The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone to actively engage in the ongoing review of the Revised National Gender Policy in Agriculture, which aims to promote inclusion and equity across the agricultural sector.
This appeal was made by Barrister Nkiruka Okonkwo, National Consultant for the policy, during a South-South Consultation session held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The consultation is part of efforts to develop a Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030.
“We want a situation where the stakeholders in the South South zone are actively involved in this process now that we are still revising, so that when we come to the implementation stage, they are among those taking the lead,” Okonkwo said.
She added that the South-South had already taken the lead by being the first region visited in the consultation phase, but urged participants to sustain that leadership when success metrics begin to be measured.
Okonkwo also praised the agricultural value chains in Akwa Ibom and highlighted the role of agricultural technology (agrictech) in attracting young people to the sector.
“In Akwa Ibom, we are seeing so many value chains in agriculture. So by the time we are introducing agrictech, that will encourage more young people to get into agriculture,” she said.
She further emphasised the importance of insurance coverage in protecting farmlands, especially in flood-prone and insecure areas, ensuring farmers can maintain productivity despite risks.
“When we have insurance coverage, that will also ensure that those in flood-prone areas, their farmland is protected and make sure that they can go to the farm,” she added.
Earlier, Hajiya Kachallah Damaturu, Director of the Special Duties Department at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising agricultural development, with a special focus on women.
“The President, during the Women Affairs Ministry program on October 15, 2024, reiterated that women empowerment in agriculture should be given priority, especially in agricultural training, access to land and financial services,” she noted.
She explained that the goal of the ongoing consultation is to develop a clear strategic plan that would guide interventions across the agricultural sector between 2025 and 2030, especially in addressing the unique challenges faced by women.
“We gather today to build upon the momentum generated by the maiden review of the policy, which took place on 24th January, 2025, in Abuja,” she said.
