Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Agriculture

  • Federal Government Unveils Farmer Moni Scheme to Boost National Food Security

    Federal Government Unveils Farmer Moni Scheme to Boost National Food Security

    Figures cited by The Nation show that the Federal Government has officially launched the “Farmer Moni” Dry/Wet Season Programme, alongside the Renewed Hope Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP 3.0). The initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s social investment strategy, aimed at providing direct financial support to 300,000 farmers across the country.

    Reporting by the same outlet highlights that the program is designed to bridge the funding gap for smallholder farmers, particularly in the face of rising input costs and climate-related challenges. The funds are expected to be utilized for the procurement of high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment to enhance agricultural productivity.

    The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which oversees the project, emphasized that the selection process was digitized to ensure transparency and eliminate middle-men. This move is seen as a vital step in mitigating the current food inflation crisis and ensuring a steady supply of staples in the domestic market.

    Tribune Online and Daily Post validated the launch, emphasizing the regional distribution of the funds. Tribune Online mentioned that “the program leads a global push for youth and women investment,” while Daily Post reported a government spokesperson saying, “our goal is to make farming a profitable business for the grassroots.”

    Echotitbits take: While the Farmer Moni scheme is a welcome relief, its success hinges on efficient disbursement and the security of the farmlands. Insecurity remains the biggest threat to agricultural output in Nigeria; without addressing the “mining marshals” and banditry issues, financial aid alone may not lower food prices.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/fg-launches-n300000-interest-free-loans-for-22000-farmers-opens-portal-across-774-lgas/, February 13, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • Health Experts Warn Against Growing Roadside Food Drying Culture

    Health Experts Warn Against Growing Roadside Food Drying Culture

    Daily Post reports that health professionals are warning against the practice of drying staple foods such as cassava, maize, and beans along major highways in Nigeria.

    Experts say roadside drying exposes food to contaminants including heavy metals from vehicle exhaust and dust-borne pathogens, with toxins settling directly on food as passing traffic raises dust clouds.

    Vanguard and The Guardian also echoed concerns, including links to gastrointestinal infections and broader food-safety risks tied to limited access to modern processing facilities.

    Echotitbits take: This is an infrastructure-and-public-health gap showing up in everyday food handling. Without affordable community dryers, solar kilns, and hygienic aggregation points, the practice will persist. A practical fix is local processing hubs near farming clusters, backed by microcredit and enforceable food-safety standards.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/30/dust-on-meal-tables-experts-reveal-hidden-dangers-of-nigerias-roadside-drying-culture/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Nigeria Moves to Terminate Rice Importation Windows to Protect Local Farmers

    Nigeria Moves to Terminate Rice Importation Windows to Protect Local Farmers

    Nigeria is moving to shut down rice import windows following a national policy review that reportedly found imports have created surplus supply, depressing prices and worsening losses for domestic farmers.

    Officials linked to the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit reportedly stated that maize and rice farmers recorded negative margins during the 2025 wet season, driven by high production costs and weak sale prices. The government’s new direction is expected to prioritize local production while introducing price protection mechanisms to safeguard farmer livelihoods and preserve national food security.

    Supporters argue the policy reset will stabilize rural incomes and reduce exposure to import shocks. Critics caution that if local output cannot meet demand, consumers—particularly in urban centers—could face renewed price pressures. Separate reporting has also referenced national food balance figures indicating a notable surplus in late 2025.

    Echotitbits take: This is a return to protectionist policies. While it helps farmers, the government must ensure that local supply is actually sufficient to prevent a price spike for consumers in urban areas.
    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigeria-to-shut-rice-import-windows-as-data-exposes-farmers-losses/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay