The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for decisive steps toward agricultural transformation under the Renewed Hope Economic Development Initiative. The association stated that the policy direction is strengthening food security and improving farmers’ productivity across the country.

Chairman of AFAN in Jigawa State, Engr. Auwalu Garba Ibrahim, made the commendation while reacting to the launch of the third phase of the Civil Servants’ Agricultural Support Programme in the state and the unveiling of the FADAMA J-CARES 1.0 Completion Report. He noted that agricultural interventions under the Renewed Hope agenda, particularly the provision of farming inputs and implements at subsidized rates, are repositioning agriculture as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Ibrahim added that these initiatives are also creating opportunities for states to expand agricultural investments and increase farming activities. He explained that ongoing economic reforms by the Tinubu administration have led to increased allocations to states and local government councils from the federation account, enabling sub-national governments to fund social and infrastructural development.

“The restructuring of economic policies by President Tinubu has improved the financial capacity of states and local councils. This has given governors and local government chairmen greater opportunity to invest in agriculture, infrastructure and social development,” Ibrahim said.

The AFAN chairman also praised Governor Namadi’s leadership, describing it as transparent and accountable in implementing his 12-point development agenda. He noted that the governor’s policies are already yielding visible results across sectors, particularly in agriculture.

Ibrahim highlighted AFAN's pride in the governor’s commitment to expanding agricultural opportunities, especially through the Civil Service Agricultural Support Programme. He disclosed that the state government has injected approximately N5.9 billion into the programme through three phases of interest-free support, benefiting over 17,000 civil servants to encourage large-scale farming and enhance food production.

“This initiative is highly commendable. It will not only empower civil servants but also increase food production and strengthen the state’s contribution to national food security,” he added.

However, the AFAN chairman raised concern over the activities of some members allegedly attempting to create division within the association through the formation of a parallel leadership. He alleged that the group’s action was in defiance of a subsisting court order and warned that such moves could undermine the association’s unity.

According to him, the present leadership of AFAN in the state emerged after the national headquarters dissolved the previous executives and conducted fresh elections in line with the association’s constitution. He urged members to disregard any parallel leadership, insisting that the current executives are the duly recognized leadership by the national body and relevant authorities.

“We will not be distracted from moving the association forward. Our focus remains on protecting the interests of farmers and supporting government policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity,” Ibrahim concluded.