Farmers Groups Pass Vote of Confidence on NADF Leadership for Agricultural Impact
In a significant show of support, farmers organizations across Nigeria have unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the management of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). This endorsement comes from the Coalition of Farmers Associations of Nigeria (COFAN), All African Youth Forum, Himma Youth Farmers Association, and Women Farmers and Youth Cooperative, who jointly praised the Fund's contributions to the agricultural sector.
Comprehensive Assessment Leads to Endorsement
The farmers' groups issued a joint statement signed by COFAN President Dr. Abubakar Musa, HYFA President Ahmed Yusuf, and representative of the women farmers, Amb Aisha Musa. They stated that this vote of confidence followed a thorough evaluation of NADF's interventions under the stewardship of Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim. The assessment highlighted how NADF has significantly strengthened food security, empowered farmers, enhanced agro-processing capacity, and modernized agricultural systems nationwide.
Notably, the Fund has emerged as a critical driver of agricultural development, aligning strongly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. This alignment underscores NADF's role in advancing national priorities and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
Key Achievements Highlighted by Farmers
The farmers' groups detailed several landmark initiatives by NADF that have contributed to this positive assessment:
- Free Agricultural Input Distribution to Ginger Farmers in Kaduna State (2025): This program provided support to farmers affected by the ginger blight epidemic, helping to revive production and sustain livelihoods.
- Free Input Support to Farmers in Niger State: Distribution of essential farm inputs to boost productivity and improve crop yields.
- AgGROW 1.0 Programme: Offered up to 75 percent subsidy support to agro-processors nationwide, strengthening value addition and commercialization.
- Strategic Agricultural Grant and Financing Support: Disbursed over ₦19.5 billion to approximately 50,000 smallholder farmers, enhancing resilience and productivity.
- NADF–Niger State Agricultural Financing Partnership: A N5 billion co-financing initiative supporting large-scale rice and maize production, expanding rural employment.
- National Agricultural Mechanization Programme: Aimed at deploying 10,000 tractors nationwide to modernize farming practices and boost efficiency.
- Agricultural Research and Institutional Revitalization Programme: Investment in 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture to enhance innovation and research capacity.
- Climate-Smart and Digital Agriculture Initiatives: Strategic collaborations introducing technologies such as drones, IoT, and blockchain to improve agricultural productivity and monitoring systems.
Additionally, the groups noted targeted programs that increase inclusion, access to finance, and participation of youth and women in agriculture, along with a planned National Fertilizer Distribution Programme aimed at supporting smallholder farmers across 26 states during critical planting seasons.
Restored Confidence and Future Appeals
The farmers emphasized that these initiatives have restored confidence in agricultural financing and institutional support, while creating sustainable opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across Nigeria. They expressed full confidence in Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim, stating that his leadership has been instrumental in advancing national food security, strengthening rural livelihoods, and positioning Nigeria's agriculture for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
In their appeal, the groups called for continued support for NADF's programs to ensure that the gains recorded are sustained and expanded. This ongoing backing is seen as crucial for maintaining momentum and achieving long-term agricultural development goals.
