The NNPC Foundation announced plans to train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across Nigeria to enhance food security, reduce reliance on imports, and uplift rural livelihoods. The initiative was launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, with Managing Director Emmanuella Arukwe emphasizing its nationwide reach across all six geopolitical zones.
Arukwe stated that the training program aims to combat food insecurity by increasing local food production and improving the national food supply. She described the initiative as a sustainable approach to empower farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The Abuja launch marks the beginning of training in the northern geopolitical zones, starting with Kogi, Kwara, and Benue States. Training for farmers in the southern zones commenced in the second quarter of 2025 and has already concluded.
The program is designed to uplift farmers’ living standards by equipping them with modern techniques to tackle challenges such as poor yields, limited access to tools, and climate change. Arukwe highlighted that the training will enable year-round planting, improved yields, and greater resilience against climate change, ultimately leading to increased income.
“Rather than provide food for short-term relief, it is better to teach individuals how to produce food sustainably,” Arukwe stated. She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained will enhance productivity and improve Nigeria’s food supply chain, thereby reducing import reliance.
The long-term vision of the program is to stabilize food production, strengthen rural economies, and contribute to national economic growth. Ibrahim Yaro, Mandate Secretary of Agriculture and Food for the FCT, praised the initiative, noting that agriculture addresses about 60 percent of Nigeria’s social challenges. He urged beneficiaries to use the starter packs wisely, humorously advising against misusing them.
The NNPC Foundation reiterated its commitment to building sustainability rather than providing palliative relief, emphasizing the importance of equipping farmers with modern knowledge and resources for food security and long-term economic growth.
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