NNPC Foundation trains Enugu farmers on modern agric techniques
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has provided training for farmers in Nsukka, Enugu State, focusing on modern agricultural techniques and strategies for improving market access.
During the three-day training event for vulnerable farmers in Nsukka on Tuesday, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the foundation, explained that the training was part of the organisation’s dedication to food security, economic empowerment, and national development.
She stated that the NNPC Foundation is committed to carrying out impactful programmes that are aligned with national priorities and that support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which aims to achieve food security.
“This training is a testament to our firm dedication to food security, economic empowerment, and national development,” Arukwe said. “As the CSR arm of NNPC Ltd, the NNPC Foundation strives to implement impactful programmes that align with national priorities.”
She continued, “This initiative is part of our wider efforts to support the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.”
“As we gather here today, we must recognise the pressing issue of food insecurity in Nigeria,” Arukwe remarked. She referred to the Cadre Harmonisé Report (March 2024), which indicated that 31.5 million Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones are currently experiencing food insecurity.
“These figures underline the urgent need for sustainable agricultural interventions that not only improve productivity but also help build resilience against climate change, supply chain disruptions, and economic fluctuations,” she added.
Arukwe, who was represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager of Education and Healthcare Programmes at the foundation, stressed the significance of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy.
“At NNPC Ltd, we recognise that agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (2024). Yet many farmers remain stuck in subsistence-level production due to limited access to modern techniques, quality inputs, and competitive markets. This training is designed to change that,” she explained.
Through this initiative, Arukwe revealed, the NNPC Foundation aims to train 6,000 vulnerable farmers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in modern, climate-resilient farming techniques, soil and water management, organic fertilisation, and strategies to reduce post-harvest losses.
“Our goal is to equip each participant with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to transition from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production,” she said.
Mr Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, officially opened the training and commended the foundation for its support of farmers.
Ubru referred to the training as a vital opportunity to equip smallholder farmers with modern agricultural skills and market strategies.
“By focusing on climate-smart agriculture, we can mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for our farming communities,” he said. “I encourage all participating farmers to engage fully in this programme. This is your chance to learn, share, and grow together in modern farming.”
“Let us collaborate to build a resilient agricultural sector that thrives on innovation and cooperation, ensuring food security for the country. With partners like the NNPC Foundation, we can transform the agricultural landscape of Enugu State and beyond,” he added.
The Commissioner further noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration would continue to prioritise agriculture as a central pillar, aiming to support farmers and ensure food security across the state.
Professor Michael Uguru, from the Department of Crop Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who served as one of the resource persons, stated that the farmers were drawn from the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
“They were trained on best practices for growing crops under the prevailing climatic conditions,” he said. “The training focused on climate-smart agriculture, which involves adopting appropriate techniques to grow crops profitably and sustainably, even under changing climate conditions.”
“We taught them practical, manageable methods to improve their farms and ensure bountiful harvests,” Professor Uguru added.
In an interview, Dorothy Ugwu, one of the participants from the Ibegwa-Ani community in Nsukka Local Government Area, expressed her gratitude to the foundation for the training, which she said had provided her with valuable knowledge to achieve a bumper harvest.
“This training comes at the perfect time, just as the farming season begins,” Ugwu said. “I have learned so much, and I promise to share what we were taught here with other farmers in my community.”