With Nigeria grappling with significant food insecurity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation has launched an agricultural training programme aimed at empowering vulnerable farmers in Akwa Ibom State.
Persecondnews reports that the programme seeks to equip beneficiaries with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.
The Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, represented by Dr. Bala David, Executive Director of Programme Development and Coordinator at the launch, noted the organization’s commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development aimed at making food affordable and available to Nigerians.
“This programme is a testament to our unwavering commitment to food security, economic empowerment, and national development,” she said.
“Our goal is to equip every participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production.”
According to the Cadre Harmonisé Report (March 2024), approximately 31.5 million Nigerians face food insecurity.
The report also projects that 4.6 million people in the BAY states will experience crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity during the lean season from June to September 2025.
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for over 70% of Nigeria’s population, but limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets hinders many farmers, Arukwe said.
She noted that the NNPC Foundation’s goal is to empower farmers to move beyond subsistence production. By providing training and resources, the organization aims to increase food availability and affordability for Nigerians.
The programme aligns with the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, focusing on enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The NNPC Foundation believes that this training program can revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and secure a food-sufficient and economically stable future for all.
“Together with our partners, government representatives, and stakeholders, we can revolutionize Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and secure a food-sufficient and economically stable future for all,” Arukwe said.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, commended the NNPC Foundation for its commitment to food security.
She appealed to the foundation to extend the programme to other farmer groups, highlighting that Akwa Ibom State has over 10,000 farmers.
“I want to express the appreciation of the Akwa Ibom State government to the NNPC for mounting this laudable programme.”
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