Food

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) has launched a new National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) to address food insecurity and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The initiative, announced after the 5th Steering Committee meeting in Abuja, aims to improve coordination and investment across federal, state, and local levels using data and digital tools.

As part of its outreach, the PFSCU introduced the “Harvesting Hope Caravan,” a nationwide tour to engage communities through town halls and demonstrations.

Meanwhile, rising challenges in wheat and rice production prompted the creation of an emergency task force to assess and mitigate risks.

To enhance food security monitoring, the PFSCU is collaborating with the National Security Adviser and the FAO to develop an AI-powered early warning system.

Additionally, the $1.1 billion ‘Green Imperative Project’ is advancing, with 774 farms onboarded and six equipment hubs established to support farmers.

With regional offices set up for data-driven policymaking, the PFSCU reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing Nigeria’s food systems through innovation and partnerships.

The move comes as food security grows increasingly tied to national stability.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Why are the Nigerians not having enough food to eat? Why? That is the question we need to answer. Statistics paint a grim picture and the anecdotal evidence is there. We have working farmers but numbers say people are not eating well.

The above was paraphrased from the address of the Chairman, Media Trust Group, at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue and Presentation of Unsung Heroes, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on 23 January 2025. One does not need an emeritus to explain the reasoning behind the choice of theme.

As an individual with a background in agriculture, I have often had serious discussions with two close friends about the true value of our certificates. If we cannot make a tangible impact on curbing hunger, which continues to plague Nigerians, then what is the point? The alarming statistics of hunger and malnutrition only paint a bleaker picture each year.

We never really take into account other graduates from different subsectors of agriculture, but we somehow always come to the conclusion that we are part of the reason millions of Nigerians go hungry, and we hope to make a difference in the near future, dumping the noise and swinging into real action.

It is this very concern that drives my desire to attend conferences or dialogues like the aforementioned, but circumstances did not permit it. Thankfully, technology has been birthed and it came to the rescue. The organisers provided live coverage across Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, which I was able to access, allowing me to participate in the programme, albeit not until the very end.

It was a session to examine the current state of affairs and an open floor for discussion on how to make food available and affordable. Pundits brainstormed Nigeria’s vast fertile land, large bodies of water and adequate rainfall in each geopolitical zone, suitable for various crops and rearing animals, explored and seeked to decode how despite these rich agrarian factors hunger perseveres when there should be no correlation at all.

Farmer-herder clashes, a misunderstanding that has escalated from cultivated lands to homes, affecting innocent women and children, were deliberated upon, along with their impact on optimum crop production. In my view, our inability to properly harness pasture and rangeland is a contributory factor.

To put things into perspective, in a class, we studied over ten plants that, when cultivated, can provide sustenance for our livestock. This not only helps resolve clashes, but also reduces competition for valuable food resources between humans and domesticated animals, until we achieve self-sufficiency.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods was another talking point. Exploring and tweaking specific genetic traits for better quality in other plants or animals is not new in agriculture. Before we sort ethical issues surrounding GMOs for long term solution on food availability, attention must be paid on short term remedy for same, and affordability.

Post harvest spoilage or waste was another concern. Even as these food items, especially perishables, are not sufficiently abundant, during harvest, a lot go to waste without arriving markets. What does this tell us? There is the ability to produce sufficiently but, as a nation it becomes imperative to invest in processing and storage infrastructure to arrest the issue of availability and affordability, it is basic economic principle of demand and supply.

Insecurity remains the bane of farmers. Many have abandoned their lands in order to remain alive, frankly, no one blames them. In offering solution, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said there is a need to defoliate forests in Nigeria which serves as safe haven for criminal elements – bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and Lakurawa alike.

He alluded to the fact that his idea may not sit well with climate change and environmental enthusiasts but stood firmly by this suggestion. This idea may not necessarily be out of place when we zoom our lens to realities of food availability and affordability. What I must add, if this is not welcomed, stakeholders should have a round table talk on other ways to save lives and tackle food insecurity without defoliation.

Present during the dialogue was the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha. Among a lot of things he said Nigerians are tired of saying the country has “potential”, stressing that it is time to ”activate” it. Although we must know the potentials before attempting to activate, his assertion is oncourse, our potentials have since been established.

According to him, policies should address the issue where people produce for only family consumption with little to sell while also highlighting the need to change the way we do things in the agricultural sector, for us to get a different outcome. Rightly captured but do average farmers have at their disposal sophisticated tools to produce for family and market? our practice is still largely primitive you know.

I am a believer that every citizen has a role to play for the betterment of Nigeria but importantly, leadership bears greater responsibility therefore, I was happy the Minister and a representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives – both in positions to “make things happen” – were present or represented among other stakeholders.

Overall, the dialogue was critical, informative, and enlightening, but we hope to see where we go from here in our efforts to make food available and affordable.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached on: dahirulawal90@gmail.com

By Onumoh Abdulwaheed 

Northern Nigeria is facing an increasingly severe malnutrition crisis, with recent data revealing a stark escalation in cases. UNICEF reports that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a 32% prevalence rate among children under five. An estimated 2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), yet only 20% receive treatment.

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the situation has worsened dramatically in 2024. Dr. Sanjana Tirima reports alarming increases across northern Nigeria. In Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, MSF’s inpatient therapeutic feeding centre admitted 1,250 severely malnourished children with complications in April 2024, double the figure from April 2023. The centre has had to expand to 350 beds, far exceeding its initial 200-bed capacity.

Similar trends are seen elsewhere. In Bauchi state, MSF’s facility at Kafin Madaki Hospital saw a 188% increase in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 in the admissions of severely malnourished children. Northwestern states like Zamfara, Kano, and Sokoto have reported increases in admissions to inpatient centres ranging from 20% to 100%.

Dr Christos Christou, MSF’s International President, previously highlighted the multiple challenges facing northern Nigeria, including “overwhelming levels of malnutrition, frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, lack of medical facilities and personnel, and continuous insecurity.” The crisis is further exacerbated by widespread flooding, which has devastated farmlands and displaced millions.

Despite the escalating crisis, the humanitarian response remains inadequate. In May, the United Nations and Nigerian authorities issued an urgent appeal for US$306.4 million to address nutrition needs in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. However, MSF notes this is insufficient as it doesn’t cover other affected parts of northern Nigeria.

Dr Tirima emphasises the situation’s urgency: “Everyone needs to step in to save lives and allow the children of northern Nigeria to grow free from malnutrition and its disastrous long-term, if not fatal, consequences.” She calls for immediate action to diagnose and treat malnourished children and engage in sustained, long-term initiatives to address the root causes of the crisis.

MSF and other organisations stress the need for a comprehensive and urgent response as the situation worsens. “We can’t keep repeating these catastrophic scenarios year after year,” Dr. Tirima warns. “What will it take to make everyone take notice and act?” The crisis in northern Nigeria remains a critical humanitarian concern requiring immediate and sustained attention from national and international stakeholders.

Onumoh Abdulwaheed wrote via onumohabdulwaheed@gmail.com.

By Sumayyah Auwal Ishaq

Some restaurant and relaxation centre owners in Kaduna complained on Sunday of low patronage, blaming the country’s economic situation for their misfortune. Other food and drink sellers told The Daily Reality in Kaduna that they have been experiencing low patronage since January 2024.

“Business has been very dull since the beginning of the year. We are operating virtually at a loss. Our customers now prefer to stay home because of the economic situation,’’ said Alhaji Umar Sani, an eatery owner at Alkali Road, Kaduna.

Another operator, Mrs Aisha Ibrahim, also blamed the dullness in business activities on the economic situation in the country. “It appears that this government is doing everything possible to make sure that our businesses collapse”. She urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the quick recovery of the economy.

Mrs Hadiza Abubakar, another food seller at the Kasuwan Bacci Market, said she was optimistic that things would be better, but she’s running into so much debt.

“We have some customers who don’t have money to pay for their food and have been coming for years. It is not good to deny food to these customers, so we must them on credit. And the problem is that it takes longer now due to the economic condition.”

A customer who simply identified himself as Alhaji Ibrahim Mai Sauki urged Nigerians to pray for the government so that the nation would overcome its challenges.

When The Daily Reality correspondent visited some popular restaurants in the Kaduna metropolis, such as Barnawa, Unguwar Rimi, and Doka, at 2 p.m., peak business activity time in the afternoon, only a few vehicles were parked, while a good number of chairs were empty. Only a handful of people were seen eating and drinking.

By Uzair Adam

Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the federal government’s new nutrition initiative, aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.

The programme, named the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” is set to improve nutritional outcomes in all 774 local government areas of the country.

Shettima emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every household in Nigeria has access to nutritious food, beyond just availability in stores and warehouses.

He noted that the initiative aims to eradicate malnutrition through a community-based approach that empowers local actors, such as health workers and community leaders, to take charge of nutritional improvements in their areas.

At a roundtable meeting with development partners, Shettima called for their collaboration to make the programme a success. He explained that addressing malnutrition requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including the government and development organizations.

The initiative also focuses on training local health professionals to better equip them in handling malnutrition at the grassroots level. Despite recent floods and global inflation affecting food security, Shettima highlighted the need for innovative solutions that directly tackle these challenges.

Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, described the initiative as crucial in addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.

He stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, integrating efforts from agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and social protection sectors to ensure the success of the programme.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

When planning to conceive, couples should often focus on what they eat. Although choosing foods based on mood or preference is common, certain dietary considerations become essential when aiming to have a baby.

Doctors frequently recommend specific foods and advise against others to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s health, reducing the risk of complications or miscarriage.

Fertility refers to the ability of couples to conceive. For those trying to have a child, adjusting the diet is crucial in preparing the body for pregnancy. Research suggests that diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish can significantly improve fertility, particularly in women.

Moreover, these foods can contribute to a healthy start in pregnancy, which is why doctors generally recommend maintaining a nutritious diet during this period.

Conceiving a baby can take time. While 30% of couples get pregnant in the first month of trying, some may still be trying after a year. Although no diet can resolve underlying medical issues affecting fertility, certain foods can support the reproductive system better than others.

These foods are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that enhance ovulation or improve sperm quality and quantity. Since infertility issues can equally involve male partners, it’s advisable for both partners to adopt a fertility-friendly diet.

Protein-Rich Foods: Lean meats like chicken, turkey, pork, and beef (trimmed of excess fat) are excellent sources of protein, zinc, and iron—vital nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, cold-water fish such as salmon, canned light tuna, and sardines are rich in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, which support the development of the baby’s nervous system and reduce the risk of premature birth.

Fish can be included in a fertility diet a few times a week without worrying about mercury levels. However, it is best to avoid fish known for higher mercury content, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel.

Fertility-Boosting Foods: While no specific food guarantees pregnancy, ensuring a healthy diet can support fertility. Below are some foods that are beneficial:

– Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, these are a staple for a fertility-friendly diet.

– Healthy Fats: Incorporating fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil can improve fertility.

– Complex Carbs: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is crucial for reproductive health.

– Eggs: A potent source of protein and choline, eggs are essential for brain development in babies and should be included in a fertility diet.

– Plant Proteins: Beans, nuts, seeds, and tofu are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Studies have shown that plant-based proteins can reduce the risk of ovulatory disorders, especially when they make up 5% of your total calorie intake.

– Dairy: Full-fat dairy products like whole milk and yogurt are linked to higher fertility rates, while low-fat dairy options have been associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility.

– Walnuts: These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, which support brain development and reduce the risk of neurologic problems in the baby.

Lifestyle Factors for Fertility 

– Physical Activity: Regular exercise is beneficial for both male and female fertility, especially for those dealing with obesity. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable types of exercise.

– Stress Management: Trying to conceive can be stressful, and stress can affect menstrual cycles and fertility. It may be helpful to talk with a mental health professional if stress or anxiety about conceiving is overwhelming.

Foods to Avoid: A healthy fertility diet isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also about what you avoid. Here are some foods that might negatively impact fertility:

– Added Sugar: Found in sugary beverages, baked goods, and ultra-processed carbs, added sugars can disrupt hormonal balance.

– Red and Processed Meats: These meats, especially those high in saturated fats, can adversely affect fertility.

– Caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to fertility issues.

– Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can reduce fertility and should be limited or avoided when trying to conceive.

Incorporating fertility-boosting foods into your diet is a delicious and effective way to support reproductive health and increase your chances of conception. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and whole grains, couples can create a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy.

Additionally, staying hydrated, limiting processed foods, and managing stress can contribute to a fertility-friendly lifestyle. While no single food or diet can guarantee pregnancy, making informed dietary choices is a powerful tool in your reproductive journey. Nourish your body, nourish your fertility, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

By Uzair Adam

As poor Nigerians protest against hunger and biting economic hardship, another hardship has emerged, with foodstuff prices skyrocketing in markets following the relaxation of curfew by some state governments.

In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through an announcement by the Kano Police Commissioner, Dogo Salman, relaxed the curfew from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., contrary to the previous 24-hour directive and the subsequent 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. order.

The Daily Reality learned that some local shops had begun to run out of foodstuffs due to the market closures during the hunger protests, fearing attacks from the aggrieved demonstrators who often targeted anything in their path.

As jubilation turns to grief

People were ecstatic following the return to normalcy in the state and the relaxation of the curfew. This led the leadership of the Singa market to reopen for business.

However, the initial joy quickly turned to disappointment as buyers encountered increased foodstuff prices, sparking outrage and accusations of profiteering.

A householder, Malam Ibrahim Umar, condemned the price hikes as unreasonable and merciless.

Not only government is our problem

Umar stated that it is high time that people understand that the trouble with Nigeria is not always from the government side but also us as individuals.

He said, “We must understand that we must change ourselves first. Looking at how the government is treating people, how protesters steal and vandalize properties worth millions of naira, and how our businessmen increase prices so unreasonably, it is enough for us to understand that we are the problem of our country.”

Another household member, Abubakar Umar, also shared Umar’s belief, “We need to change first as these people we are always complaining about are from among us.”

A mother of ten, Hafsat S. Shu’aibu, decried the price increase, calling on market leaders to address the root of the problem, saying, “This is too much for the poor to bear.”

As hope dies

Shu’aibu added that she has begun to lose hope that Nigeria will improve, as the problems stem from multiple sources.

She added, “People should repent to Allah and strive to change themselves because marketers and the government are not from a different world – they come from within us.”

Another household, Nuhu Adamu, lamented that despite the youth protests, he thought things would improve and the government would take steps to alleviate the suffering of the masses, but to no avail.

He stated, “After the protest against hardship, now comes another hardship that only God can save us from, as prices rise and rarely decrease in Nigeria.”

Snacks, bakery business at risk

Another person, Abdulmajid Abubakar, said bakery and snacks businesses are at risk as the price of flour, sold at 63,000 before, increased to 80,000.

He said that with the increase in the price of flour and other ingredients, they have no option but to either decrease the size of the snacks or increase the cost.

He said, “I was so disappointed to know about the increment. It is so ridiculous and unreasonable. We are pleading for government intervention.”

Game of blame

When contacted, the Chairman of the Singa market, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, denied the increase in foodstuff prices, claiming the problem originated with dealers.

He said, “We have received numerous complaints from people and are working hard to address the issue. However, the increase is not from us but from the dealers.”

“As of now, we have started collecting remittances from our traders and dealers to determine the source of the problem,” he added.

However, a local trader who visited the market yesterday to purchase goods refuted the Chairman’s claims.

The person who wished to remain anonymous said, “They have been doing this to us and ultimately make us quarrel with people. They increase the prices first, which justifies our price increases, as business is about profit.”

We can’t fold our hands over artificial inflation

The increment in the price of foodstuffs and the recent alleged artificial inflation have prompted people to register complaints with the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission to intervene.

The Daily Reality recalled that just a few days before the nationwide protest, the commission’s Chairman, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the commission would not stand idly by over the alleged artificial inflation in the state.

Rimin Gado spoke when people bitterly complained about the hike in the price of bread and alleged artificial inflation in the price of foodstuffs in the state, vowing not to remain idle in the face of the alleged inflation by some traders in the market.

Rimin Gado said the commission was working tirelessly to understand the root cause of the inflation and would take even “extraordinary measures to combat the menace if necessary.”

The Daily Reality learned that Rimin Gado’s assertion gave people hope at that time, and they are now looking forward to the commission’s interventions.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A windstorm in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has displaced at least 50 households in the Shagari and Wamakko local government areas.

The Director of Disaster Management, Umar Isa, confirmed that some victims have lost their homes entirely and are now staying with relatives or in temporary accommodations.

According to Isa, the ministry had contacted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over the issue.

He also noted that there were no reports of flooding in the state, despite predictions that some areas would experience flooding.

The state government has been conducting awareness campaigns to prevent flooding in prone areas.

The windstorm has caused significant damage, and the affected households are in need of assistance.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a bid to address rising food inflation and alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, the Federal Government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities. 

The initiative, which is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan, aims to reduce demand for forex by food importers and make food more affordable for Nigerians. 

According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the duty-free import window will be valid for commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. 

The government will also import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize, which will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country. 

The minister noted that the government’s decision to allow duty-free imports was necessitated by the high cost of food items in the country, which has made it difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic foodstuffs. 

He attributed the high food prices to various factors, including infrastructural challenges, multiple taxes and levies, and profiteering by marketers and traders. 

The government’s move has been commended by stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who noted that it would help stabilize food prices and provide relief to millions of Nigerians. 

However, some experts have expressed concern that the initiative may undermine domestic agricultural production and turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported commodities. 

The government has assured that it will collaborate with state governments to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation, and will also ramp up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle through sustained support to smallholder farmers. 

Additionally, the government plans to develop a strategic engagement for youth and women in greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops and fast-track engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

The rising prices of foodstuffs and the general high cost of living are global things. Nigeria is not immune to that; however, the case seems different because of our poor basic infrastructure in roads, education, healthcare, security, and communication. Moreover, traditional solutions from established sources appear ineffective, prompting consideration of alternative off-the-shelf solutions.

The masses are looking at the governments at the federal, state, and local levels. In particular, many Nigerians criticise the federal government due to the removal of petroleum subsidies and the decision to float the Naira.

Some short-term measures to tackle the current hardships are the following: the government should engage in healthy discussions with farms-produce marketers and large-scale farmers. 

These two groups have significant stocks of foodstuffs in their warehouses in many locations, especially in the north. The government should engage them in purchasing their farm produce mutually beneficially (without imposing prices on them). The Presidential Order to the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Yusuf Bichi to work with governors and go after those hoarding foodstuffs is a right step, but it is not a silver bullet; in fact, it’s an intricate issue—how do you differentiate between foodstuff hoarders and large-scale farmers and legitimate farm-produce marketers who have large warehouses where they keep their commodities before distributing them to other parts of the country? Including supplies to humanitarian agencies 

A healthy engagement with legitimate farm-produce marketers and large-scale farmers is a simple and feasible solution to the soaring food prices. 

After purchasing the foodstuffs in large quantities, the government can package them into 2, 3, and 5 kg bags and resell them to the masses at affordable rates throughout all the local government areas (LGAs).

Bulk purchases by individuals or groups should be discouraged. Ward levels, markets, and schools can serve at the reselling centres. In addition, politicians should be off the resell team, and no one should purchase more than 10 kg since the target is the common man looking for daily meals. This is workable if the government truly wants to reach low-income people.

We should put it in our minds that, generally, the prices of foodstuffs shouldn’t have gone through the roof in the north, but what is currently happening in the north is that our farm-produce—rice, corn, millet, beans, etc.—is being exported to neighbouring African countries due to the weak value of the Naira. Naira is cheaper for buyers in nearby countries, while farm-produce marketers and large-scale farmers in Nigeria are making substantial profits. The high cost of logistics, illegal taxation, and checkpoint corruption are also major factors contributing to the high prices of foodstuffs. 

The above solution is a short-term measure; however, the real practising dry-season farmers should be directly supported to sustain it since this is dry-season farming time. They can be supported with solar-powered pumps, fertilisers, seeds, extension services, pesticides, etc. This will further increase food production. It also increases the popularity of the government, including reducing tensions and insecurity in the country. 

On the other hand, we must tell ourselves the truth: no programme or project can help the government sustain social order without factoring the youth into the equation. The Bola Tinubu government should devise a means to create some quick, productive jobs for the massive youth in the country. 

The federal government can launch job creation and empowerment programmes targeting young people and women in the following areas: agriculture, technology, entertainment, trading, and SME support and vocational training and support on welding, fashion, carpentry, home decoration, make-up, lucrative northern traditional cap making, etc. 

Agriculture: This should be divided into two segments: big and small. A group of graduates should be formed into “agribusiness entrepreneurs.” Then, the government should provide them with land, offer all the necessary extension services, and provide collateral or security for financial institutions to make the necessary funds available. This will promote the true generation of wealth through agriculture by young people. Secondly, women and young people rearing poultry, snailery, fish, etc., at home can be supported by providing highly subsidised feeds and more training on new techniques.

In technology, many young Nigerians are into coding, cryptocurrency, data processing, phone and computer sales, repairs, etc. The government can commission private sector firms to, on behalf of the government, train, equip, and provide capital to young people in this area. 

Another way to create productive jobs for young people is in the creative industries. For some talented young people, all they need is publicity through the correct medium. The government can employ advertising and marketing firms to promote selected talented individuals nationwide. Many young people are now involved in trading both online and offline. They can be trained, provided with additional capital, and promoted.

The government should avoid the usual government bureaucracy. A firm should be contracted to design the job creation programme. Then, the firm should also employ other responsible and resourceful firms to implement the programme across the country. Thus, the government will only deal with one firm, ensuring professional services are offered in implementing the programme.

The government can explore various avenues to secure quick funding for implementing this programme during these challenging times. Firstly, the Federal Government and its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) can leverage their underutilised assets, such as scrap assets, derelict buildings, abandoned structures, and damaged movable assets nationwide. Identifying, valuing, and disposing of these assets could generate substantial revenue for the programme implementation.

Additionally, the government could consider issuing special bonds and tapping into pension funds under the management of Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFC). Exploring partnerships with international donors and foundations, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, could provide valuable funding opportunities, especially with expert guidance.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.