The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving gender equality and inclusivity in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, as it continues the review of the National Gender Policy in Agriculture and its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030.
Speaking at the North-East Zonal Consultative Forum held in Gombe on Monday, the Director of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Kachalla Damaturu, said the review is designed to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture and dismantle long-standing barriers that restrict their access to land, finance, and training opportunities.
Damaturu explained that the forum builds on the momentum of the maiden review session, which was held in Abuja on January 24, 2025, and marks another step in the government’s ongoing effort to institutionalize gender inclusivity within the agricultural value chain.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent commitment to advancing women’s roles in agriculture, recalling that during a Women Affairs Ministry programme on October 15, 2024, the President had emphasized that women’s empowerment must remain a national priority, especially in areas of agricultural training, access to land, and financial inclusion.
“The President has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to ensuring that women farmers and people with special needs are not left behind in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda,” she stated.
Damaturu added that the consultative forum provides a vital platform for stakeholders — including civil society organisations, women farmers, youth networks, and development partners to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and contribute ideas that will shape the gender policy framework for 2026–2030.
“Our collective goal is to develop strategic plans that will guide our actions and interventions in the years ahead,” she assured participants.
She further appreciated the collaboration of the National Gender Steering Committee, state officials, and development partners such as ActionAid Nigeria, AGRA, GIZ, and Care International for their continuous support in driving the review process.
