The National Farmers Coalition, alongside grassroots agricultural groups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, has formally passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the President of the coalition Dr. Abubakar Bamai praised Mr. Ibrahim’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector, citing key achievements under his tenure that have enhanced food security, rural development, and farmer empowerment nationwide.
Highlighted NADF Achievements:
• Strategic Grant Programs: Over ₦19.5bn disbursed to 50,000 smallholder farmers through the AgGrow Support Programme, with subsidies on inputs and comprehensive crop insurance and training.
• Innovative Partnerships: MoUs with key stakeholders including Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator, NOVA Bank, and Flour Mills of Nigeria to boost maize and cassava production.
• Digital Oversight & Reform: Launch of data-driven monitoring platforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and result-based governance.
• Mechanization & Climate Resilience: Affordable access to smart farming tools, solar irrigation, and weather alert systems to build climate-smart capacity.
• Value Chain Development: Investment in processing centers and rural infrastructure for rice, maize, sorghum, sesame, and cassava.
• Youth & Women Inclusion: Initiatives such as the Youth Agribusiness Support Scheme (YASS) and the Women in Agrifinance Initiative have given thousands of young Nigerians an opportunity to see agriculture as a profitable and dignified means of livelihood.
Farmers Speak Out:
The coalition lauded Mr. Ibrahim for restoring trust between farmers and government institutions, citing his grassroots engagement and results-driven approach as a “new benchmark for agricultural leadership.”
Call to Action:
The group urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to:
• Increase NADF’s budgetary allocation.
• Institutionalize successful programs developed under his leadership.
• Protect and reinforce visionary leadership within agricultural governance.
READ ALSO:Tomato Farmers Blame Price Hike on Supply Shortfall, Logistics
A Voice for the Future:
The coalition reaffirmed their commitment to supporting NADF’s initiatives and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further strengthen the Fund’s mandate.
“Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim has proven to be a friend of the farmer, a driver of rural prosperity, and a true reformer in agricultural finance.”
Hon. Buhari Hussaini (Bulkachuwa).
PA. to Special Assistant on Agriculture to President Tinubu was also in attendance amongst other prominent Nigerians.