Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing organic agriculture as stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond gathered, for the 2026 Technical Workshop, Organic Fair and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN).
Declaring the event open in Umuahia, Abia State recently, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, represented by the Executive Director of NIHORT, Prof. Atanda Muhammed Lawal, described organic agriculture and agroecology as critical tools for climate resilience, soil restoration, food security and sustainable economic growth. He highlighted key government initiatives, including the National Agroecology Strategy and the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme, while calling for greater youth participation, innovation and investment in the sector.
Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC)
Meanwhile, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Clifford Agbaeze, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture through climate-smart farming, farmer support programmes and environmental sustainability initiatives. Speakers at the summit, including Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, and Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, stressed the need for stronger collaboration, research and institutional support to scale agroecological practices nationwide.
In his address, NOAN President, Prof. Jude C. Obi, described the gathering as a landmark moment for organic agriculture, announcing the inauguration of a Technical Drafting Committee for the Nigeria Organic Agriculture Policy and plans for a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to drive implementation. He also unveiled initiatives aimed at empowering youths and women, including a Digital Marketplace for organic producers, while acknowledging the support of international partners such as the African Union Commission, Biovision Africa Trust and IFOAM Organics International.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule, commended government agencies, development partners, researchers and participants for the success of the three-day event. She paid tribute to Prof. Jude Obi for his leadership and expressed confidence in the new NOAN President, Prof. Olatunji, urging participants to translate the knowledge gained into actions that will strengthen food security, health and economic prosperity.
Highlights of the summit included the inauguration of a nine-member Technical Policy Drafting Committee, the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished contributors to the sector, and the unveiling of an organic agriculture book titled Green Gold.
