By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security launched a National Food Systems and Soil Health Readiness Assessment in Abuja on Monday, to improve soil management, protect farmlands and support Nigeria’s climate and food security goals.
The ministry said the initiative is designed to assess soil conditions nationwide, strengthen agricultural data systems and guide evidence-based planning for sustainable food production.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the assessment will support coordinated action across government levels in addressing soil degradation and improving agricultural productivity. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Abdullahi said the programme focuses on harmonising fertilizer regulation, improving extension services and integrating soil data into national agricultural planning systems.
He noted that declining soil fertility, erosion and climate stress have reduced agricultural productivity in several regions, posing risks to food security and rural livelihoods.
The minister warned that continued soil degradation could undermine national efforts to achieve climate adaptation and agricultural transformation targets.
According to the ministry, the assessment will also support the development of a national soil information system and improve guidance for fertilizer use and land management practices. Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
It added that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to scale climate-smart agriculture and strengthen resilience in food production systems across Nigeria.
The ministry further stated that collaboration with development partners and state governments will be essential for effective implementation and long-term impact.
The launch reflects increasing integration of soil health into Nigeria’s climate and agricultural policy framework, a development closely tracked in environmental reporting by NatureNews Africa.
