More than 70% of Nigerian households were involved in agricultural activities in 2022, according to a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The "National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) Report 2022," released on Monday, indicates that approximately 40.2 million households in Nigeria engage in various agricultural practices. The report underscores agriculture's vital role across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. It highlights that the NASC is designed to be conducted every five to ten years, adhering to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) standards. However, the last census was conducted in 1993/1994. Key Findings: - Kano State leads with…

In a press statement issued yesterday, Afenifere commended the Nigerian House of Representatives for its intervention regarding the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country. The commendation follows a bill introduced by Representative Shagaya (Kwara), which calls for a suspension of all GMO introductions pending a comprehensive investigation by the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services. Afenifere expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of GMOs, highlighting issues such as the copyrighting of seeds, pesticide toxicity, and the integrity of regulatory bodies. The organization urged both legislative and executive branches to prioritize Nigeria’s long-term interests. Farmers' Rights…

A group of women from Ipo community yesterday barricaded the entrance to the Port Harcourt international airport in Rivers. The women were protesting the lack of basic amenities in their community. The protest disrupted flight operations at the airport and left passengers stranded. The demonstration also led to snarled-up traffic on adjoining routes. Ipo is the host community of the international airport in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers. The women said the community lacks electricity, roads, pipe-borne water, and schools, despite hosting a critical federal government facility. The women locked the gate to the airport roundabout, wielded placards with sundry inscriptions,…

Two Nigerian properties located in the United Kingdom are on the verge of being taken over by a Chinese investor following an order granting the investor the right to enforce a $70 million investment treaty award against Nigeria. The investor, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment, was granted final charging orders over two UK residential properties owned by the Nigerian government after the company also attached a £20 million debt relating to the high-profile P&ID case. The Chinese firm secured this order on June 14 when Master Sullivan in the Commercial Court in London granted the orders in respect of two Liverpool…