The federal government has described organic agriculture and agroecology as essential tools for strengthening climate resilience, restoring soil health, improving food security and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this in Umuahia, Abia State, while declaring open the 2026 Technical Workshop, Organic Fair and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria.
He was represented at the event by the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Prof. Atanda Lawal.
Abdullahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting organic agriculture, highlighting key initiatives such as the National Agroecology Strategy and the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme.
He also called for increased youth participation, innovation and investment to expand the sector and enhance its contribution to national development.
Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, also restated his administration’s commitment to climate-smart agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clifford Agbaeze, Otti said the state government had introduced several agricultural programmes aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Speakers at the event, including the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, and the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, described the workshop as timely.
They called for stronger collaboration between government, research institutions and development partners to scale up agroecological practices across the country.
President of the association, Prof. Jude Obi, said the event marked a significant milestone for organic agriculture in Nigeria, noting plans to develop a national organic agriculture policy in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
He also announced initiatives such as a digital marketplace to support organic producers and highlighted support from international partners including the African Union Commission and Biovision Africa Trust.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule, commended stakeholders for the success of the event and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to practical agricultural development.
