By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged stakeholders in the South-South geopolitical zone to actively engage in the ongoing revision of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation ahead of the policy’s implementation phase.
This call was made during the South-South Consultation on the Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture and the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan of Action, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
National Consultant for the policy, Barrister Nkiruka Okonkwo, emphasized the importance of regional involvement during the drafting phase to ensure effective implementation later.
She noted that by being the first zone consulted, the South-South is already demonstrating leadership, and should continue this momentum when the policy is rolled out.
“We want stakeholders in the South-South to take ownership of this process now, so that when implementation begins, they will be at the forefront of delivering results,” she said.
Okonkwo expressed optimism about the region’s agricultural potential, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, where diverse agricultural value chains are already present.
She highlighted that the integration of agricultural technology (agric-tech) will serve as a catalyst to attract more youth into the sector, shifting the region’s focus beyond its traditional oil-based economy.
She also stressed the role of agricultural insurance in protecting farmers, especially those in flood-prone areas, from losses due to climate-related risks and insecurity.
With insurance and technology, she said, farming will become more secure and attractive, enabling more consistent production and reducing rural vulnerabilities.
Earlier, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hajiya Kachallah Damaturu, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing women’s empowerment in agriculture.
She recalled the president’s October 15, 2024, remarks at a Ministry of Women Affairs event, where he emphasized the need to ensure women have better access to training, land, and financial services in the agricultural sector.
Damaturu noted that the South-South consultation builds upon the momentum generated by the policy’s maiden review held in Abuja on January 24, 2025.
She said the current exercise aims to shape a strategic framework that will guide gender-responsive agricultural policies and interventions from 2025 to 2030.
The Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture seeks to create a more inclusive sector where both men and women have equitable opportunities to participate, benefit, and lead in agricultural development.
The federal government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that voices from all regions are reflected in the final document and strategic implementation plan.
