Niger gives Lagos 100,000 hectares of land for food production - Newstrends
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Niger gives Lagos 100,000 hectares of land for food production

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Niger State Governor Umar Bago

Niger gives Lagos 100,000 hectares of land for food production

To  boost food production in the country’s most populated but tiniest state by landmass, Niger State Governor Umar Bago yesterday donated 100,000 hectares of land to Lagos State for agricultural development.

The governor made the announcement at the FirstBank Nigeria-sponsored Agric & Export Expo 2025, held in Lagos.

The Federal Government has unveiled a renewed push for agricultural growth, with emphasis on boosting food production for both local consumption and exports.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Alkali, laid out a bold vision to transform Nigerian agriculture from a subsistence-based sector into a global export powerhouse.

“A tonne of raw produce brings income, but tonnes of processed produce build industries, create jobs, and earn foreign exchange,” Kyari said.

Using cocoa as an example, he noted that while Nigeria earns about $700 million annually from raw cocoa exports, processing could multiply that value three- to five-fold.

Obstacles and Opportunities

The minister acknowledged that agricultural transformation cannot be achieved without strong infrastructure.

He cited the exorbitant cost of domestic transport and the frequent rejection of Nigerian goods abroad due to poor certification.

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“It often costs more to move a container from Ghana to Lagos than from Lagos to Europe,” he lamented.

He called for the adoption of a zero-reject policy, from farm to port, and the establishment of accredited laboratories and certification systems to meet global standards.

Citing global examples, Kyari pointed to Brazil, which earned $125 billion in agricultural exports in 2021, and Kenya, where innovative financial models have made agriculture the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner.

Kyari also emphasised Nigeria’s youth advantage, noting that over 70 per cent of the population is under 30.

Between 2020 and 2022, African youth-led agri-tech startups attracted $640 million in investment, evidence that Nigerian youths are already building the future of agriculture.

Lagos pushes for diversification

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the private sector to partner with the government in urgently diversifying the economy away from oil.

He described the expo as a “visionary platform” for building an agriculture-driven future.

Citing volatility in global oil prices, foreign exchange instability, and rising import costs, he stressed:

“Nigeria must urgently broaden its economic base. The global marketplace is not waiting for us.”

Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, which he said have spurred steady growth in non-oil exports.

He cited data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) showing that non-oil exports rose 19.59 per cent in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, up from $2.696 billion in the same period of 2024.

He added that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub, has a “special responsibility” in the transformation agenda.

The governor highlighted major projects funded through a $1.35 billion partnership with Afreximbank and Access Bank, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Lekki-Epe International Airport.

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The state, he said, has also launched a N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund to support food security and agricultural productivity.

Niger’s role, by Bago

Governor Bago said Niger would serve as the production hub, while Lagos would be the consumer and logistics hub.

The proposed “Lagos Farm” project will be spread across several locations in Niger State to cultivate yams, beans, and livestock for Lagos markets.

He also pointed to huge export opportunities in the Middle East.

“The annual Hajj requires about five million sheep, each costing 500 riyals, representing a 2.5 billion riyal market in one transaction,” he revealed, adding that annual livestock demand in the region could reach 30 million.

Bago emphasised value addition across the livestock chain — from meat to hides and by-products — warning that “countries that export raw commodities remain perpetually broke.”

Bank restates commitment to agribusiness financing

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by NEPC CEO Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, said the government was intensifying efforts to help exporters meet certification standards, adding that the One State One Product (OSOP) programme remains central to diversifying away from oil.

FirstBank Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to financing agribusiness and non-oil exports.

“The expo reflects our shared vision for a stronger, more resilient economy anchored on food security, agribusiness, solid minerals, and non-oil exports,” he said.

He described agriculture as a once-overlooked sector now central to Nigeria’s development agenda, noting FirstBank’s long history of financing agribusiness across the value chain.

Alebiosu applauded the Federal Government’s efforts in boosting Nigeria’s agriculture agenda for food sovereignty.

The FirstBank 2025 Agric & Export Expo, themed “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy”, concluded with calls for actionable strategies to ensure Nigerian goods move from farms and factories onto global supermarket shelves.

Niger gives Lagos 100,000 hectares of land for food production

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Lagos Woman Shares Ordeal After Alleged Rape, Sparks Nationwide Outcry

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TikToker and aesthetic vendor, Mirabel
TikToker and aesthetic vendor, Mirabel

Lagos Woman Shares Ordeal After Alleged Rape, Sparks Nationwide Outcry

A young woman identified as Mirabel has shared a harrowing account of a near-death experience following an alleged rape attack in her apartment in Lagos, triggering widespread outrage and calls for justice.

In a video posted on TikTok under the handle @mirab351, Mirabel said the incident occurred on Sunday morning after she opened her door, believing it was a neighbour. According to her account, she was overpowered and lost consciousness during the attack.

She later said she regained awareness to find an intruder assaulting her. The assailant allegedly left her injured before fleeing. Mirabel explained that she initially thought the bleeding she noticed afterward was menstrual, until she received disturbing messages from a man she identified as the suspect.

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Screenshots shared by the victim show the suspect boasting about the attack and making threats intended to discourage her from seeking justice. The messages, which have circulated widely online, have drawn strong condemnation from the public.

In a follow-up video, Mirabel appeared visibly distressed and disclosed that she attempted to harm herself afterward but was rushed to hospital by a friend and survived. She thanked those who reached out in support and said she needed time to recover before engaging further.

The case has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from Nigerians across social media, with many demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspect and renewed action against sexual violence. Advocacy groups and citizens are urging law enforcement to ensure accountability and protect survivors.

Mirabel’s story has reignited conversations about women’s safety, survivor support, and the need for swift justice in Nigeria.

If you or someone you know is in danger or struggling after an assault, please seek immediate help from trusted people or local emergency services.

Lagos Woman Shares Ordeal After Alleged Rape, Sparks Nationwide Outcry

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BREAKING: Drama in NASS as Reps Clash Over Backup Manual Result Collation

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Speaker, House of Reps, Tajudeen Abbas

BREAKING: Drama in NASS as Reps Clash Over Backup Manual Result Collation

Abuja — Tension erupted at the National Assembly on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers staged a dramatic walkout in protest against the approval of manual collation of election results as a backup to electronic transmission.

The controversy unfolded during plenary when a motion seeking to adopt manual collation as a contingency measure in the event of technical failure of electronic transmission systems was presented for consideration. While the majority lawmakers supported the proposal, opposition members strongly objected, arguing that the move could undermine electoral transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Heated Debate on the Floor

The debate quickly grew intense as several opposition representatives warned that reintroducing manual collation, even as a backup, could open the door to manipulation and irregularities.

One opposition lawmaker described the decision as “a dangerous step backward,” insisting that Nigeria’s electoral reforms were designed to eliminate the flaws associated with manual processes. According to them, reliance on manual collation in previous elections had been a major source of disputes and litigation.

However, lawmakers from the majority caucus defended the proposal, stating that the backup option was necessary to safeguard the integrity of elections in situations where electronic systems malfunction due to network failure, cyber threats, or logistical challenges.

A ranking member of the majority party argued that “no responsible legislature should ignore the possibility of technical glitches,” stressing that manual collation would only serve as a last resort and not replace electronic transmission.

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Dramatic Walkout

Following the Speaker’s ruling allowing the motion to proceed to approval by voice vote, opposition lawmakers rose from their seats in protest. Chanting “No to manual manipulation” and “Protect our votes,” they exited the chamber en masse.

The walkout temporarily disrupted proceedings, drawing reactions from observers and legislative aides present in the gallery.

Despite the protest, the remaining lawmakers proceeded to adopt the motion, effectively approving manual collation as a backup mechanism pending further legislative fine-tuning and possible amendments to the electoral framework.

Implications for Electoral Reform

The development is expected to generate significant political debate across party lines and among civil society organizations. Advocacy groups have consistently pushed for full electronic transmission of results to minimize human interference and enhance credibility.

Political analysts say the decision could become a flashpoint ahead of future elections, especially given past controversies surrounding result collation.

As of press time, leaders of the opposition caucus were reportedly preparing a joint press briefing to outline their position and next steps, including the possibility of seeking judicial interpretation if the approval translates into legislative amendments.

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.

BREAKING: Drama in NASS as Reps Clash Over Backup Manual Result Collation

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Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Pays Courtesy Visit to Customs Zonal Deputy Controller in Ibadan

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Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Pays Courtesy Visit to Customs Zonal Deputy Controller in Ibadan

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Zonal Deputy Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, DC Wale Moses Adewole, at the Oyo and Osun Zonal Directorate Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

The visit, which took place on February 17, 2026, was marked by warm reception and professional camaraderie, underscoring a shared commitment to institutional cooperation and national development.

According to a statement issued by the Media Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, the engagement forms part of the Imam’s ongoing outreach to key government institutions aimed at strengthening moral values, civic responsibility, and harmonious relationships between religious leadership and public agencies.

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In his remarks, Sheikh Akeugberu commended DC Adewole and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for what he described as their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s economic frontiers, facilitating legitimate trade, and contributing significantly to national revenue generation.

He emphasized that integrity, transparency, and accountability remain indispensable pillars of effective public service, noting that religious and public institutions must work collaboratively to promote ethical standards within society.

The Imam further reiterated that Islam promotes justice, fairness, and lawful conduct in all spheres of life. He assured the Customs leadership of the Muslim community’s continued support in encouraging compliance with lawful regulations and fostering a culture of discipline and responsibility.

Responding, DC Wale Moses Adewole expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as inspiring and encouraging. He acknowledged the important role religious leaders play in shaping moral consciousness, patriotism, and discipline among citizens.

Adewole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo and Osun Zonal Directorate to professionalism, fairness, and efficient service delivery in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The meeting, described as cordial and intellectually engaging, concluded with special prayers offered by the Grand Chief Imam for divine guidance, wisdom, and continued success for the Customs leadership and the entire Service.

The visit, stakeholders say, reinforces the collective aspiration for a peaceful, law-abiding, and economically progressive Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Pays Courtesy Visit to Customs Zonal Deputy Controller in Ibadan

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