The National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN) has pledged to plant one billion mango trees across the country within four years to boost food security.
Prof. Umar Kangiwa, President of the association, made the pledge at the commemoration of World Food Day in Abuja on Friday.
The theme for 2026 is “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Kangiwa said the initiative had been launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that mango trees could generate wealth for successive generations.
He urged the Federal and state governments, development partners and individuals to support the initiative by planting mango trees in homes and offices.
“The programme will run over the next four years. We appeal to the Federal Government and development partners to support the initiative, and we urge individuals to plant mango trees in their homes and offices,” he said.
Similarly, Dr Nkechi Okafor, Chairperson of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), FCT Chapter, said food security was achievable with the right policies and actions.
Speaking on behalf of farmers, Okafor said food was essential to human survival, adding that the World Food Day theme called for practical action.
She called for gender-friendly agricultural equipment to improve women’s participation in mechanised farming.
Okafor said the tractors currently available through the Agricultural Seed Council could not be operated by women.
“They should produce tractors that can be driven by women.
“I appeal for deliberate innovation that includes women farmers in mechanisation efforts,” she said.
World Food Day is observed annually on Oct. 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1945.
The day also raises awareness of hunger, food security and the need for sustainable food systems.
