Agricultural Commodity Associations Unite To Boost Food Security

The leadership of various Agricultural Commodity Associations in Nigeria convened in Abuja for their inaugural joint meeting, where they reaffirmed their commitment to advancing food security and national development through strategic collaboration.

The high-level meeting over the weekend brought together key stakeholders nationwide, including Engr. Aminu Muhammad, President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN); Anibe Achimugu, President of the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN); Bello Abubakar Anoor, President of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN); and Dr. Florence Edwards, President of the Cotton Producers and Merchants Association of Nigeria (COPMAN).

Others present include Umar Muhammad Baba – President, Soya Beans Farmers Association of Nigeria (SOFAN); Mustapha Othman B. – President, Nigeria Cassava Growers’ Association (NCGA); Abdulkadir Ibrahim Gaya – President, National Association of Sorghum Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NASPPAM); Ado Sule – Director of Administration, NACOTAN; Umar Abdulkadir – Director of Administration and Finance, COPMAN; and Dr. Nasir Liman – Business and Finance Consultant.

In a communique signed by Engr. Aminu Muhammad, on behalf of the leadership, the associations declared their unified resolve to develop and implement strategic plans to scale up food production in alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are united as a coalition representing millions of grassroots smallholder farmers. With over 21 agricultural commodities under our umbrella—including maise, sorghum, millet, cassava, cocoa, rice, cotton, groundnuts, palm oil, sugarcane, legumes, tree crops, and tomatoes—we are well-positioned to drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation,” the statement read.

The associations emphasized their nationwide footprint, operating in 17,846 polling units, 8,909 wards, and all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria‘s 36 states.

They highlighted their crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Nigeria remained food secure despite a global lockdown and closed borders due to the resilience and coordination of the commodity associations.

Notably, their efforts contributed to a 95% reduction in Nigeria’s annual rice import bill, from $1.5 billion in 2015 to just $18.5 million in 2023.

In addition, they created 12.8 million direct and indirect jobs across various agricultural value chains.

Beyond economic impact, the associations also acknowledged their vital role in grassroots political mobilization, providing robust support to federal and state governments during key moments in national development.

The joint leadership reaffirmed their commitment to fostering sustainable food systems, enhancing farmer empowerment, and contributing to national growth through strategic partnerships.