WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has validated the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria (NGPAST) and its Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030 as part of efforts to promote gender equity, strengthen inclusivity, and enhance food security in the country.
The policy was validated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and other stakeholders during an event held, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described the policy as a practical framework aimed at ensuring equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making for both women and men in the agricultural sector.
Kyari said the initiative represents a major milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to build a more inclusive, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
According to him, agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s national priorities due to its contribution to food security, employment, and economic growth, but persistent gender disparities continue to hinder the full participation of women across the agrifood value chain.
He stated that the policy would strengthen the integration of gender-responsive approaches across agricultural programmes and interventions, which he described as critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
The Minister also acknowledged the support of development partners, including AGRA and GIZ, for their contributions to the development of the policy.
He urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to integrate the policy into their plans, programmes, and budgets, assuring that the Ministry would establish strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure measurable results.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said the Ministry’s interventions align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the agricultural sector.
He disclosed that one of the Ministry’s flagship initiatives is the development of a Standard Framework for Ease of Doing Agriculture and Food Security, with strong emphasis on inclusiveness for women and youths across agricultural ecosystems.
Abdullahi further revealed that in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Ministry has been promoting the “Every Home a Garden” initiative alongside home economics and nutrition knowledge transfer programmes being implemented at state and local government levels under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to him, flagship programmes such as the Renewed Hope Mechanization Programme have prioritised inclusivity, with women farmers among the first beneficiaries.
He added that the Renewed Hope Cooperative Revamp Programme is also designed to expand access to agricultural support services for women, youths, and smallholder farmers nationwide.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by the Director of the Department of Farm Input Support Services, Mr Abana Waziri Abba, said the policy would address major challenges affecting gender inclusion and productivity in the agricultural sector.
He noted that the initiative would improve coordination, strengthen access to agricultural inputs, and enhance the participation of vulnerable groups in agribusiness.
Representatives of ActionAid Nigeria, AGRA, GIZ, the Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders attended the event.
The highlight of the programme was the official launch of the Revised National Gender Policy on Agrifood Systems Transformation for Nigeria (NGPAST) and its Strategic Plan of Action for 2025–2030.
