FG Urges KOICA, FAO to Align Agricultural Intervention with Nigeria’s Development Priorities, Ward-Based Strategy

The Federal Government has called for stronger alignment between development partners’ interventions and Nigeria’s national development priorities to ensure greater impact, sustainability, and measurable outcomes, as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) prepare to implement a new multi-bilateral agricultural project in Nigeria.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by KOICA officials to brief the Ministry on the KOICA-FAO 2026 Multi-Bilateral Project, which aims to promote resilient agricultural systems and create green jobs for youth in Nigeria and other participating African countries.

While appreciating the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Korean government through KOICA, Senator Bagudu stressed the importance of designing development programmes that are focused, measurable, and capable of delivering scalable results.

He noted that Nigeria’s relationship with Korea offers valuable lessons, given Korea’s remarkable transformation from an agricultural economy to a major global economic player.

“Beyond the support we receive, there is much Nigeria can learn from Korea’s experience, particularly in agriculture, food production, value addition, and export development,” the minister said.

Senator Bagudu, who explained that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is responsible for coordinating national development planning and partnerships, emphasised that development partners’ interventions must align with Nigeria’s development framework, including the country’s long-term vision under Agenda 2050.

He noted that Nigeria’s federal structure, with responsibilities shared among federal, state, and local governments, makes coordination essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes.

The minister encouraged KOICA and FAO to adopt a more targeted approach, focusing interventions on specific communities where results can be measured and replicated.

According to him, spreading projects too widely without sufficient depth may limit their effectiveness, whereas focused interventions can produce successful models that attract further investment and expansion.

“We need programmes that can produce concepts that work, can be scaled, and can attract the private sector,” he said.

Senator Bagudu emphasised the importance of aligning agricultural interventions with the economic realities and priorities of beneficiary communities.

He cited Nasarawa State as an example, noting that women rice farmers and processors who have struggled to compete with large-scale milling operations could benefit from improved technology, skills development, and stronger market access.

He also highlighted opportunities in Bayelsa State, particularly in aquaculture, where targeted support could unlock significant economic potential and promote sustainable production.

The minister stressed that empowering farmers requires more than production support; they must also be equipped with knowledge of market demands, value addition, and globally competitive agricultural practices.

He noted that Nigeria has significant opportunities in commodities such as sesame, cocoa, fisheries, and other high-value agricultural products, and added that the country’s farmers should be supported in accessing international markets.

“Sometimes, what is needed is to teach people what the world requires — to help them move from traditional production to producing what the market values,” Senator Bagudu said.

He further urged KOICA and FAO to integrate their intervention with existing government programmes, including the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which aims to coordinate development activities across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.

The minister explained that a ward-based approach would help prevent project duplication, improve stakeholder coordination, and ensure that interventions address the specific needs of communities.

Earlier, the Senior Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Mr Baik Ki-Hyun, disclosed that the project had been approved by KOICA’s headquarters and would run from 2026 to 2030.

He explained that the initiative followed extensive consultations, surveys, and assessments carried out with FAO, external experts, and relevant Nigerian authorities.

According to him, FAO will serve as the implementing partner, while KOICA will oversee project management, monitoring, evaluation, and assessment of the programme’s outcomes.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, welcomed the KOICA delegation and expressed appreciation for Korea’s continued partnership with Nigeria, noting that the intervention would contribute to economic growth, improved livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development.

The KOICA-FAO project is expected to strengthen agricultural resilience, create employment opportunities for young Nigerians, support inclusive growth, and deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Korea to achieve shared development objectives.

Gov. Yusuf Receives FG Delegation Ahead of Groundbreaking of Kano Light Rail Project

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has received a delegation from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and Mota-Engil Nigeria ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kano Light Rail Project recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor's spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.

The delegation, led by the Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang of Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Chairman of Mota-Engil Nigeria, Mr. Kola Karim, met with the Governor at the Kano State Governor's Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, to brief him on the level of preparations for the commencement of the project.

The Kano Light Rail Project, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a contract sum of ₦1.05 trillion, is expected to transform urban transportation in Kano, improve connectivity, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across the state.

Governor Yusuf welcomed the delegation and reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Government to working closely with the Federal Government and the project contractors to ensure the successful execution of the landmark infrastructure project.

He described the light rail initiative as a strategic investment that will strengthen Kano's position as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria while providing residents with a modern, safe and efficient mass transit system.

The Governor further expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tunubu for considering to benefit from the laudable project. 

He also extended special gratitude to Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman House Committee on Appropriation for providing necessary legislative support on the project.

FG Awards Contracts for Key Bridges, Commissions Major Projects in Taraba

The Federal Government has stepped up infrastructure renewal efforts in Taraba State with the award of contracts for the reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge and the construction of the Bantaje Bridge, both funded by the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

In a statement signed by the head of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Sani Datti, said The Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, made this known during a working visit to Taraba State, where he inspected and commissioned several development projects across Jalingo and other local government areas.

At the Namnai Bridge site along the Wukari Road, the Minister assessed progress on the ongoing reconstruction of the nine-span, 180-metre bridge, which includes a two-kilometre approach road. The project commenced last month and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic activity in the area. He also visited the proposed location for the Bantaje Bridge, underscoring government’s determination to restore critical transport links.

During a courtesy visit to the Government House in Jalingo, the Minister emphasised that the intervention projects were designed to directly impact citizens’ lives. He highlighted NEDC’s statewide initiatives, including installation of streetlights across all local government areas, execution of water supply schemes, and targeted support for underserved and vulnerable populations.

In Jalingo, the Minister commissioned key institutional and healthcare projects, including the Institute of Entrepreneurship Building at Taraba State University, a Virology Laboratory, and an MRI Block at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

The inspection tour extended to Zing, where he inaugurated a renovated and fully equipped 60-bed ward at Zing General Hospital and formally handed it over to the Taraba State Government.

 Additionally, three newly constructed two-bedroom staff quarters were delivered to enhance accommodation for healthcare personnel. According to the Minister, these investments are aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving working conditions for medical staff.

Beyond the state capital, the delegation reviewed projects in Donga and Wukari Local Government Areas. These included the Mega School at Kwararafa University, the ICT Centre at the Federal University Wukari, and NEDC Mass Housing Units, all geared towards expanding access to education, technology, and affordable housing.

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, commended the Federal Government for the strategic interventions and pledged continued collaboration to accelerate development across the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with federal authorities in attracting more impactful projects that will uplift the living standards of the people of Taraba.