By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has entered a new partnership with the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) to accelerate rice production in Nigeria.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Oshadiya Olanipekun, disclosed this during the 2025 Annual Rice Sector Review in Abuja. The meeting reviewed progress under the National Rice Development Strategy II (2020–2030) and explored ways to strengthen partnerships and investments in the sector.
Dr. Ogunbiyi said Nigeria’s rice sector has recorded improvements in yields, processing capacity, and youth and women participation. He stressed that fresh investments in mechanization, climate-smart technologies, and modern milling facilities are needed to sustain progress, reduce imports, and ensure food security.
Representatives from JICA, Africa Rice, IFAD, and CARD attended the review. CARD Regional Adviser, Mike Nasamu, noted that rice remains central to Nigeria’s food system and called the collaboration vital for building sustainability.
