KWSG Strengthens Agricultural Sector through Strategic Partnerships, Oversight Committees

The Kwara State Government is reinforcing its commitment to agricultural development through strategic engagements with key national institutions, including the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and other agricultural-related government funding institutions. These efforts aim to enhance structural support and align national interventions with the specific needs of smallholder farmers, youths, and rural communities in the State.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, during the First Quarter Interministerial Press Briefing, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Communications at the Ministry of Finance, Ilorin.

According to Dr. Alabi, “Our engagements with institutions like NIRSAL and other funds-related agencies are focused on building a coordinated system that delivers real value to farmers. We are working to ensure that national-level support structures are effectively aligned with our local priorities to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.”

The Commissioner added that under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, the Ministry is pursuing a more integrated approach to agricultural transformation, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, policy support, and institutional partnerships.

In addition to the engagements with NIRSAL and other institutional partners, the Ministry is deepening its collaboration with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), under the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Settlement Initiative, which is facilitating the establishment of large-scale farm settlements across the State. Discussions are also progressing with Contec Global Agro Limited for the establishment of a bio-fertilizer manufacturing plant and the implementation of a backyard farming programme targeted at women and youths.

In a bid to ensure that government-provided inputs and support reach the grassroots, the Kwara State Government has set up a 7-member interim committee tasked with monitoring the distribution of agricultural resources. The committee is focused on eliminating diversion and ensuring that farmers in need receive the necessary assistance.The committee is expected to provide oversight and improve accountability in the implementation of government agricultural programmes, particularly targeting smallholder farmers who are often most affected by resource mismanagement.

Dr. Alabi highlighted key achievements from the first quarter of 2025, including the successful hosting of the Agro Input Fair, where farmers connected with reliable vendors of agricultural inputs, mechanization services, and chemicals. The event also provided localized information on optimal planting periods, expected drought patterns, and growing season forecasts for each Local Government Area.

Another major milestone was the inauguration of a pilot soil assessment laboratory within the Ministry’s premises to support precision agriculture under the Nigerian Farmers' Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The Ministry has also strengthened its collaboration with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) to boost local rice production and value chain development.

The restructuring of farmer representation and the strengthening of capacity-building efforts, with a particular emphasis on women and youths, have already begun across the State. These initiatives are further supported by programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative, led nationally by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which is coordinated in Kwara State by Her Excellency, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq.

Dr. Alabi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration across all levels of government, institutions, and stakeholders to strengthen the agricultural sector. He urged all involved parties to unite in pursuit of a common goal—transforming Kwara's agricultural landscape into a model of productivity, sustainability, and innovation for the benefit of current and future generations.

Ashaolu Omotola

Press Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

08109057777