The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), through the Department of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS), has concluded a Two-Day Stakeholder Engagement Workshop for the Readiness Assessment of Sub-Nationals on the Rollout of the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), on the 25th and 26th of August, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The NFSHS is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government, designed to restore and enhance soil health, promote integrated soil fertility management, and increase agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The readiness assessment aims to evaluate sub-national preparedness viz; policy, institutional, technical, resources and stakeholder engagement, to guide the effective implementation of the scheme.
The workshop brought together, key stakeholders from government institutions, academic and research bodies, private sector operators, farmer organisations, NGOs and development partners to:
1. Review the objectives and strategic framework of NFSHS.
2. Assess the readiness of Oyo State for the NFSHS rollout.
3. Identify capacity gaps, opportunities and enabling policy environments.
4. Co-develop state specific readiness action plans for implementation.
In his keynote address, the Director, ALCCMS – FMAFS, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, represented by Mr Temitayo Abiri, said the ultimate goal of the program is to restore soil health at scale, increase crop productivity, support climate resilience and improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
In his welcome address, the Oyo State Commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the state remained steadfastly committed to implementing policies and programs that prioritise comprehensive soil management, robust extension services, strategic research collaboration and meaningful sector engagement.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing support.
Meanwhile, Prof. Jayeoba Olumuyiwa, the National Consultant, gave an elaborate presentation on the National Framework and Implementation Strategy.
Stakeholders were guided into group formation for discussions, works and validation into the state readiness action plan.
Present at the workshop were, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; and State Coordinator, FMAFS, Oyo State, Mr Adefesobi Kolade among other critical stakeholders.
