic order, leading to a situation where making difficult decisions to maximize its potential has become inevitable.
“We must either redirect the economy towards a place of boom and competitiveness or brace for an impact we are unlikely to survive. So, beyond the heritage of our financial and monetary fiascos, we must compare notes to understand the interconnectedness of the dysfunctions in each sector of the economy,” he stated.
Delivering his opening speech titled, “It’s Time To Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest,” Senator Shettima told council members that it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s desire that they all stand together to collectively proffer solutions to safeguard the nation’s economy from imminent implosion.
He observed that while the wealth of every nation is in the belly of its citizens, the government has a long distance to cover in its interventions to enhance “food availability and affordability.
“The call to secure and liberate areas under threat from violence, most of which are arable lands owned by our farming communities, is not just a matter of security but a strategic move to revive the economic lifeblood of our nation,” he added.
Noting that the citizens are only keen about tangible results, the VP stated: “Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while economic experts foresaw this transitional phase on our journey to a flourishing future, it is crucial to recognize that the ordinary citizen on the street is not concerned with any economic theory. Their daily concerns are anchored in the tangible.
“They are more invested in the price of maize than the predictions of GDP. So, as we deliberate on intricate economic strategies today, let us remain attuned to the heartbeat of the nation. We must ensure that our decisions resonate with the aspirations of the common man and woman who entrust us with their hopes and dreams.”
Acknowledging that the country is in the midst of a pervasive emergency, VP Shettima implored state governors, ministers and other NEC members to align their minds and actions with the reality on ground.
Other highlights of the meeting include:
- Update on work done by the adhoc committees on oil theft prevention and economic matters set up in December.
UPDATES ON ACCOUNT BALANCE:
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating of the Economy gave Council update on the underlisted Accounts as follows:
EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT
$ 473, 754.57
NATURAL RESOURCES
N114, 343, 535, 696.46
STABILISATION ACCOUNT
N34, 315,780, 894. 45
PRESENTATION ON HEALTH SECTOR WIDE APPROACH AND SIGNING OF COMPACT AGREEMENT WITH STATES BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE
Council was called to note that the goal of the sector is to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain and produce health for ALL Nigerians.
On health, council resolved that there is a need for states to enhance their governance systems and structures, accountability frameworks, strengthen fiduciary systems and develop comprehensive performance management systems.
Clearly, there is a need for states to better engage with the federal government and ensure that we have one plan in delivering quality health plan to Nigerians.
UPDATE ON THE NEC COMMITTEE ON FLOOD
Following a potential flood warning from the Lagdo dam in October 2023, an existing ad hoc committee was reinstated by His Excellency the Chairman of NEC. The committee was mandated with producing a roadmap for flood prevention and response, while coming up with an immediate plan of action to mitigate the impact of flooding on the nation and Nigerians. This committee submitted its report with key recommendations and a strategic plan of action which was presented at the NEC meeting held on the 18th of October 2023.
Given the situation in the country, the NEC ad hoc Committee on flood was further mandated to investigate the projections for the 2024 raining season and present its findings at the next Council meeting to ensure preparedness and appropriate response ahead of the 2024 raining season. The committee has been tasked with working with experts at the various agencies to ensure that relevant data is made available on the 2024 flood forecast and necessary the reports are reviewed, and recommendations made to the NEC on how best to prepare and respond ahead of the 2024 flood season.
Council resolved to appoint the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo @OfficialOAU, to replace his predecessor as the chairman of the Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response.
NEC Outlines Initiative To Ensure Food Security, Affordability
National News
NDLEA, Education Ministry Agree on Drug Education in School Curriculum, Test for Varsity Students, Others

NDLEA, Education Ministry Agree on Drug Education in School Curriculum, Test for Varsity Students, Others
By: Michael Mike
Compulsory drug integrity test for students of tertiary institutions and the review of current secondary school curriculum to include drug education are part of agreements reached between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Education when the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) led a delegation of his management team to a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Marwa had during the meeting commended the minister for his proactive approach to his job while highlighting the devastating effect of substance abuse on the country’s youthful population. He noted that the fight against illicit drugs is a fight for the souls of the Nigerian youth.

“The purpose of this visit is to seek collaboration with this esteemed ministry in our collective efforts towards drug control in Nigeria. Our focus basically will be on schools and educational institutions. There are millions of our children that are under the supervision of this ministry, and it’s very critical. The drug scourge, as we all know, is very high in Nigeria.
“So, we’re actually fighting for the souls of our children. Now, we also know that the drug use is exacerbating criminal activities. That is, the Boko Haram, the terrorism, banditry, and so on.
“We know that without drugs, they wouldn’t be able to do what they are doing, because they wouldn’t do all these criminal activities in their right senses. So, in our own way, we are contributing to the fight against insecurity in the country. Now, through law enforcement action, we have continued to deal mortal blows to the drug cartels. We know that through the seizures, arrests, convictions, and assets forfeiture, we’re doing our best.

“Supported by President Bola Tinubu, within the last two years, we have made arrest of 40,887 criminal elements, gotten 8,682 convicted and seized 5,507 metric tons of illicit drugs. In fact, from January last year to the present, opioids, that’s tramadol mostly, that we have seized, are in excess of one billion pills, which is worth more than N1 trillion.”
Marwa while stating that the President is also supporting the agency to build seven rehabilitation centres in addition to the existing 30 centres in NDLEA commands nationwide, noted that President Tinubu has also approved the construction of one model rehab centre in each of the geo-political zone in the country.
He listed three key areas he will want the Ministry and NDLEA to collaborate to effectively check the menace of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
According to him, “the first suggestion we have is for a review of the drug education curriculum in secondary schools. Even though we’re told of the existence of this in the past but because of the complexity of drugs, the dynamism of it, and the new psychoactive substances that have come to play, we feel that it is time to consider a review of this drug education curriculum.
“Another area we were thinking of suggesting is to introduce stand-alone drug abuse prevention programmes in schools, secondary schools. Not the curriculum this time, but programmes that stand on their own, lectures, competitions, and involving the parents, and so on. And then the third area we were thinking is to adopt a drug testing policy in tertiary institutions, because we want a policy to keep our campuses clean. Several vice chancellors have come on their own to seek both our guidance and participation in conducting drug test for their students. So, what we are suggesting now is drug tests for new students, for students returning from vacations, and random tests. This will make the children to avoid taking drugs, knowing fully well that if they do and they are found out, there will be consequences. And the consequences do not necessarily mean rustication.”
In his response, the Minister commended Marwa for his steadfastness and commitment to the service of Nigeria.
He said: “Thank you for your service to Lagos. And beyond that, General Buba Marwa, has committed his life to serve this country. Since I know him 30 years ago, he’s still serving the country. And you could see the passion in the way that he laid out the problems in the country and what he wanted us to do. And as he was talking, I made note and it was as if I had seen his prepared comments. Thank you so much for making this visit.”
He noted that the drug scourge is a huge problem that must be tackled headlong.
“When the youths get into drugs, they won’t go to school and even when they go to school, they are not getting functional education. And at the end of the day, what happens? Their level of critical thinking is lower. Their ability to make informed decisions in the later part of their life becomes significantly reduced. So, they become unemployable. And what happens?
“You now have that vicious cycle. They’re not functional. They’re not useful to themselves. All they do is resort to criminality. Once you use drugs, you’re likely to have a dysfunctional family. So, it’s a huge menace that we need to tackle, and tackle very quickly.”
On the areas of collaboration, the Minister said: “I would suggest we form a technical working group, inter-ministerial working group between our ministry and NDLEA.
As a result, I will also like to create a Substance Use Prevention Unit in the ministry.
“We’re reviewing the curriculum now for secondary school. And that’s why I’ve asked the director of Senior Secondary School to come, to be here and then we find a way to cascade it down to primary school. But we need to get both primary school and secondary school and add this to their curriculum. But the one for secondary school, we can definitely do that now. We’re just developing their new curriculum now.
“Also, on the stand-alone school programmes, I agree with you fully. We should also design ongoing programmes in our schools. That we can roll out, and cascade down. You also said something very important about the drug test policy in tertiary institutions. We will do it.
We have to do it. We do not have a choice. At least, we’ll start with tertiary institutions, for their fresh and returning students as well as random testing.”
The Minister also assured on getting two agencies under the Ministry, UBEC and TETFUND to partner with the NDLEA Academy in Jos as part of efforts to deepen drug education in basic, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.
NDLEA, Education Ministry Agree on Drug Education in School Curriculum, Test for Varsity Students, Others
National News
At UN Food Summit, Nigeria Maps 10-year Youth-led Agricultural Renewal Plan

At UN Food Summit, Nigeria Maps 10-year Youth-led Agricultural Renewal Plan
** We’ve doled out $538m for SAPZs, created 785,000 jobs, says VP Shettima
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian government has unveiled a 10-year Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035) to transform its agricultural sector, with Vice President Kashim Shettima declaring that the youth-led innovation will be central to the country’s food systems transition.
The plan is part of Nigeria’s national strategy to implement the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2036), adopted by African Heads of State to strengthen food and nutrition security across the continent.
Speaking on Tuesday at a high-level dialogue between African youth agri-food entrepreneurs and African leaders during the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Vice President Shettima emphasised the importance of investing in young people to drive innovation and resilience across food systems.

“A nation that is prepared for the future is not known by the promises it makes but by the place it gives to its youth in shaping those promises. To see African youths leading the charge in this essential sector speaks more eloquently than any speech,” VP Shettima stated.
He explained that Nigeria has already inaugurated an Agricultural Sector Working Group and a Technical Committee to coordinate national implementation of the Kampala Declaration and develop the 10-Year Strategic Action Plan.
According to him, the plan will align national and subnational priorities, promote public-private partnerships, and embed strong youth engagement at every level.
The Vice President also noted that the Federal Government has recapitalised the Bank of Agriculture with ₦1.5 trillion ($1 billion) to support the Youth Agricultural Revolution in Nigeria, providing loans of up to ₦1 million to young farmers and agri-groups across the country.
“This is not charity. It is strategic inclusion. It is resilience engineered into policy,” VP Shettima said.
The Vice President listed several ongoing initiatives, including Nigeria’s collaboration with the Netherlands, CGIAR, and IITA under the Youth in Agribusiness Initiative, which is targeting 10,000 youth, with 40–50% of them women, across innovative hubs in horticulture, poultry, aquaculture, and cassava processing.

He also cited investments in mechanisation, greenhouse expansion, and irrigation systems, along with the $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project with Brazil, which is enhancing year-round agricultural productivity and value chain efficiency.
“We launched the first 2,000 tractors in a 70-million-dollar investment, targeting over 550,000 hectares of land and reaching more than 550,000 farming households. In partnership with John Deere, we are deploying 10,000 tractors over five years,” he said.
Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s call for increased investment in value addition and agro-processing to end the export of raw commodities and build more resilient local economies.
The forthcoming 10-Year Action Plan, he added, will prioritise training and mentorship in agro-technology and agribusiness, with a strong monitoring and evaluation framework.
“This is not a sprint. It is a generational relay that requires collective action, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to shared responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima also addressed the Plenary Session on Transforming Food Systems in Complex Settings, where he disclosed that Nigeria has already committed $538.05 million to the first phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, a flagship initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and accelerating agro-industrialisation.
“The SAPZ programme in Nigeria is being implemented in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other key development partners. The initiative is projected to attract $1 billion in total investments by 2027, reduce post-harvest losses by 80%, and has already generated over 785,000 jobs across targeted regions,” he noted.
VP Shettima added that African youths hold the key to the continent’s agri-food future and thus, no stone should be left unturned in mobilising this greatest asset.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, reactivated over 500,000 hectares of arable land, deployed strategic food reserves, and expanded access to seeds and extension services.
VP Shettima also emphasised the importance of security sector reforms to ensure farmers can access their lands safely and continue food production in rural communities.
In addition, he called for international collaboration to recharge the Lake Chad Basin, expand sustainable irrigation systems, and establish a national farm database.
He also advocated for anticipatory action to climate shocks, emergency school feeding programmes in conflict-affected areas, and resilience-building initiatives to secure long-term stability.
“Food security is the trust anchor of peace,” the Vice President stated.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, decried worsening global food insecurity, noting that “over 37 million children under five who faced acute malnutrition this year are almost the entire population of Canada.”
“Short-term interventions disconnected from long-term development planning are not the solutions we are seeking. We must choose transformation over dependency,” she said.
She commended leaders, including President Tinubu, who are embedding resilience in national strategies, combining global, digital and traditional knowledge to create inclusive and sustainable food systems.
“We need coordination as a people and not just bureaucracies. Bureaucracies are important; we need strong public institutions, but our efforts must translate into impact in people’s lives,” Mohammed added.
Other speakers at the summit included World Food Programme Executive Director, Cindy McCain; Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Salah Jama, and Moubarack Roubo from the Ministry of Agricultural Production and Industrialisation, Chad, among others.
At UN Food Summit, Nigeria Maps 10-year Youth-led Agricultural Renewal Plan
National News
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State

One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have attacked Gari Village in Masamagu area of Niger State, killing one person and abducting another in a violent incident that occurred on Wednesday night.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the attack happened at about 9:30 p.m. on July 24, when six unidentified gunmen stormed the community and macheted a 55-year-old man, Umaru Zakiru, to death.
They also abducted one Hussaini Muhammed to an unknown destination, but the victim later escaped from captivity with a gunshot wound.
A tram of security forces responded promptly and evacuated both the deceased and the injured to the General Hospital in Kontagora for autopsy and medical treatment.
A manhunt has been launched to track down the assailants and bring them to justice.
One killed, another injured as gunmen invade Gari Village in Niger State
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics2 months ago
2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift