The federal government has described organic agriculture and agroecology as critical tools for climate resilience, soil restoration, food security, and sustainable economic growth in the country.
The minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this at the opening of the 2026 Technical Workshop, Organic Fair and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria in Umuahia, Abia State capital.
Represented by the executive director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Prof. Atanda Lawal, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing organic agriculture in the country.
He highlighted key government initiatives, including the National Agroecology Strategy and the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme and called for greater youth participation, innovation and investment in the sector.
Also, the state governor, Dr Alex Otti, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable agriculture through climate-smart farming, farmer support programmes and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Clifford Agbaeze, he said the administration had embarked on several agricultural programmes to boost the state’s economy.
In their separate speeches, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, and the vice chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, said the workshop was timely
They also advocated stronger relationships, ties, collaboration, research, and institutional support to scale agroecological practices nationwide.
In his welcome address, the association’s president, Prof. Jude Obi, described the gathering as a landmark moment for organic agriculture in the country and its economy.
He announced the inauguration of a Technical Drafting Committee for the Nigeria Organic Agriculture Policy and plans for a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to drive implementation.
The president acknowledged the support of international partners, including the African Union Commission, Biovision Africa Trust, and IFOAM Organics International, for the association.
Unveiling initiatives aimed at empowering youths and women by the association, which include a Digital Marketplace for organic producers, he thanked the local organising committee (LOC) of the workshop for a job well done.
In her address, the chairman of the LOC, Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule, commended government agencies, development partners, researchers and participants for the success of the three-day event.
