FG Validates Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation to Boost Inclusion, Food Security

FG Validates Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation to Boost Inclusion, Food Security

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and other stakeholders, has formally validated the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria (NGPAST) and its Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030 to promote gender equity, strengthen inclusion, and advance food security in the agricultural sector.

The initiative would not only enhance food security but also restructure the nation’s agrifood system to be more gender-responsive and resilient.

Speaking at the event held at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja, today, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari described the policy as a practical framework designed to ensure equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making for both women and men in the agricultural sector.

Represented by Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Kyari stated that the initiative represents a major milestone in ongoing reforms to build a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector.

He revealed that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s national priorities, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and economic growth, but warned that persistent gender disparities continue to limit the full participation of women across the agrifood value chain.

According to him, ‘’the policy will strengthen the integration of gender-responsive approaches across agricultural programmes and interventions, which is one of the keys to unlocking the full potential of the sector.

In a statement issued by Obe Mabel, Assistant Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Ministry’s Head of Information, the Minister acknowledged the support of development partners, including ActionAid Nigeria, AGRA, and GIZ, for their contributions to the development of the policy.

He urged all relevant institutions and stakeholders to integrate the policy into their plans, programmes, and budgets, adding that the Ministry would ensure strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms to deliver measurable results.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the Ministry’s interventions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the agricultural sector.

He added that one of the Ministry’s flagship initiatives is the development of a Standard Framework for Ease of Doing Agriculture and Food Security, with strong emphasis on inclusiveness for youth and women across agricultural ecosystems.

Senator Abdullahi also highlighted that, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Ministry is promoting the “Every Home a Garden” initiative and home economics and nutrition knowledge transfer programmes at state as well as local government levels under the Renewed Hope Initiative to achieve food and nutrition security.

’Flagship interventions such as the Renewed Hope Mechanization Programme have prioritized inclusivity, with women farmers among the first set of beneficiaries” He added

Sen Abdullahi emphasized that the Renewed Hope Cooperative Revamp Programme is also designed to expand access to agricultural support services for youth, women, and smallholder farmers nationwide.

In a welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by the Director, Department of Farm Input Support Services, Mr Abana Waziri Abba stated that the policy would help address key challenges affecting gender inclusion and productivity in the agricultural sector.

He noted that the policy would also strengthen coordination, improve access to inputs, and enhance the participation of vulnerable groups in agribusiness.

In attendance were the representatives of ActionAid Nigeria, AGRA, GIZ, the Governors’ Forum, and other key stakeholders.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria, (NGPAST), and it’s Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030 Document.