Nigeria News Digest: September 2, 2025

At a stakeholder meeting in Minna, Dr. Fatima K. Aliyu urged a ban on imported cassava derivatives, arguing they undermine local producers and stunt sector growth compared with rice. She highlighted Niger State's comparative advantage in cassava cultivation and its potential to attract agro‑industries if domestic processing is prioritized.

The Bauchi State Agro‑Climatic Resilience in Semi‑Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project opened a transparent bidding process for 40 tractors intended to raise agricultural productivity and food security. Officials, including the state environment commissioner and project coordinators, attended the ceremony and called on bidders to ensure fairness to support the state's farming resilience.

The United Kingdom pledged $7.5 million in debt financing to bolster agriculture and food security in northern Nigeria. Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter said the funds will improve smallholder farmers' access to finance, quality inputs, climate‑smart training and reliable market linkages, supporting climate‑vulnerable regions and broader economic resilience.

A joint Micro Cassava Enterprise Support Programme by CATO Foods, Agroallied Global Concepts and the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation is equipping 100 smallholder farmers in Osun State with inputs, training and guaranteed market access. The initiative, praised by local traditional leaders, exemplifies how private‑sector and development partners can transform cassava farming livelihoods.