In a bid to tackle the rising threat of severe malnutrition and anaemia among displaced populations, the Federal Government, alongside the Niger State Government, flagged off the distribution of emergency food and micronutrient supplies in Minna on Saturday. The intervention, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, targets internally displaced persons, particularly pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five whose health has been severely compromised by ongoing banditry and recurring floods. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction stated that the relief materials were deliberately structured to address essential micronutrient deficiencies and prevent severe…
Author: Tina George
In a direct response to the deepening water crisis gripping the Niger State capital, a non-governmental organization, Saf-She Enterprise, has provided five hours of free water access to residents across three major communities in Minna. The intervention targeted neighborhoods where the collapse of public water infrastructure has forced households to rely almost exclusively on expensive commercial boreholes and private vendors. By offsetting the costs typically charged by borehole operators, the organization enabled hundreds of residents to fill their containers without charge, offering a brief reprieve from the financial and physical strain of the city’s persistent scarcity. Safiya Yaman Muhammad, the…
In a bold move to sanitise the solid minerals sector, the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal mining operations and unregistered mineral trading points. This was declared when the Ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development conducted a high-level joint regulatory inspection and stakeholder engagement at the Gada Daya and Gada Eregi mining sites along Bida Road in Niger state. The inspection, which took place on Tuesday, targeted rampant illegal mining activities, revenue leakages, and lack of proper documentation in the area. Led by the Commissioner, Hon. Mohammed…
The Niger State Government has pledged to strengthen support for the cultivation and promotion of bio-fortified crops as part of a broader strategy to combat malnutrition and improve nutrition outcomes, especially among children and women. The commitment was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mathew Ahmed, during an advocacy visit by the Niger State chapter of the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) in Minna. Ahmed said the ministry is prioritising nutrition-sensitive agriculture by scaling up the production of bio-fortified crops enriched with essential micronutrients such as Vitamin A and Zinc.…
The Boys Brigade Nigeria in Niger State Council has opposed the controversial Hisbah Bill recently passed by the Niger State House of Assembly , describing the legislation as a threat to peace and stability in the state. In a 12-point communiqué signed by its State Secretary Organising, Mr. Samson Japhet Pada, the council aligned with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State Chapter, which had earlier condemned the bill and urged Governor not to sign it into law. The Boys Brigade said Niger State, grappling with security and economic challenges, requires legislation that addresses insecurity and drives development…
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has rejected the proposed establishment of a Hisbah Commission in Niger State, warning that the bill raises constitutional, legal and social concerns in a multi-religious society. In a press statement signed by its spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, the forum aligned with the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State Chapter, urging the state government to halt the proposed framework. The group said the move, being considered by the Niger State House of Assembly under the administration of Farmer Governor Muhammad Bago, could be perceived as institutional preference for a particular religion.…
In a bid to transform how climate change is covered in the media, a consortium of Nigerian organizations has trained journalists to focus on its real-world impacts on livelihoods, health, and governance. Held in Abuja, the workshops gathered reporters from radio, TV, print, and online platforms. Participants honed skills in solutions-oriented storytelling, ethical reporting, and framing climate issues through governance and accountability lenses. Led by Goldapples Media Associates in partnership with Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC) and African Newspage, the initiative emphasized connecting environmental challenges to everyday Nigerian experiences, such as food security, jobs, and public services. CEO…
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has issued an urgent call to state governors to immediately unlock the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), warning that the failure to release counterpart funding is crippling efforts to combat a deadly anaemia epidemic ravaging the country. Speaking in Abuja during a media workshop on the Media Role for Anaemia Prevention, the organisation described the CNF as a “win-win” lifeline where every Naira released by a state government is matched by donors to provide double the value in life-saving nutrition commodities. CS-SUNN’s Executive Secretary, Mr Sunday Okonkwo lamented that despite the availability…
On paper, the Nigerian agricultural sector is swimming in cash. In the corridors of the National Assembly and the sleek PowerPoint presentations of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the narrative is one of “massive production” and “restoration.” Yet, in the dusty markets of Minna, the overflowing grain silos of Kano, and the farm settlements of Benue, the reality is starkly different. Despite the Federal Government increasing the agriculture budget in recent years, the average Nigerian is paying more for food today than at any point in recent history. As we settle into 2026, a critical question hangs…
The Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Borgu and Agwara local government areas of Niger state which left over 40 people dead, a market razed, and numerous residents abducted. The group described the assaults as “brutal” and urged federal and state authorities to intensify security measures and rescue efforts. In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Forum’s spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, the Forum expressed deep concern over the coordinated attacks that occurred on Saturday, January 4. The violence resulted in the burning of Kasuwan Daji market and the kidnapping of women…