Finance
FG rolls out Initiative to Boost Wheat Production with Subsidized Agricultural Support
In a bid to enhance local wheat production and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported wheat, the Federal Government has launched the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, aims to strengthen the nation’s food security and promote sustainable agricultural development.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, announced the launch of the program in his office in Abuja on Friday, highlighting its significant role in driving economic growth and improving agricultural productivity.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement indicated that the scheme’s target is 280,000 smallholder farmers across 16 wheat-producing states.
Explaining further, the Statement pointed out that It is designed to provide vital financial support through subsidies on inputs, which include, 25% subsidy on certified wheat seed and 50% Subsidy on fertilizers, aimed at reducing the financial burden on farmers
To ensure the success of the initiative, the statement said farmers are expected to contribute resources for one hectare of irrigated land.
“In most states, farmers will receive 50kg of Urea and 100kg of NPK fertilizers. However, in Jigawa State, the subsidy package will be enhanced due to the state’s soil requirements and commitment to boosting wheat output.
“The program is already operational, with 409 redemption centres established, 281 of which are fully functional. As of now, 68,389 farmers have benefitted from the initiative, representing 24.42% of the targeted beneficiaries.
“The input distribution phase will conclude later this month, in line with the wheat planting season.
“To ensure smooth distribution, security measures have been put in place with personnel from the Police, DSS, and NSCDC stationed at redemption centres across the country.”
In his closing remarks, Edun commended the project team for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing that the initiative would bolster food security, support rural economies, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports.
“This scheme represents a monumental step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, empowering farmers, and ensuring the country’s food security. We are confident that this initiative will drive long-term economic benefits,” said Edun.
With this innovative initiative, Nigeria is poised to increase its domestic wheat production, reducing imports and fostering a more prosperous, food-secure future.
Finance
Nigeria Partners with Bloomberg to Enhance Global Investment Appeal
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has announced a strategic partnership with global financial powerhouse Bloomberg to attract foreign investments and reshape the country’s economic narrative.
The partnership, which spans two years, aims to highlight Nigeria’s economic potential and investment opportunities across key sectors.
Speaking during a meeting in Abuja with Mr. Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nicole Keefe, Bloomberg’s Global Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s growth story globally.
Bloomberg plans to utilize its expansive media network to showcase Nigeria’s achievements, counter outdated perceptions, and address investor concerns.
CEO of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang emphasized that the partnership would spotlight major government projects, including the Real Estate Investment Fund and gas pipeline initiatives. These efforts are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s image as a progressive and investment-friendly economy.
Director of Information and Public Relations in finance ministry, Mohammed Manga, in a statement quoted Minister Edun on his part to have underscored the importance of strategic communication in promoting the government’s economic reforms and attracting investors.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would help unlock new opportunities and solidify Nigeria’s position as a leading investment destination.
The initiative marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to redefine its global image, stimulate economic growth, and build stronger international partnerships.
Finance
CBN Unveils New Strategies to Stabilize Forex Market, Boost Economic Growth
Nigeria’s Economic Management Team (EMT), led by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has unveiled bold strategies to stabilize the country’s foreign exchange (FX) market and drive economic growth.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) presented a series of reforms aimed at improving FX market efficiency, boosting liquidity, and restoring investor confidence. The Ministry of Agriculture also provided updates on agricultural performance and plans to strengthen food security in 2025.
Director of informagion and Publlic relations, Muhammed Manga in a statement indicated the Apex Bank highlighted key reforms, including the launch of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) to enhance transparency and efficiency in the FX market.
To stabilize financial markets, the bank announced the phasing out of high-interest FX swaps and revealed that 80% of FX forward obligations had already been settled.
These measures, alongside maintaining robust external reserves, the statement indicated have contributed to improved liquidity and exchange rate appreciation.
The reforms reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening economic resilience and creating a more transparent and efficient FX market to support sustainable growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported a 4.5% increase in crop production during the 2024 wet season but acknowledged rising production costs and food price inflation.
Maize production costs surged by 69.7%, while cowpea prices spiked by 300%, exacerbating food crises in 31 states, especially in the North East.
The statement indicated that Mechanization improved marginally, with 2% growth in tractor use and a 2.3% increase in cultivated farmland.
Looking ahead, the government plans to scale up hybrid seed production and climate-smart technologies, Promote export crops such as cocoa, sesame, and ginger to boost revenue, invest in rural infrastructure, including cold chain facilities feeder roads, and electrification to support farming and reduce post-harvest loses.
Edun commended the CBN’s reforms and agricultural progress, urging stakeholders to build on the momentum.
“We remain focused on ensuring stability in the FX market, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable growth. These reforms align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and will deliver affordable food and improved living standards for Nigerians,” he said.
With ongoing reforms in the FX market and agriculture, the EMT expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome current economic challenges and achieve long-term prosperity
Finance
FG Targets ₦50trn Budget for 2025: Wale Edun Unveils Bold Economic Growth Plan
The Federal Government has announced a transformative ₦50 trillion budget for 2025, setting ambitious targets to accelerate economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance the living standards of Nigerians.
Unveiling the plan at a Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Session in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, outlined strategic priorities aimed at building on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Durector of information and public relations in the Ministry, Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted Edun to have highlighted key achievements, to include a fiscal deficit reduction to 4.4%, a dramatic drop in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, from 149% in 2023 to 67%,Foreign reserves boosted by $10 billion, now standing at $42 billion and GDP growth of 3.5%, with projections of 4.6% in 2025 and over 6% by 2027.
“These reforms demonstrate our commitment to laying a solid foundation for sustained and inclusive economic growth,” Edun said.
He enumerated key sectoral investments to Expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG), LPG, and renewable energy initiatives, alongside increased local refining capacity.
In agriculture indicated that Large-scale dry and wet season farming was embarked upon to enhance food security and job creation.
In Industry he pointed to the Investments in Nigeria’s thriving digital economy and local manufacturing to drive industrialization.
In Social Protection he said Direct benefit transfers and low-interest SME loans were rolled out to empower small businesses and alleviate poverty.
The ₦50 trillion proposed budget he indicated included ₦35 trillion in projected revenue which nearly double the 2024 level.
“Strategic investments will focus on infrastructure, social welfare, consumer credit, housing, and healthcare.”
Edun stressed the importance of mobilizing $20 billion in investments annually to achieve Nigeria’s economic growth targets by 2027.
The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and efficient resource management.
She described the Ministry’s performance in 2024 as commendable, particularly in revenue generation.
“Through deliberate reforms, Nigeria is firmly on the path to becoming a global economic powerhouse,” Uzoka-Anite said.
Mr. Edun expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, saying: “Our bold reforms and investments are setting the stage for a prosperous future where every Nigerian can thrive.”
The session underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s economy through robust reforms and people-centered policies.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News11 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro9 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News12 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu