Agriculture
RUGA Gets N2.2bn in 2019 Budget

By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, Senator Ita Enang has called on States in the southern part of the country to support the implementation of the proposed Ruga cattle settlement programme by making land available.
The Presidential aide disclosed that a whopping N2.
258 billion was provided for the implementation of the Ruga programme in the 2019 budget.Enang is who made the appeal at the weekend when he hosted Students of Law School Abuja from Akwa Ibom State, said that the word – Ruga is not derived from Hausa or Fulani, but an acronym for Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiated in 1956 during the colonial era and is not intended to islamize, fulanized or colonize anybody.
Supporting his claims, Enang cited the 2019 federal budget, volume 1 under the ministry of agricultural and rural development item number ERGP 5208 where the sum of N2.258bn was provided and budgeted for the grazing programme.
He maintained that the national assembly members are not against the Ruga programme because they aware of it and had been approving funds for it’s implementation.
Besides the over N2 billion appropriated for the Ruga there were also budgeted sum of N300 million for water sanitation, N400 million development for sweet potatoes, N350 million for ginger development amongst several other budgeted.
He said that the ruga policy is just one component of the budget under the ministry of agriculture.
Though President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the suspension of the Programme following a widespread protest against the implementation of the Programme in most states across the country especially in the middle belt and southern region.
But the presidential aide stressed that the objective of the budget for ruga is to promote cattle breeding and meet production.
He explained that the ruga programme is an integrated farm system which has schools, good road, tractors and mechanisatiom, agricultural integration.
with a provision for primary healthcare, vetinery, schools.
Senator Enang callee on the governor of Akwa Ibom State to also provide land for the establishment of RUGA in the states while urging the federal government to include his state amongst the benefiting states.
He, however, disclosed that asides the budgeted sum for Ruga in the 2019 expenditure, there is another sum provided for the emergency Ruga implementation programme approved in May by the National Economic Council for states that will make land available.
Enang said that since 1999 he has been hosting students of Law School from Akwa Ibom State but this was specifically to enlighten them on the objective of Ruga programme against the misconceptions making the orunds .
Enang served in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011, the elected senate in 2011 to 2015 and appointed SSA to the President on National Assembly (Senate) matters to date.
”One of the rumours was that President Buhari was going to acquire land people’s feed cow, ” he said.
He asked the law students one after the other what they know about Ruga and each and everyone gave his view on the issue.
Some said they have not known much about the real issue because government was yet to enlighten them on it.
Senator Enang said that Ruga is not a Hausa or Fulani word but an acronym for Rural Grazing Areas.
According to him the Ruga programme started in Nigeria since 1956, adding that it is not only for rearing cattle but farming and rearing of other animals.
”Ruga is not a plan to seize land from people neither and it’s not meant to fulanize or colonize anybody.
”The Programme is meant to address the issue of cattle roaming and destruction of farmland which would put an end to the herders/farmers crisis, ” Enang explained.
According to the presidential aide, people in the south have farm settlements and plantations which he equates to Ruga.
”The idea of Ruga graduated in 1978 into the Land Use Act which states that a portion of land has to be reserved for grazing to avoid the destruction of farm produce by cattle.
”Over time cattle roamed and destroyed farms hence the introduction of the policy to address the issue, ” he said.
He noted that in places like the north, earth dams were constructed to cater for cattle.
He expressed shocks over the inability of some states governors to understand the policy.
One of the first Ruga programmes is Obudu Cattle Ranch and the Yankari Games Reserve.
He said that every year there has been allocation for the continuous funding of grazing areas.
The height of the herders/farmers crisis led to the introduction of the ruga policy May 8, by the federal government mostly in the middle belt region and some states in North east and north west.
He said that it was the National Economic Council (NEC) that approved the establishment of the emergency Ruga policy but wondered by some governors were denying been part of the approval.
The FG is not any way trying to takeover anybody’s land for ruga adding that land under the land use act is on the hands of state government.
He faulted the claims by some governors that it was meant to Fulanize peole.
He said that the emergency ruga programme did not involve any state in the South East, South West and the South South because the areas that had the problems were about 10 states mainly North Central, and few states in North West and North East.
Responding to questions from the law students he said in most places wealth is measured by the number of cattle one has.
Senator Enang said that people in the southern part of the country preferred the local cow because it’s more nutritious than the ones brought from the north.
He urged the states in the south to open up their lands for ruga.
He said those in the habit of abusing their leaders who buy into the ruga programme are not well informed on the policy adding that their representatives in the national assembly unanimously passed the budget for Ruga and the ministers from all the states of the federation also approved the ruga at NEC.
He further highlighted that each state has a representative at the Federal executive council just like NASS.
He said that the president is very sensitive to the plight of Nigerian hence the call for the suspension of the Ruga picy.
The Ruga is an investment programme that will generate money for the state and the country at large.
Ruga (Rural Grazing Areas) started in 1956.
He appealed to all Nigerians to stop politicizing the implementation of the ruga policy.
He said that if lawyers understand, the world will understand.
The students appreciated the senator appealing to government to increase its public enlightenment programme to enable the citizens understand better its policies and programmes in order to avoid rancor.
Ndifrake Inyang, leader of the Akwa Ibom State Students of the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus, said: “We came here today to pay a courtesy call on Senator Ita Enang in keeping with his 20 years tradition of hosting law students being that he is a lawyer we came to learn from his wealth of experience.
“Today the distinguished senator took a different dimension by enlightening us on the issue of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).
I recalled that about two months ago there was crisis in Taraba and Benue states. While I was growing up in my own place (Cross River State) we had a similar issue and this has been on for many years.
“Personally, I didn’t have the right notion about RUGA but I reserved my comment on that at that time because as a lawyer you don’t have to talk until you know all the facts. So having known the facts about the entire process, I am happy and I am in better position to educate others on the subject matter.
“Sincerely speaking the RUGA is something that everybody would want to have because of the economic derivatives. I also want the RUGA settlement in my state Akwa Ibom so that there will be employment and our people can benefit from it and also put to an end the national crisis so that we will have one peace Nigeria.”
Another law student Anastasia Ligiounim Ugbaka, an indigene of Obudu, Cross River State, said that the notion by most Nigerians is that the federal government want to take land from the people and islamize the country the RUGA programme.
She urged the government to expand the Obudu Cattle ranch and increase the number of cattle and other animals so as to create jobs.
She advised the federal government that when implement the RUGA policy they should go about it with caution so as not to ignite crisis because some people still hold divergence view on the issue.
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Agriculture
Nigeria Misses out on $180bn Global Cassava Processing Market

By Torough David , Abuja
With a current production capacity of 62.69 million and holding the position of the largest producer of cassava in the world, Nigeria is missing out of the $180 billion global cassava processing market.
The country’s cassava value chain, although hampered by local consumption, has the potential to drive economic growth and attract foreign investments.
Stakeholders in the value chain say that with improved yield, provision of credits for farmers and accessibility of lands, the country could tap into the $180 billion processed market.
The conversion of fermented cassava into high-quality products—such as High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF), cassava starch, bioethanol, and sweeteners (glucose and sorbitol) — could aid in cushioning forex scarcity in Nigeria.
“Nigeria, as the world’s largest cassava producer, generates approximately 18 percent of global cassava output but captures merely 2 percent of the crop’s vast $180 billion global processing market,” said Olayinka David-West, dean of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.
David-West reiterated that despite cassava’s substantial production scale—feeding millions daily through staple foods like Garri and fufu and sustaining the livelihoods of approximately 14 million smallholder farmers—over 90 percent of Nigeria’s cassava harvest remains relegated to low-value and food-grade uses.
“This significantly constrains farmer incomes and limits broader economic impact,” she added.
Escalating global demand for industrial cassava products offers Nigeria a significant market opportunity to expand beyond traditional uses, she says.
According to the International Trade Centre, global cassava derivative exports have grown over 20 percent annually in recent years, underscoring robust international demand for industrial cassava products.
Meanwhile, Olayinka Majekodunmi, partner at Boston Consulting Group, emphasised that cassava in its HQCF form serves as a strategic alternative to imported wheat flour, essential for Nigeria’s bakery and snack sectors.
This is imperative as Nigeria imports 98 percent of its wheat needs, amounting to an average of $2 billion annually.
“HQCF presents substantial import substitution potential, potentially unlocking a $600 million market. Currently, utilisation remains low at 5 percent, yet scaling to 20 percent is achievable, given existing facilities are underutilised by approximately 50 percent,” he said.
On the investment opportunities in cassava starch, he explained that it is commonly used in paper, textile and pharmaceutical industries.
“Domestic production significantly lags demand, which grows at approximately 5.2 percent annually, representing a substantial market gap. Capturing this gap could realistically secure an additional $485 million, bolstering local manufacturing capabilities.”
But to conveniently tap into this pool of wealth, stakeholders argue that production must first of all be ramped up.
How production can be bolstered
Although current cassava yields average 6 tons per hectare compared to a global benchmark of 25 tons per hectare. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that bridging this yield gap could boost production by an additional 11 million metric tons.
“Key investments are needed in superior, disease-resistant varieties, mechanization, agronomic training, and post-harvest handling improvements to reduce losses,” David-West said.
She said cassava processing costs in Nigeria remain high, often quadrupling in off-grid areas due to unreliable power supply.
Hence, most processing facilities operate 50 percent below capacity, further lowering efficiency.
According to her, this calls for strategic investments in modern processing technologies, renewable energy infrastructure, and agro-industrial clusters.
Echoing her words, Majekodunmi said access to affordable finance remains a major challenge. He urged the development of tailored financial instruments such as patient capital and concessional loans, coupled with securing long-term off-take agreements, which will mitigate risks.
Stakeholders believe that the country has what it takes to drive value addition in the sector, but it requires intentional efforts to bolster yield per hectare and production capacity.
Key industrial derivatives
Among cassava derivatives, four key products present immediate high-growth opportunities, collectively representing a market of approximately $2 billion:
High-Quality Cassava Flour
HQCF serves as a strategic alternative to imported wheat flour, essential for Nigeria’s bakery and snack sectors.
With Nigeria importing roughly 98 percent of its wheat consumption—valued at approximately $2 billion annually—HQCF presents substantial import substitution potential, potentially unlocking a $600 million market.
Currently, utilization remains low at 5 percent, yet scaling to 20 percent is achievable, given existing facilities are underutilized by approximately 50 percent.
Industrial starch: Widely used in sectors such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and food additives, local cassava starch offers significant competitive advantages.
Domestic production significantly lags demand, which grows at approximately 5.2 percent annually, representing a substantial market gap.
Capturing this gap could realistically secure an additional $485 million, bolstering local manufacturing capabilities.
Sweeteners (Glucose and Sorbitol)
Nigeria’s rapidly growing sweetener market (18 percent annual growth) remains predominantly import-dependent (95 percent imported), driving up costs for manufacturers.
Cassava-based sweeteners offer a cost-effective alternative, priced considerably lower than imported sucrose.
Companies such as Coca-Cola have indicated strong interest in sourcing locally, underscoring this segment’s immediate scalability and representing a clear $500 million market opportunity.
Bioethanol
Nigeria imports about 26 percent of its ethanol for beverages, pharmaceuticals, and fuel blending, exposing the economy to price volatility.
Cassava-based bioethanol offers significant economic advantages, costing approximately $0.06 per liter less than imported ethanol.
Given Nigeria’s existing ethanol market valued at $420 million, substantial expansion opportunities exist for investors to scale local production.
Agriculture
Don Pushes for Sustainable Environmental Practices

A lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Wisdom Japhet has called on Nigerians to adopt practices that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
Japhet made the call on Tuesday in Abuja on the sidelines of a training workshop on environmental standards.
The workshop was organized by the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Centre of Excellence (SPESSECE ABU), in collaboration with the World Bank.
Japhet, who also serves as the Director of SPESSECE ABU, emphasised the importance of environmental awareness in developmental planning.
He said the goal of the training was to instill in participants the knowledge and capacity to integrate environmental considerations into development projects.
“The aim is to build capacity in the area of sustainable development.
“Every developmental activity must be sustainable. We are training participants to consider environmental impacts and provide consultancy for projects that may have negative consequences on the environment,” he said.
He added that certification in environmental management was becoming increasingly essential, as global standards now prioritise it.
“It’s very important for Nigerians to be both environmentally and socially aware. When you harm the environment, you harm people by extension,” Japhet stated.
He called on stakeholders in both public and private sectors to participate in the SPESSECE training and become certified.
According to him, the programme also equips participants with tools to anticipate environmental issues in projects, including planning for mitigation strategies.
“Most developmental activities have some environmental impact, and if those are not addressed, they cannot be considered sustainable. We must develop, but not at the expense of the environment,” he said.
On the issue of noise pollution, Japhet noted that everyone had a role to play in protecting the environment.
Also speaking, Dr Soala Martyns-Yellowe, an environmental practitioner, said that the SPESSECE project aimed to improve Nigeria’s capacity to manage environmental, social, and procurement standards.
He said the initiative was crucial as Nigeria strived to meet its development goals.
“The idea is to mainstream environmental and social frameworks into national systems,” he said.
Martyns-Yellowe urged relevant agencies to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of noise pollution and enforce existing regulations to mitigate its effects.
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Agriculture
Ondo to Partner FUTA on Wildlife Conservation

The Ondo State Government said it will partner with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), on the restoration and development of OSSE River Park to international standards for eco-tourists attraction.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Segun Odusanya stated this during a meeting with the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology and Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management of the institution.
Odusanya, who said that there was a need to partner national and international organisations, explained that the state government welcomed technical and logistic support to enhance the park’s restoration and conservation.
“The OSSE River Park is the state’s only conservation park which provides a habitat for wild animals, but it requires attention due to human activities,” he said.
Also, Mr Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism in the ministry, emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation and ecotourism, saying that the park covered 285.79 km²
According to him, the benefits of ecotourism include revenue generation, economic incentives, awareness, and research support.
Ibosiola, however, acknowledged the challenges of ensuring sustainable practices and balancing economic benefits with conservation goals.
Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi and Prof. Adekunle Ogunjinmi, from the two departments in FUTA, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to harness the park’s potential.
The duo said the international bodies were willing to provide support for wildlife conservation and ecotourism development.
They promised to schedule a visit to assess the park’s condition and determine the level of intervention required.