Nigeria News Digest: August 5, 2025

Public concerns have resurged in Nigeria over genetically modified cowpea, despite regulatory approval, highlighting ongoing debates about food safety and chemical contamination.

Neony Market Agents has joined forces with Joburg Market to connect small-scale farmers with formal buyers and financial support, helping them break into the formal market.

Militia attacks in Benue have driven women from their farmlands, exacerbating food insecurity and disrupting local food chains, with significant implications for national food supply.

Vice President Shettima announced plans to extend Nigeria's special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZ) project to 10 states by the first quarter of 2026, in collaboration with the African Development Bank.

The Yobe State government distributed multi-billion naira agricultural empowerment packages to all 17 local government areas, aiming to boost food security and rural livelihoods.

An economist emphasized that for tangible development, Nigeria needs significant economic growth exceeding population expansion, noting the underperformance of industries compared to services in the national GDP.