The Federal Government has signed an agreement with climate-tech company, FLUX Carbon Ltd, to boost the country’s agricultural sector through innovative technology.
The agreement, announced by the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, in a statement obtained on Sunday, marks the introduction of Enhanced Rock Weathering technology to key agricultural regions in Nigeria.
According to the minister, ERW technology accelerates natural weathering, sequesters carbon dioxide, and improves soil fertility and has proven successful in East Africa but is now being introduced in Nigeria.
He noted that the project would focus on key crops like sugarcane, maize and cassava in Kano, Jigawa, and Enugu states.
“The partnership aims to boost crop yields, improve soil health, enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, positioning Nigeria as a leader in climate-smart agriculture with the potential to attract international organisations.
“One such is the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Commonwealth, and others to participate in the pilot projects and explore the potential for scaling these sustainable agricultural practices globally,” Nnaji wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The minister said as the ERW pilots advance, the lessons learned would pave the way for nationwide adoption, positioning Nigeria as a global leader in climate-smart agriculture and food security.
“In my address, I highlighted that focusing on sustainable agriculture not only addresses immediate food security needs but also creates jobs and drives economic development in line with our dear President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.
The minister lauded the efforts of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, led by Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, for its ongoing efforts toward food security and sustainable agriculture through technology adoption.