In an effort to enhance food self-sufficiency and empower households in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced the launch of the National Urban Agriculture Programme (NUAP).
The programme is set to commence in 2025, with financial allocations included in the year’s budget proposals.
This information was revealed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi. He made this announcement at the grand finale of the “Every Home A Garden” competition, organised by the Office of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu. The event was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative: Agricultural and Food Security Programme and took place at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
The minister stated that the NUAP would be strengthened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s adoption of the “Every Home A Garden” and “Young Farmers Club” projects, which were initiatives under the First Lady’s Agricultural Support Programme. “Our National Urban Agriculture Programme will institutionalise the benefits of these initiatives for the greater good,” the minister said.
He also commended Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her “unwavering commitment and forward-looking vision that has sparked a nationwide movement.”
The minister noted that the “Every Home A Garden” competition has not only encouraged citizens, particularly women, to engage in home gardening but has also contributed to healthier lifestyles, reduced household food insecurity, and strengthened community ties.
In praising the First Lady for her “exceptional leadership in advancing her flagship project,” Abdullahi remarked that the “Every Home A Garden” competition “recognises creativity, excellence, commitment to sustainable gardening practices, and household self-sufficiency.”
A statement issued by the ministry’s director of information signed by Mrs. Umar Rashida congratulated the winner of the inaugural edition of the competition, Mrs. Veronica Mbaya, from Borno State.
The “Every Home A Garden” competition was launched in October 2023 by Tinubu, with the winner receiving a combined prize of N25 million.
