Nasarawa State's Agricultural Drive: A Leader in Food Security

Strategic Insights -

Nasarawa State's Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has spearheaded a massive rice production drive to ensure food security in the country. Following a presidential directive to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland across Nigeria, Governor Sule acquired 10,000 hectares in Jangwa, Awe Local Government Area, to prosecute the program. The initiative has yielded impressive results, with the state declaring a bumper harvest and harvesting 200 jumbo bags of rice in just two days. As the second phase of the program commences, Governor Sule is optimistic that the harvest will exceed expectations, drawing inspiration from President Bola Tinubu's call to sustain efforts in boosting agriculture for food security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nasarawa State government has acquired 10,000 hectares of land in Jangwa, Awe LGA, for rice production under the federal government's food security program.
  • The state has cultivated a total of 5,500 hectares, with 3,500 hectares earmarked for rice production in the second phase of the initiative.
  • The program aims to combat hunger in Nigeria by cultivating 500,000 hectares of farmland across the country.
  • Nasarawa State is one of the key states identified to play a crucial role in achieving the objective of the initiative.
  • Governor Sule has restricted farming activities to areas where there is no dispute over ownership, accommodating local farmers in the process.
  • The state declared a bumper harvest in the previous cropping season, with Governor Sule supervising the harvest in October 2024.
  • Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Governor Sule for spearheading the federal government's food security initiative and commended him for his "monumental accomplishments in agriculture".

Statistics:

  • 10,000 hectares of land acquired by Nasarawa State government in Jangwa, Awe LGA, for rice production
  • 5,500 hectares of land cultivated by the state government under the federal government's food security program
  • 3,500 hectares earmarked for rice production in the second phase of the initiative
  • 500,000 hectares of farmland to be cultivated across Nigeria under the federal government's food security program
  • 200 jumbo bags of rice harvested in two days from 14 hectares using three combined harvesters
  • 28% inflation rate as reported by President Bola Tinubu

Sources:

  • President Bola Tinubu, January 2024 (Source: Presidency of Nigeria)
  • Vice President Kashim Shettima, January 2025 (Source: Presidency of Nigeria)
  • Governor Abdullahi Sule, October 2024 (Source: Nasarawa State Government)
  • Governor Abdullahi Sule, June 1, 2025 (Source: Nasarawa State Government)