By George George Idowu
In a move to enhance agricultural productivity for staple food crops throughout the dry and wet seasons, the federal government of Nigeria has successfully secured a N65 billion loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The announcement was made on Saturday by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, during a meeting with relevant stakeholders.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production in 15 states and strategically plan for the upcoming second phase, with a focus on rice, maize, and cassava.
Mrs. Alade emphasized that the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) aims to enhance food production, stabilize agricultural commodity prices, provide crucial farm inputs to small-scale farmers, and offer institutional support for long-term sustainability.
While acknowledging challenges faced during the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production, Mrs. Alade affirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing shortcomings effectively.
She underscored the importance of adhering to guidelines and principles in supply chain activities, urging the use of reliable technology systems to promote transparency and accountability.
The loan is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the agricultural agenda and ensuring food security in Nigeria.