The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has announced a three-day general assembly aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, President of AFAN, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
Scheduled for January 15–17 at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the assembly will also focus on food security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Describing the event as the “highest gathering of farmers in the country,” Rabiu-Mudi said it will bring together stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
“This assembly will drive positive change in the agricultural sector as we work toward achieving food security in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Participants are expected to include academics, research institutes, relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as other key players in the sector. Workshops will be held to identify and promote the comparative advantages of different states in agricultural production.
Rabiu-Mudi noted that while food prices are declining, farmers have not seen proportional returns due to rising input costs. “These gaps must be closed so that farmers can be encouraged again,” he said.
The assembly will also focus on food sustainability, sufficiency, and affordability of agricultural commodities.
In addition, AFAN plans to honor public officials who have contributed significantly to agricultural development. Two governors from each geopolitical zone, three senators, five members of the House of Representatives, and speakers of state assemblies will be recognized, along with three local government chairmen from each state.
Rabiu-Mudi expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen collaboration among input dealers, agro-processors, marketers, and other stakeholders to address food insecurity. “Achieving food security is achieving the general security of the nation,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu for increasing funding to the Bank of Agriculture and expressed hope that the bank, alongside commercial banks, would support the assembly.
AFAN is recognized as the apex body of commodity and agriculture-related associations in Nigeria.
