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The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing organic agriculture, ensuring food security and improving livelihoods in the country.
This was the major focus of discussions as key stakeholders converged on Umuahia, Abia State, for the 2026 Technical Workshop, Organic Fair and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN), from April 22 to 24. The summit had as its theme, “Harnessing organic agriculture and agroecology for climate resilience and sustainable food system.”
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, who declared the event open, underscored the critical role of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy, noting it contributes about 25 percent of gross domestic product and employs over 60 percent of the workforce.
The minister, represented by the executive director of National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Prof. Atanda Muhammed Lawal, called for the adoption of organic agriculture and agroecology to strengthen climate resilience, improve soil health, reduce chemical dependence and ensure sustainable food systems.
Abdullahi highlighted the ongoing government initiatives, including the 2025 National Agroecology Strategy and the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme, aimed at boosting productivity and sustainability.
He stressed the importance of youth engagement and digital innovation in transforming smallholder farming into viable enterprises, urging stronger policy collaboration and investment to position Nigeria as a regional leader in agroecology.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and food security. He outlined efforts to promote regenerative farming, soil restoration and climate-smart practices, alongside support for farmers through credit access, extension services, training and the development of a digital agricultural database.
The governor also highlighted initiatives in renewable energy, afforestation and circular economy practices to enhance resource efficiency and drive economic growth.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, emphasised the need for strengthened institutional support and capacity-building to scale sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
In her goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, described organic agriculture as a science-based solution to Nigeria’s food security and climate challenges.
She warned of increasing threats from climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity loss, stressing that agroecology is a national security imperative.
Akanwa called for stronger collaboration among the government, the academia, the private sector and farmers to drive innovation, research and value chain development.
Earlier, in his remarks, NOAN president, Prof. Jude C. Obi, described the gathering as a “historic convergence of policy, practice and people,” marking a turning point for organic agriculture in Nigeria.
He announced the inauguration of a Technical Drafting Committee for the Nigeria Organic Agriculture Policy (NOAP) to fast-track its implementation.
He also disclosed plans for a memorandum of understanding between NOAP and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to drive practical interventions, including youth-focused programmes such as the ECOWAS youth employability initiative.
He further revealed plans to launch a digital marketplace, supported by AfrONet and the Agroecology Fund, to improve market access for organic producers.
The event featured key capacity-building milestones, including the graduation of participants from the Agroecology and Organic Leadership Course (AOLC) and the Africa Women Leaders in Agroecology (AWOLA) programme, alongside the introduction of a new cohort of female leaders.
He reaffirmed NOAN’s commitment to empowering women as critical drivers of sustainable food systems.
He acknowledged the support of international partners such as the African Union Commission, Biovision Africa Trust and IFOAM Organics International in promoting sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Highlights of the ceremony included the inauguration of a nine-member technical policy drafting committee and the presentation of awards of excellence to the Permanent Secretary of the agriculture ministry, Dr. Ogunbiyi; NOAN president, Prof. Obi and Director of Farm Inputs Support Services, Alhaji Abban Wazziri Abba. There was also the unveiling of an organic book, titled, ‘Green Gold.’
Participants were urged to leverage the three-day event to deepen collaboration, drive innovation and advance policies that would ensure food security, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
