The Federal Government has formally ratified and adopted a road map for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) by approving the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP).
National grid lines
The policy, which had been ready since December 2024 and submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was ratified on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The policy is a comprehensive framework designed to transform Nigeria’s electricity sector in alignment with national development objectives and international best practices as mandated by Section 3(3) of the revised Electricity Act 2023.
According to a statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, quoting the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the policy implementation has already started and will now gain momentum with the President’s approval, while the impact would soon be felt.
He added that the Electricity Act 2023 requires the Federal Government through the Ministry of Power to initiate the process for the preparation and publication in the Federal Government’s gazette, an integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan, within one year of the commencement of the Electricity Act.
The Minister said: “The road map Policy addresses critical challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector through comprehensive framework for sector transformation with clear guidelines for sustainable power generation, transmission distribution as well as integration of renewable energy sources, its promotion, energy efficiency and enhancement of sector governance.”
He described the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 as a pivotal moment for the electricity sector as it signals a transformative change which has laid the foundation for NESI, thus enabling exponential socio-economic growth.
“This National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP) is a comprehensive roadmap developed to guide all stakeholders – the Federal and State Governments, market participants, investors, and indeed all Nigerians, through this transition.”
Adelabu said the preparation of the policy represents the collective efforts of the Ministry in collaboration with a wide cross-section of stakeholders across the public and private sectors at national and State levels, civil society organisations, academic institutions, captains of industry, donor partners, development institutions, private sector participants and consumer advocacy groups, to address the complex challenges faced by NESI, from infrastructure deficits, inadequate capital to regulatory inefficiencies.
“The NIEP is a very significant evolution from the National Electric Power Policy of 2001, which has been long overdue for replacement. The Policy outlines various initiatives to aid the growth and development of State Electricity Markets (SEMs). It fosters a decentralised but collaborative approach to energy management and resource planning. This policy is a living document that will evolve with the industry’s needs and challenges. It underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to consumer protection and engagement.”
The Policy is structured across eight chapters which comprehensively address the historical perspective of the Nigeria Electricity Sector, focus on key features of the Electricity Act 2023, Nigeria’s electricity Policy objectives, electricity market design, value chain analysis, stakeholders roles and responsibilities, climate change and low carbon economy initiatives, gender equality and social inclusion, local content development including research and development, commercial, legal and regulatory frameworks.
The House of Representatives Committee on Works has expressed satisfaction with the Shoreline Protection project implementation at Marina in Lagos State.
Shoreline protection
The committee described the project as a crucial intervention.
The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Akin Alabi, gave the project a “pass mark” during an inspection on Monday, May 5, 2025.
He noted the importance of the project in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Alabi specifically highlighted that the completed work would protect the vital Blue Rail line and the Outer Marina Road.
He urged the contractor to ensure the project would be completed swiftly.
“As you have heard, the last time this was done was over 40 years ago since it was put there.
“Because of lack of maintenance culture, there has not been subsequent maintenance, and we have got to this point where there has to be an intervention, else we are going to lose a lot of assets on this road,” Alabi said.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for prioritising the project.
He also acknowledged the diligent work of the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha.
On her part, Kesha explained that the Shoreline Protection project wa 30 per cent completed and was designed to secure the road and the Blue Rail Line for at least the next 25 years.
She said: “As of the moment, the percentage of permanent work that has been completed is about 30 per cent; so, it has about 70 per cent more to go, and then it still has time on its side.”
She emphasised the high quality of work being done, explaining the reinforcement strategy involving the existing and new concrete sheet piles to enhance the shoreline’s resilience.
“The quality of work here is top-notch. There is no compromise here.
“You can see that the existing sheet piles gave way. That was why we need to do another one and we are not doing away with the old one, which are the metal ones that we saw.
“We are doing another concrete behind it, and then we are connecting the two so that there is more rigidity, more connection between the old and the new. Then, this shoreline can be protected,” she said.
Kesha emphasised the long-term benefits of the project, saying that non-protection of the Outer Marina Road would make erosion to catch up with it the next five to 10 years.
“With what we are doing here now, the lifespan of this road has increased by more than 25 years; so, in the next 25 years, and the investment of Lagos State as part of the Blue Rail Line – we will protect it. That is the whole essence of this.”
After inspecting the shoreline protection, the House Committee on Works inspected the security infrastructure installed under the Third Mainland Bridge.
The 24-hour surveillance facility covers the stretch from Oworonshoki to Falomo Bridge.
Alabi lauded the contractor and the Federal Ministry of Works for the initiative, describing it as a strategic move to significantly reduce crime in the area.
He affirmed that the project demonstrated the responsible use of funds appropriated by the parliament.
“This is what we like to see. When parliament appropriates money, we want to see the results of the money we appropriated so that when you come back for more, we won’t have a reason to deny you,” Alabi said.
He conveyed the support of the Speaker of the House, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen.
“I am here speaking with the mandate of the Speaker, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, to ascertain the level of work here, and I have zero complaint.”
Alabi urged speedy completion of the remaining aspects of the security infrastructure, noting its potential impact on curbing criminal activities.
“That little part remaining, please do it as soon as possible.
“The bandits, the thieves, the terrible people – the bad people, they know that that part has not been done; so, they might want to concentrate their theft and illegal activities on that side.
“The earlier we complete it, the better. This is definitely going to reduce crime by a large percentage,” he said.
Responding, Kesha reiterated that the security infrastructure was an integral part of the ongoing upgrade of the Third Mainland Bridge, which was nearing completion.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, secured a second term after the Labour party won the federal elections on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
Pacific youth across Australia are reportedly heartened by the result after weeks of voter awareness campaigns for Pacific communities but will continue to hold the Albanese government accountable to their promises.
For instance, Jacynta Fa’amau, 350.org Pacific Campaigner, is of the view that Pacific communities voted on issues that matter to them, issues that align with their values.
“Young Pacific Islanders living in Australia know that the cost-of-living crisis is connected to the climate crisis and we deserve to have a future free of both,” Fa’amau stated, adding that the result is an indication that Australia isn’t falling prey to the divisive politics of the far right, “but there is still work to be done. Labour has made climate promises in the past and we intend to hold them accountable to these”.
According to Fa’amau, the returned Albanese government will aim for clean energy to provide more than 80% of power by 2030.
“While this election means Australia voted for renewable energy over dangerous nuclear tactics, we will continue to push the new government to take real action to phase out fossil fuel production. This starts by ending the approval of new coal and gas projects.
“This country remains one of the world’s largest exporters of coal and gas, and this is Australia’s biggest contribution to the devastation of our island homes. The plans for renewable energy are encouraging, but Australian climate policy will still be grossly inadequate without phasing out fossil fuel production,” added Fa’amau.
Hand hygiene is said to be one of the most effective, affordable and universal tools available to prevent the transmission of infections and provide high-quality, clean and safe medical care.
Medical gloves
While medical gloves serve a vital role in preventing transmission of infection, for example when there is risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, they are not a substitute for cleaning hands at the right time.
On the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) urges governments, health-care facilities, and frontline workers around the world to reinforce hand hygiene practices – a proven, cost-effective intervention to protect both patients and health-care workers.
“Medical gloves can reduce the risk of infection, but they are never a replacement for hand hygiene,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course. “On this World Hand Hygiene Day, let us double down on our commitment and action to improve hand hygiene in health care settings to ensure the safety of patients and health-care workers.”
Improper glove use not only undermines infection prevention and control practices but also adds significantly to health-care waste. Much of this waste can be avoided by maintaining hand hygiene and using gloves only when necessary.
Gloves are protective but not foolproof or without problems
Gloves can become contaminated just like hands and are often misused, such as being worn indefinitely while health workers switch between patients or when they are performing multiple procedures for the same patient. Additionally, overuse of gloves contributes to environmental degradation.
An average university hospital in a developed country generates 1634 tons of health-care waste each year, which is equivalent to over 360 African elephants. Much of the waste could have been avoided if gloves were used properly and good hand hygiene was practiced. Most used gloves are considered infectious and require high-temperature incineration or specialized treatment, adding strain to already burdened waste management systems.
Action needed now
WHO urges national policymakers and THE health community TO take the following actions to improve the rational use of gloves and hand hygiene in healthcare settings:
Train health workers on the appropriate use of gloves and the WHO guidance called the 5 moments for hand hygiene;
Focus on reducing unnecessary glove use to minimize health care waste; provide the necessary resources to enable hand hygiene to be practiced at the point of care; and
Prevent glove misuse by keeping enough good-quality gloves accessible.
Young environmental leaders from across Kenya have issued a declaration reaffirming their central role in the country’s green transition and forest conservation agenda. The declaration was made during of a three-day AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) National Youth Workshop held in Kitui County under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.”
Kenyan youth
Conducted by the African Forest Forum in collaboration with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the workshop is part of the continental build-up to COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil, where African youth will present their unified voice and policy recommendations on forestry, climate action, and sustainable development.
It provided a space for youth to co-develop practical solutions, enhance their skills in conservation and eco-preneurship, and advocacy in national and international forestry discourse.
The youth declaration outlines the challenges facing forest ecosystems in Kenya, ranging from climate change, limited inclusion of youth in policy-making, deforestation, to lack of access to funding and technical training. Despite these obstacles, young participants reaffirmed their readiness to lead through green innovation, community-based conservation, and forest-based entrepreneurship.
Their proposed solutions include tree nursery enterprises, digital storytelling for forest advocacy, carbon credit initiatives, climate-smart agroforestry, as well as timber and non-timber forest product enterprises and ecotourism.
“Young people are not just future leaders – they are today’s drivers of sustainability and innovation; we are ready to take charge in ensuring that our forests thrive while creating inclusive economic opportunities that benefit our communities and the planet,” the declaration states in part.
The AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative represents a dynamic intersection between Africa’s verdant forests and its vibrant youth population that is four times larger than Europe’s and as ripe with potential. By fusing traditional wisdom with science and digital tools, AY4F empowers youth aged 18–30 to transform environmental aspirations into practical actions that protect biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and generate green livelihoods.
The national workshop was aimed at translating scientific and indigenous knowledge into youth-led action, equipping youth with tools for sustainable forest management and conservation, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the green economy, and strengthening youth advocacy for policy influence and decision-making.
Despite being among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Africa’s youth are uniquely positioned to lead the green transition. Their digital proficiency, innovation, and grassroots knowledge and networks provides them the advantage to implement nature-based solutions at both local and global levels. Yet, their voices are often underrepresented in sustainability debates and policy forums.
“Our forests are not just natural resources; they’re our inheritance. And it’s our duty as youth to protect and restore them with both urgency and creativity,” said Esther Maina, one of the participants who is also the National Coordinator, Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network, a youth-led membership organization that galvanizes youth action to respond to pressing environmental challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution.
“Through the AfricanYouth4Forests project, we are connecting science and traditional knowledge with action, helping young people understand their role in forest governance and climate action. By integrating these, we create a holistic foundation for decision-making, innovation, and stewardship. This fusion empowers the youth to take informed action, preserve ecosystems, and design adaptive solutions that are both contextually relevant and scientifically sound, ensuring forests remain a source of livelihood, identity, and ecological balance for generations to come,” said Dr. Mutta, representing the AFF Executive Secretary-CEO, Prof. Labode Popoola.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) Prof. Anders Roos and co-facilitator said that the AY4F initiative is more than a training – it’s a launchpad for youth-driven transformation. He added: “Through scientific understanding and creative problem-solving, African youth are being equipped to design forest solutions rooted in both innovation and local realities.”
The declaration issued strong calls to action: urging the Kenyan government to integrate youth in forestry governance, expand youth-focused green financing and training programs, and embed sustainable forest education across the curriculum particularly in tertiary education. The private sector, NGOs and development partners were urged to support youth with mentorship, technical support, storytelling platforms, and resources for enterprise incubation.
Speaking at the opening session, KEFRI Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jane Njuguna, said that forests are at the heart of Kenya’s environmental resilience and socio-economic future, noting that empowering young people to become stewards of our forests is no longer optional but an urgent necessity.
“This workshop ensures that the next generation not only understands our forests but also actively shapes how they are governed, restored, and sustained,” stated Dr. Njuguna.
Urging the youth to harness forest resources as a source of employment and economic contribution, AFF Consultant, Dr. Joshua Cheboiwo, noted that forests are more than just natural treasures but also powerful engines for job creation and economic growth.
“We encourage youth to harness the vast opportunities within forestry, from sustainable timber and non-timber products to ecotourism, beekeeping, and green innovation. With creativity and commitment, young people can turn forest resources into thriving enterprises that support livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations,” Cheboiwo said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has described renewable energy as the cornerstone for global development policy.
Dignitaries at the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy, in Lagos
Tajudeen disclosed this while declaring opening the First Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Lagos.
The event was organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme under the Parliamentary Development Programme.
The speaker described the conference as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s legislative journey.
“It affirms our resolve to contribute meaningfully to global energy reform and to create opportunities for economic growth, industrial innovation, and environmental resilience,” Tajudeen said.
He highlighted key legislative strides by the 10th House of Representatives to include: the creation of a Standing Committee on Renewable Energy to guide national priorities and the recent tax reform bills eliminating Value Added Tax on renewable energy and compressed natural gas, among others.
He noted that Strategic Objective 8.5 of the House Legislative Agenda prioritises the transition to clean energy through private investment incentives, public health reforms in cooking energy, and emissions reduction.
Referencing global trends, the Speaker observed that, in 2024 alone, 585 gigawatts of renewable energy were added globally – accounting for over 92 per cent of new power capacity – with $1.7 trillion invested in clean energy technologies in 2023.
“What was once considered a fringe alternative is now the backbone of global power development.
“Nigeria must align with this trend to safeguard our economy and environment,” Tajudeen said.
The Speaker commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for passing the Electricity Act of 2023, which devolved power generation authority to sub-national entities, and for approving $1 billion in financing for rural solar expansion.
“Of this amount, $750 million has been allocated to expand solar energy access in underserved areas.
“As a result, this initiative has led to the deployment of 124 mini-grids and over 25,000 solar home systems, benefiting more than 200,000 people.
The Speaker also spotlighted Nigeria’s role in continental efforts such as the Mission 300 Initiative with the World Bank and African Development Bank, which seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
He called on all stakeholders – government, private sector, civil society – to act with purpose and clarity, stressing the importance of converting conference resolutions into actionable legislation, scalable technologies, and impactful investment.
“Let us not allow the momentum we have built to dissipate.
“This is our moment to lead, innovate, and build a sustainable energy future for Africa,” Tajudeen said.
The conference is a multi-stakeholder platform initiated by the House Committee on Renewable Energy.
It aims to foster dialogue, legislation, and partnerships to drive Nigeria’s transition to clean and inclusive energy systems.
The conference was attended by representatives of state governors and commissioners for environment from some states of the federation, among others.
The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise credible valuation of national assets to attract investments.
NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge
The NIESV President and Chairman of Council, Victor Alonge, made the call on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Abuja at a news conference on the 2025 International Valuation Day.
Alonge emphasised the importance of asset valuation in economic decision-making and financial stability, citing its role in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s resources for sustainable development.
According to him, credible valuation of national assets is crucial for effective national planning, financial reporting, and attracting local and foreign investments.
“Asset valuations that comply with the approved global standards foster investor confidence and significantly contribute to financial stability, both of which are essential for economic development.
“Valuations are necessary for assessing the values of tangible assets, businesses, intangible assets, and financial instruments,’’ he said
According to the NIESV President, credible valuation of national assets is also important for the success of the proposed tax reforms by the federal government.
He said that before imputing tax on an asset, there is the need to determine its true worth, its value, which must be firm and reliable.
“The value of the asset would indicate the percentage of tax you place on it.
“That makes the theme for 2025 International Valuation Day `Tax Reform for National Economic Prosperity: Why Valuation Matter’, critical and appropriate,’’ he said.
Alonge noted that the NIESV is a critical partner to government in the proposed tax reform regime.
He added that without the role and influence of NIESV within the Nigerian context, it would be very difficult for the nation to advance in economic development.
According to him, Estate Surveyors and Valuers are the only professionals trained and equipped with the analytical skill of determining the current or projected worth of an asset.
“It is therefore absolutely wrong, and illegal to give valuation jobs to non-estate surveying and valuation firms,’’ he said.
Alonge equally underscored the need to formulate and strengthen a national housing policy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, rents, price of building materials among others.
Africa’s carbon markets, both for voluntary and compliance carbon credits, are expected to see rapid expansion in 2025 and succeeding years underpinned by the continent’s extensive natural resources and ecosystem. Equally important for African carbon markets is the demand for social integrity in carbon projects.
Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network
As the carbon market expands, there is increasing scrutiny of the social and ecological impacts of offset projects. Africa is in a unique position to lead the way in ensuring that carbon market growth aligns with the principles of climate justice.
Africa is poised to become a global leader in Carbon Markets with projected annual growth of 15% – 20% and 30 million jobs by 2030, with revenue expected to surge to $120 billion by 2050.
These are amongst the key findings of a new report, 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook, published on Monday, May 5, 2025, by the Africa Carbon Market Network. The formal launch of the Report will take place on Wednesday, May 14.
“African countries are taking ambitious steps to establish robust frameworks for carbon markets. The strengthening of policy frameworks with the introduction of carbon taxation, integrated emissions trading systems, and setting up of national registries are all significant drivers,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq, lead author end Editor of the Carbon Free Africa Network.
The report highlights that countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana are leading the way in aligning their policies with global carbon pricing mechanisms. The private sector’s interest in Africa’s carbon markets is an undeniable trend for 2025.
International companies, climate finance institutions, and development banks are heavily investing in Africa’s carbon offset projects. Key sectors such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture and forest conservation are poised to attract substantial investments.
“We mustn’t underestimate the challenges,” said Dr Okeh Austine Sadiq. “There is a pressing need for greater liquidity as smaller carbon projects often struggle to gain traction due to financing constraints. Many African nations also face technical barriers such as lack of infrastructure and expertise in carbon project development. The challenge is to ensure the democratisation of Africa’s carbon markets as regional integration deepens.
“We must provide the enabling conditions where smaller scale projects, especially those led by local communities, and small-holder farmers can have greater access to funding and resources. With the right investments, governance frameworks, and technological innovations, Africa is well positioned to become a global leader in carbon off-setting driving both climate mitigation and sustainable development.”
Farmers in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states have expressed concern over the dearth of unskilled labour and high prices of farm inputs as preparation for the rainy season farming is ongoing.
Rural farmers
The farmers in separate interviews lamented that increase in farm inputs and high cost of labour were taking a toll on their farming activities and finances.
Some farmers in Ondo State described the shortage of unskilled workers as “a big challenge” facing farmers and food production.
Mr. Dayo Akindele, a farmer, said that the lack of unskilled labour posed a great challenge to the new farming season as most of the labourers were no longer available for farming.
“We are facing serious challenges as a new farming season approaches, I have a large farm which I cannot do myself, but most of the labourers we use are no longer in sight.
“Some of these labourers have taken to commercial motorcycle as their latest business and are no longer interested in farming.
“If necessary solutions are not realised, the challenge may cause food shortage in the nearest season,” Akindele said.
Another farmer, Mr. Stephen Akintelure, disclosed that he had a large farm, and expressed the fear of farming in the new planting season due to the challenge of labourers during the last planting season.
“Before I could get labourers last year, I had to pay more money before I got some labourers transported from Benue.
“Most of the people we used then have become commercial motorcyclists and when you call them, they will say they’re no longer doing such dirty farming again,” Akintelure said.
Similarly, Mr. Adewale Malumi, another farmer, said that the dearth of unskilled workers “speaks of low volume of farm produce and hunger if the issue is treated with levity.”
He urged the government to rise up by providing tractors, and other planting and harvesting machines across all 18 LGA’s in the state which farmers can hire for farming.
“The government must rise up to their responsibilities to ensure that tractors and other planting machines are deployed to all the 18 LGA’s for farmers’ hiring to ensure bountiful harvest of farm produce,” Malumi said.
A female farmer, Mrs. Esther Oluwafemi, said that those willing to work in the farms were difficult to recruit, because they were not available.
“The able men to do the jobs are not available. We’re paying more to hire labourers to work in the farms.
“As a matter of fact, there’s no willing labourers to work in the farms nowadays. Those that are available charge exorbitant rates,” lamented Oluwafemi, who engages in commercial cassava farming in Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
The President of Ondo State Farmers Congress, Mr. Abayomi Monilari, attributed the challenges facing farmers in the state to non-availability of farm tools, adulterated chemicals and insecurity.
Monilari advised government at all levels to give soft loans to farmers, especially those engaging in commercial farming, towards boosting food production and ensure food security.
The AFAN president said that if government could provide enough tractors for farmers, the work would be more efficient and effective.
An agronomist, Dr Clement Emiju, said the threat from cattle herders, bandits, and other criminal elements were disrupting farming activities, leading to drastic food shortage.
Emiju asked farmers to collaborate with local authorities and security agencies to enhance farm security, stating that there should be community-led security initiatives to curb insecurity.
The agronomist said that Nigeria had no reason to be insufficient in food needs, stating that insufficient funds to get inputs had been another factor limiting farmers’ ability to produce in large quantities.
He called on farmers to explore government subsidies, grants, or loans, adding that farmers should consider cooperative savings or micro finance options in getting the needed inputs for large scale quantities.
According to him, high cost of inputs and scarcity of labour are factors discouraging farmers which will have negative effects on food production.
Emiju asked farmers to seek bulk purchasing options or discounts, saying that they should explore alternative, cost-effective inputs.
He urged framers to organise community labour-sharing initiatives and invest in mechanisation.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA), Chief Abiodun Adejo, said that lack of equipment, improved planting inputs, insecurity and lack of rural road maintenance would affect farmers in the rainy season farming.
“The farmers have little or no powers on any of the above stated issues. We solicit the powers of the government to assist the farmers in these areas. No farmer can buy a tractor and maintain it for farming purposes that will break even.
“Access to smaller, manageable equipment should be made available at subsidised rate for farmers,” he stated.
According to him, beyond shortage of labourers, the issue of security cannot be over emphasised, and maintenance of the rural roads is a major part of security.
“Without good and motor able roads, movement of security personnel will be hampered.
“The farmers have already moved into their farms but for us to have adequate food supply for the state, every hand must be on the plough, both government and the people,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Ganiyu Musefiu, Osun State Vice-Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), noted that maize, cassava, potatoes, vegetables and others were already being planted by farmers in the state.
According to him, full farming operation has started in Osun while farmers expect a good harvest as the state government is supporting farmers, especially female farmers, with seedlings.
Musefiu disclosed that the state government had also made tractors available to farmers at a subsidised rate, noting that the major challenge farmers were facing in the state was the inability to access loans for farming.
“If we don’t have money or access to funds, we cannot expand our operations or increase our yields. Not having money to operate limits our production and the ability to maximise our turnover,” he said.
According to him, farmers now have hope and assurance that whatever they plant and harvest will be sold at a good profit, as demand is now greater than production.
Also, Abimbola Oluwaranti, a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Department of Crop Production and Protection, Obafemi Awolowi University (OAU), Ile-Ife, called on the government to assist farmers with sufficient funds.
Oluwaranti said that access to funds, quality seeds, and availability of manpower would boost production and minimise importation of food.
According to her, most of the small scale farmers are facing the constraints of access to funds, modern equipment and lack of manpower.
“For farmers to be able to produce sufficient food for the masses, funds, modern farming equipment and manpower must be readily available.
“I am a plant breeder, I develop variety types of crops, but farmers without sufficient funds to buy the right, quality seeds will not be able to produce quantitatively.
“So, when the farmers plant such seeds, it will not yield quality farm produce. But if you have money, any technology you know that will boost your agricultural produce, you want to invest your money into it,” she said.
Oluwaranti urged governments to be more proactive and be part of farmers’ life by giving them enabling environment for quality farm produce.
An Agriculturist in Ekiti State, Mr. James Abioye, said that excessive rainfall would always lead to flooded farmlands and root rot that causes erosion of topsoil and loss of nutrients.
According to him, poor road infrastructure, where rural roads become impassable, thereby hindering transportation of farm produce, are also part of the challenges.
He said the effects of pests, disease outbreaks, and wet conditions also encouraged the spread of fungal infections and pests on crops during rainy season.
“Post harvest losses, difficulty in drying and storing produce due to high humidity and lack of storage facilities also affect farmers during the season.
“Farmers also face soil erosion where heavy rainfall washes away topsoil and reduce land fertility, as well as health hazards which increased risk of water borne disease among famers and communities.
“Unless the government and farmers work together, it may be difficult to achieve the desired results,” he stated.
In the same vein, an agricultural expert, Mr. Sunday Bamigboye, encouraged farmers on flood control measures.
According to him, construction of drainage systems and embankments, use of raised bed farming and contour plowing are solutions to farmers’ challenges of flooding during rainy season farming.
“Government should help farmers to improve rural infrastructure, invest in rural road development and maintenance, and use of temporary storage and transport solutions during peak rains.
“They should organise pest and disease management schemes to promote the use of disease resistant crop varieties, and train farmers in integrated pest management techniques.
“Famers should engage in post harvest technologies that provide solar dryers and hermetic storage solutions, and set up community storage centres with weather protection.
“Farmers should have access to weather forecasting services, which expand access to mobile weather alert services in local languages and collaborate with media and agricultural extension services.
“They should be trained in soil conservation techniques that promote agroforestry, mulching and cover cropping, and also be supported in training on conservation agriculture practices by governments,” he said.
Bamigboye also urged government to provide health and sanitation support which improved access to clean water and mobile health clinics in farming communities.
Mr. Oluropo Dada, a former chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ido-Ekiti Chapter, appealed to all levels of government to empower farmers with adequate funds, tractors and other high-profile farm implements to boost production.
He commended Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for giving priority to the development of agriculture and welfare of farmers in all the local government areas of the state.
According to him, the era of herdsmen invading and destroying farms are over with the establishment of anti-grazing enforcement agency in Ekiti.
Similarly, the chairman of Farmers Community Association in Ikole-Ekiti, Mr. Olatunji Ayegbusi, appealed to the government for empowerment with soft loans to enhance their productivity during the rainy season.
He said the farmers needed urgent government interventions to survive the current economic challenges facing the state, and Nigeria as a whole.
Ayegbusi urged the state government to partner with foreign investors and private companies to empower farmers with loans and fertilisers to improve agricultural produce in the state.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and UNICCON Group of Companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on advancing Nigeria’s space technology and innovation landscape.
NASRDA and UNICCON officials at the signing of the MoU
The signing of the MoU held at the UNICCON Group’s headquarters on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Abuja.
The engagement focused on collaborative opportunities in research and development, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, technical advancements, and specialised training programmes.
Both organisations expressed a strong commitment to leveraging their combined expertise to propel Nigeria’s position in the global space arena.
The Director General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju, reteirated the agency’s dedication to fostering private-sector collaborations that drove innovation and national development.
”Our vision is to establish a thriving, sustainable space ecosystem in Nigeria, driven by active private-sector participation.
“Partnerships like this are crucial for accelerating innovation and ensuring that space technology contributes tangibly to our national economy and the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
In his response, the Chairman, UNICCON Group, Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the company’s readiness to contribute its technological expertise.
Ekwueme said that the organisation was committed to supporting NASRDA’s mission by bringing advanced technological solutions to the table.
“Together we aim to achieve significant milestones that will benefit Nigeria’s space sector and beyond,” he said.
Both organisations expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to yield groundbreaking outcomes, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a key player in space technology and innovation.
