Fears over food scarcity as Niger farmers flee - Newstrends
Connect with us

Business

Fears over food scarcity as Niger farmers flee

Published

6 years ago

on

AS bandits continue to attack and get away with their atrocities without serious challenge from security operatives, many farmers in Niger State have fled their farms and have vowed never to return until security is beefed up around them.

To underscore their seriousness, many of them have already relocated from the farming communities to Minna, the state capital, to escape the brutality of criminals variously described as bandits, kidnappers, hoodlums, cattle rustlers and armed robbers.

Things got to the worst in recent times when the criminals not only attacked and dispossessed the farmers of their possessions, but began to set their houses ablaze as a conquered people, leaving them with nothing to manage their lives with.

The bandits have successfully taken their atrocities to no fewer than 18 of the 25 local government areas of the state and are unwilling to halt their infamy despite threats from security agencies.

They appear to be more daring after being challenged by the security organisations, thereby sending fears into residents of the remaining local government areas.

Farmers whose areas have not yet been visited by the hoodlums now live in fear of possible attack by the daring bandits.

As a result of the unrelenting onslaughts by bandits on farmers, many have since abandoned farming and harvesting of their mature crops, a development that is already forcing an increase in the prices of foodstuff. Many of the farmers interviewed by Arewa Voice said they would not risk their lives by going back to the farms except adequate security is assured.

A yam farmer, Adamu Useni Allawa, who also cultivates maize and millet, lamented that although he was eager to return to his farm, he would only do so when there is improved security in the farms.

He said, “I am eager to go back to my farm but my fear is this insecurity. It troubles my mind to go back because of insecurity. Any time it pricks my heart to go back to the farm, I often have another premonition that going back there might be a journey of no return. I am not in any way preparing now because I don’t have the confidence. I don’t do any other work than farming but I cannot risk my life for farming as it is.

“I have a bitter experience, which is still fresh in my memory. It is about my uncle and his friends who the bandits met in their farms and shot them to death instantly without any sympathy. Some of these bandits after attacking and killing our people even run away with their seedlings and we are left with virtually nothing to start fresh planting. We have relocated to Pandogari and have become refugees in a strange environment, doing nothing.”

Another farmer, Umaru Adamu Allawa, said his hope rested on government to provide more security to enable him and others go back to their various farms.

Allawa said, “If the banditry situation continues like this, there is no hope for us to go back to the farm. Our yearly turnover is massive and even if we cannot feed the state or the entire nation, we can feed our zone that comprises eight wards in Shiroro Local government effectively.”

Bala Usman, a public servant who also is also a farmer, said, “With the present insecurity in my area-comprising Lakpma, Munyan and Rafi local government areas, the farmers are no longer able to go to their farms. The implication is that it will surely affect the economy of the areas concerned, the state and the country in general. That is why we call on government at all levels to intervene immediately in order to enable farmers go back to their farms.

“Even if we are supplied the necessary farming inputs like fertilisers, seedlings, among others, it will be difficult to transport them to the affected areas because of these bandits. Also, we will find it difficult to start all over again because apart from killing our people, the bandits also steal and burn down our seedlings and we are now left with virtually nothing to take off again.”

Shuaibu Yusuf, who is from Manta, one of the ravaged areas by bandits, said from the look of things, it will be very difficult for farmers in the troubled communities to farm this year.

The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Idris Usman Gbogan, however, assured the farmers that the Niger State government was aware of the security challenges and has taken steps to further protect lives and property of its people, especially those areas constantly raided by the bandits.

Gbogan told Arewa Voice in an interview that the state government has procured farming inputs in preparation for the coming planting season.

He said, “The step taken by the state government is to cushion the effect of transportation cost for the agro input companies as a way of reducing the cost of agricultural inputs.

By the first week of next month, the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, will launch the 2021 farming season and, thereafter, all these agricultural inputs will be ferried to all parts of the state under tight security.

“As at now, we have one extension worker to about 5000 farm families which is not acceptable because the ideal situation is to have one extension worker to between 800 and 1,000 farm families so in each of our stores presently across all the 25 local government areas, we are going to position extension workers so that as the farmers come to buy their inputs, we have the extension workers who will educate them and give them necessary extension knowledge on the inputs they are buying from the stores.

Gbogan said despite the insecurity and other challenges, there is still hope for bumper harvest in the state and this is why government is ensuring that they get the necessary inputs they need.

The state Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Niger State Chapter, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, told Arewa Voice that banditry was a bad omen for the state and its people and should be tackled with immediate effect.

He said, “Last year, it was not easy for farmers because many of them could not conclude their farming processes. Some of them who fled their ancestral homes because of the bandits cannot even go back to their homes to get their seedlings and other property in readiness for this planting season.

“Just about two days ago, in Kuchi Town in Sarkin Pawa Local Government Area of the state, the entire community was sacked and the people had to run for their lives.

“Other places having similar problems are Shiroro, Mariga, Munyan and parts of Paikoro, Rijau, Mashegu local government areas, just to mention a few. They are all overwhelmed with this type of problem.

“We are afraid that this year’s farming is being seriously threatened and it is not going to be easy for our farmers in the state because of the security issues. If the lives and properties of people are not secured, nobody will be able to do anything.”

-Vanguard

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Railway

Nigeria Loses ₦3.6tn to Logistics Inefficiencies as NRC Pushes Integrated Transport System

Published

14 hours ago

on

October 28, 2026

By

Nigeria Loses ₦3.6tn to Logistics Inefficiencies as NRC Pushes Integrated Transport System

 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand Nigeria’s railway network from approximately 4,000 kilometres to 10,000 kilometres within five years.

This is coming as it pushes for an integrated transportation and logistics system to reduce business costs, boost trade and strengthen the nation’s economic competitiveness.

The NRC also has a long-term target of extending the rail network to about 20,000 kilometres, with plans to optimise existing railway assets, revive dormant corridors, expand freight operations and attract private investment into passenger and cargo services.

Managing Director of the corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed these plans at the BusinessDay Mobility and Logistics Conference in Lagos, where he identified an efficient, interconnected transport system as a critical driver of economic resilience and productivity.

Speaking on the theme, “Scaling the Future: Building a Resilient and Efficient Mobility and Logistics Ecosystem in Nigeria,” Opeifa warned that inefficiencies across the country’s transportation network were contributing to congestion, rising logistics costs, delayed deliveries, reduced productivity and higher prices of goods and services.

He argued that integrating rail, road, maritime and air transportation would help address these challenges by improving connectivity between production centres, markets, seaports and distribution hubs.

According to him, rail transportation occupies a strategic position in developing an efficient national transport network because of its capacity to move large volumes of passengers and freight over long distances while reducing pressure on highways.

“Rail should not be viewed as a competitor to road, maritime or air transportation, but each should continue to develop as complementary components of an effective integrated transport system,” he said.

Opeifa explained that while road transport remained essential for cargo collection and last-mile delivery, maritime transport facilitated international trade, and inland terminals supported cargo handling and distribution, rail provided the high-capacity link connecting these facilities with industrial and commercial centres.

He said seamless coordination among the different modes would reduce avoidable logistics costs, promote regional commerce, improve access to markets and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION

Outlining the NRC’s priorities since assuming office, the managing director highlighted the corporation’s track access policy, which provides opportunities for private investors to operate passenger and freight services along designated railway corridors.

He said the policy was part of efforts to improve the utilisation of existing infrastructure, expand railway services and mobilise investment to accelerate the development of the sector.

Under its Vision 2:5:10:20, the corporation is focusing on optimising existing railway assets, restoring viable dormant corridors, expanding freight operations, strengthening private-sector partnerships and progressively extending the national network.

Opeifa said immediate priorities included improving the utilisation of Nigeria’s two legacy narrow-gauge lines and three standard-gauge lines, restoring operational capacity, expanding freight services and strengthening connections between railway infrastructure, ports and inland terminals.

He maintained that maximising the value of existing assets would be essential to achieving the corporation’s expansion targets and building a more commercially viable railway system.

NEW RAILWAY PROJECTS

The NRC chief also highlighted ongoing and planned railway infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including efforts to extend the standard-gauge railway to Apapa Port and establish a connection to Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The proposed connections are expected to strengthen the relationship between rail and maritime transportation, improve cargo evacuation and reduce the pressure on roads leading to the ports.

Opeifa further said the Kano–Maradi railway line was expected to be completed in 2027, while plans were ongoing for a central railway corridor linking the Warri–Itakpe line to Abuja.

He added that the government planned to commence construction of the Marina–Lekki railway line, alongside efforts to support the Kaduna–Kano inter-state train service and the Kano State Government’s proposed intra-state rail services.

The projects, he said, formed part of broader efforts to expand rail connectivity, improve passenger mobility and facilitate the movement of goods across the country.

₦3.6TRN LOGISTICS LOSSES

Also speaking at the conference, the Director-General of the Africa Centre for Supply Chain, Dr Obiora Madu, estimated that Nigeria loses more than ₦3.6 trillion to inefficiencies and distortions in the transportation and logistics sector.

He warned that small-scale businesses would continue to struggle to operate efficiently unless the country addressed the disconnect among its transport and logistics networks.

“If we don’t get the logistics right, the small-scale businesses would not be optimised. We do not need digital islands, we do not need superlative infrastructure, what we need is connected systems,” Madu said.

He argued that building a resilient logistics ecosystem required more than expanding individual infrastructure projects, stressing the importance of coordination, connectivity and the ability of the entire system to withstand disruptions.

Similarly, the Managing Director of JanksMay Global Services Ltd., Ifeanyi Onwuachu, said infrastructure deficits continued to undermine the operations of small-scale players in the logistics industry.

He called attention to the need for better infrastructure and more efficient transport connections to support businesses and improve operational performance.

Earlier, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of BusinessDay, Dr Innocent Nna, described the conference as a platform for examining persistent gaps in Nigeria’s logistics sector and identifying practical solutions.

He urged stakeholders to engage in frank discussions on the challenges confronting the industry and develop strategies to improve efficiency across the sector.

The conference brought together industry stakeholders to explore ways of building an integrated, efficient and resilient mobility and logistics ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

AutoFast By CFAO Assures Former Moove Drivers of Continued After-Sales Support, Free Diagnostics

Published

1 day ago

on

October 28, 2026

By

AutoFast By CFAO Assures Former Moove Drivers of Continued After-Sales Support, Free Diagnostics

As the exit of mobility platform Moove from Nigeria raises concerns over vehicle maintenance and repair costs among affected drivers, AutoFast by CFAO has moved to reassure them of continued access to professional servicing, quality lubricants and affordable spare parts.

The company said its commitment to supporting former Moove drivers remained unchanged, despite the platform’s withdrawal from the Nigerian market, stressing that it would continue helping them keep their vehicles roadworthy, minimise downtime and protect their livelihoods.

AutoFast by CFAO, which has serviced and maintained the vehicles for more than four years, said it understood the concerns drivers might face regarding maintenance, repairs and the availability of essential spare parts following Moove’s exit.

To address these challenges, the company is introducing dedicated service support for former Moove drivers, including free vehicle diagnostics, access to quality Motul lubricants and a loyalty programme offering exclusive discounts to returning customers on their third service.

The initiative, according to the company, is designed to make vehicle maintenance more accessible, convenient and affordable, while enabling drivers to get their vehicles back on the road without unnecessary delays associated with service approvals.

Speaking on the initiative, General Manager of Winpart by CFAO and AutoFast by CFAO, Mr. Eric Fantodji, said the company recognised the critical role the vehicles played in the daily operations and income generation of the drivers.

“Our relationship with these drivers spans more than four years, and we understand how important their vehicles are to their livelihoods. Our priority is to ensure they continue to have access to dependable after-sales support, professional servicing and affordable maintenance solutions,” Fantodji said.

He also underscored the importance of using the appropriate engine lubricants, particularly for vehicles equipped with small-capacity engines that require specific lubricant standards.

“From the beginning of our partnership, we have used Motul lubricants to service these vehicles. Maintaining consistency with the manufacturer-recommended lubricant specification is particularly important for the sensitive 0.8-litre or one-litre engines. Switching to unsuitable or lower-quality lubricants can have serious consequences for engine performance and potentially increase repair costs,” he said.

According to him, using the correct lubricant helps protect engine components, maintain performance and reduce the risk of avoidable mechanical problems.

READ ALSO:

He therefore urged drivers to adhere to the recommended lubricant specifications when servicing their vehicles, warning that cutting corners on essential maintenance could lead to more expensive repairs in the long run.

Beyond routine servicing, Fantodji said AutoFast by CFAO was also making essential maintenance components, including oil filters, air filters, brake pads and other spare parts, available at affordable prices.

“We want drivers to know that they can continue to count on AutoFast by CFAO for quality products, professional service and support that recognises their needs,” he added.

The company said former Moove drivers could access the support services at its Sanusi Fafunwa and Amuwo Odofin service stations, where offerings include free diagnostics, priority servicing, quality spare parts, lubricants and a customer loyalty programme.

AutoFast by CFAO provides multi-brand vehicle maintenance, servicing and repair solutions for individual motorists and businesses. Its services are complemented by access to spare parts and lubricants supplied through Winpart by CFAO.

The latest initiative underscores the importance of reliable after-sales support in Nigeria’s automotive and mobility sectors, particularly for drivers whose vehicles are essential income-generating assets.

For former Moove drivers, continued access to professional maintenance, appropriate lubricants and affordable spare parts could prove critical to keeping their vehicles operational, controlling repair expenses and sustaining their daily earnings following the platform’s exit from the country.

 

AutoFast By CFAO Assures Former Moove Drivers of Continued After-Sales Support, Free Diagnostics

Loading

Continue Reading

Business

Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes So Fast: MTN Reveals the Hidden Data Drains

Published

2 days ago

on

October 27, 2026

By

Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes So Fast: MTN Reveals the Hidden Data Drains
Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes So Fast: MTN Reveals the Hidden Data Drains

MTN Nigeria has explained why many subscribers complain that their mobile data bundles run out quickly, pointing to video streaming, background applications, automatic downloads and cloud backups as some of the major causes of high data consumption.

The explanation was offered during a forum tagged Data on Trial in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, where telecommunications industry representatives and technology experts discussed consumer complaints about data depletion, billing transparency and how mobile data usage is measured.

Mike Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, said subscribers could consume significant amounts of data without realising it because many smartphone applications continue to refresh content, download files or stream videos in the background.

He identified platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram as potential data drains, particularly when videos play automatically or stream in high definition. WhatsApp can also consume substantial data when media files download automatically or when chats and photos are backed up over mobile networks.

According to Ndukwe, a 15-second TikTok video could consume between two and 20 megabytes, depending on its quality. Repeatedly scrolling through short videos can therefore use up a data bundle faster than subscribers expect, especially when applications preload content before users choose to watch it.

READ ALSO:

Other common causes of rapid data depletion include automatic software updates, cloud services such as Google Photos and iCloud uploading pictures and videos, and applications refreshing content even when they are not actively being used.

Hotspot sharing can also accelerate data consumption. When subscribers share their phone’s internet connection with laptops or other devices, downloads, streaming and software updates on those devices may consume the available bundle without the phone owner immediately noticing.

David Ogunsola, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of IT Operations, said differences could occur between the data usage displayed on smartphones and the volume recorded by the network. He attributed such variations to differences in measurement methods, background traffic and the timing of data sessions. He said discrepancies could range from about two per cent to 12 per cent in some circumstances.

MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola also highlighted the high cost of operating telecommunications infrastructure, including expenses associated with powering and maintaining network sites.

The company said it was intensifying consumer education to help subscribers understand how their devices consume data. However, the explanation comes amid persistent complaints from Nigerians who say their bundles disappear faster than expected and want greater transparency in data billing.

Subscribers can take practical steps to reduce consumption. On Android phones and iPhones, users can check which applications consume the most data and restrict background activity for apps that are not essential. Reducing video streaming quality, disabling automatic media downloads and setting cloud backups and app updates to Wi-Fi only can also help.

Users should also turn off mobile hotspots when they are not needed and review their data usage regularly rather than waiting until a bundle is almost exhausted.

MTN subscribers can monitor their available bundles through the MyMTN NG app or by dialling 3234#. Customers who suspect unusual deductions should check their usage records and contact the network’s customer service for clarification.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has also advised consumers to contact their service providers when they have concerns about data consumption or billing. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the regulator.

While MTN maintains that ordinary smartphone activities account for much of the rapid data depletion, subscribers’ concerns about accurate billing remain important. Comparing phone-level usage with network records can help determine whether consumption reflects actual device activity or whether a complaint requires further investigation.

Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes So Fast: MTN Reveals the Hidden Data Drains

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending