Business

Insurgents, Drought, Pests Destroy Farms In Borno

Published

7 years ago

February 5, 2018

Boko Haram militants, drought and pests have combined to wreak havoc on farmlands in Borno State, leading to low output and huge losses to the farmers.
About 1, 800 hectares of rice for instance wilted due to drought in some parts of the state, according to the farmers.
The Tide source reports that some of the rice farms were also affected by pest infestation.
A cross section of the farmers who spoke to newsmen at the Biriri and Koshebe rice plantations, said that the destruction, by the combined forces, dashed their hope of bumper harvest.
Hajja Amina Isa, a rice grower, blamed the pests and drought for her woeful cropping season.
Isa said that she planted her crops several weeks into the rainy season, adding that the rain stopped before the plants matured.
“There were delays in the distribution of farm inputs to enable us cultivate our land on time.
“Few weeks after planting the fields; the rain stopped. We complained, water pumps and tube wells were provided to enable us save the plants through irrigation. Nonetheless the plants wilted.
“Ravaging quelea birds further destroyed what remained of the plantations”.
Another farmer, Malam Bashir Gwoni-Ali, alleged that about 400 hectares of rice was destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents at various plantations in Mafa local government area of the state.
Gwoni-Ali said that the insurgents burnt and destroyed the produce at their farms.
He listed the affected farmlands to include Koshebe, Kachemari, Juwano and Dinge.
“I and other farmers cultivated rice and recorded bumper harvest despite threats by the insurgents.
“Unfortunately the insurgents destroyed the produce and we are left with nothing,” Gwoni-Ali alleged.
Also commenting, Grema Musa, the Secretary of the Coordinating Team, Walwane Agricultural Supply Company, one of the Anchor Borrower clients, disclosed that the company registered about 13, 000 rice farmers in the state.
Grema disclosed that fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, knapsack sprayers, tube wells and water pumps were distributed to the farmers.
He added that funds were also disbursed to the farmers to facilitate farm labour activities such as tractor services, ploughs, harrowing and processing.
The secretary revealed that the company had so far mopped up 35, 000 tonnes of paddy rice from the benefiting farmers.
He said: “We took stock of 27, 000 tonnes of the commodities in Maiduguri and another 8, 000 tonnes in Biu.
“More than 1, 800 hectares of farmlands were destroyed due to drought and pest infestation”.
Grema listed the affected plantations as Juwano, Koshebe, Moloi, Auno, Jimtolo, Azia, Gongolon, Biriri and Masiya.
According to him, the company had filed a formal complaint to the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), to enable it assess the damage.
He called on farmers to repay their loans to enhance participation and ensure sustainability of the programme
According to our source, about 18, 000 registered farmers were supported under the Anchor Borrower scheme during the 2016/2017 raining season activity in the state.

Business

MWUN Backs Nigeria’s Bid For IMO’s Category C Seat

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.

It also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.

Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, President-General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.

“We now have peace on our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.

Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.

“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa”, he asserted.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.

“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space”, Bunu stated.

Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.

“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth”, he pledged.

As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.

“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce”, he said.

Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Food Security: FG To Review Nigerian Agric laws

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Government has taken steps to review Nigeria’s agricultural laws to promote the development and enhance food and nutrition security in the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this recently at the opening of the stakeholders’ workshop and input on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform in Abuja.

Abdullahi said these laws, which are the subjects of review or amendment, have been enacted for a very long time to provide the legal frameworks for the promotion and development of the agricultural sector.

“The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, as well as adaptation to changing weather patterns.

“This is in addition to the challenges of insecurity, climate change and high input costs which continued to affect agricultural inputs.

“In view of the above, it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate the key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector”, he said.

Noting government policies and initiatives are aimed to boost agricultural production to meet the food needs of the growing population, Abdullahi said efforts were being made to support small holder farmers through access to finance, training and technology.

He also said there was growing awareness of the need to address gender inequality in agriculture and empowering women to participate in decision-making and access resources.

The Minister further said the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act was a priority, as it was intended to feature among the President’s legacy achievements under his Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative.

According to him, “Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support and infrastructural development.

“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth and overall well-being of Nigerians”.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said a strong and robust legal framework was crucial for the agricultural sector.

Earlier, the Director, Legal Services in the ministry, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, underscored the urgent need to reform and reposition Nigeria’s legal framework to support a modern, vibrant, and resilient agricultural economy.

Garba said the event also represented a significant step towards strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation, adding, “Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security and sustainable development.

“The law plays a significant role in shaping the agricultural sector, and updating our laws will help us address emerging challenges and opportunities”.

Business

Okpebholo Charges Committee To End Herders, Farmers Clash In Edo … Inaugurates Boundary Committee

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

The Tide

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly established Livestock Control Committee to bring to an end the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.

He gave the charge while inaugurating the 27-member committee, headed by a retired army general, Cecil Esekhaigbe.

The Governor gave the committee a clear mandate, which include tackling the pressing issues of security and land disputes in the State.

“There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.

“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience on the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, he said.

In his remark, Chairman of the committee, General Esekhaigbe (rtd), outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference which include, “regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; and controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities.

“I know security is one of the pillars of your five-point agenda, and we all know that one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.

“We will do our best to make sure that our assignment, which has been given to us, is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers’ areas will not be mentioned in our dear state.”

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.

The committee is tasked with the responsibility of addressing persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within the State and those bordering neighbouring States.

“I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.

“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of the Edo people,” Okpebholo stated.

Responding, the Boundary Committee Chairman, Dennis Idahosa, assured that the committee will “ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities, and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”