Office of the Mandate Secretary, ARDS, FCTA

*Wike Committed to Repositioning FCT Agricultural Sector – Ango Assures*

Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, has restated the commitment of the FCT Administration to repositioning the agricultural sector for greater societal impact.

Ango made this declaration in his opening address at a Strategic End of Year Management Meeting and Retreat, which brought together all directors of various departments and heads of specialised units in the Secretariat.

Comrade Ango expressed the Administration's determination to replicate its excellent performance in infrastructure development with concrete interventions in the agricultural sector, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and wellbeing of FCT populace.

“The FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike and the Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, is committed to repositioning this very important sector to ensure food security and empower our farmers," Ango stated. "Our intent is to build a strong foundation of prosperity through agriculture for all residents of the Federal Capital Territory, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”

He charged the Secretariat's management team to think outside the box in delivering their respective statutory responsibilities, emphasizing that the critical role of agriculture demands all hands must be on deck.

Outlining the Administration's strategic focus, the Mandate Secretary revealed that key areas such as agricultural mechanisation, capacity building through extension services, collaboration with relevant agricultural organisations and the timely provision of subsidised inputs are slated to receive a significant boost.

Apart from reviewing the Secretariat's past activities, the retreat provided a platform for robust deliberations aimed at enhancing its capacity to support the agricultural sector and stakeholders across the FCT.

The retreat concluded with members unanimously renewing their commitment to deploying their best efforts towards achieving the Secretariat's goals. In a unified appeal, they also called on the FCT Administration for an increased budgetary allocation to ensure all planned activities can be executed effectively and without constraints.

The retreat featured technical presentations on policy development for the agricultural sector and on road safety.

*FCT Committed to Safeguarding Ecosystem, Ango Declares at Policy Validation*

The Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, has reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to safeguarding the natural environment, emphasizing that the development of a Sustainable Forest Management Policy remains a top priority.

Ango made this known while addressing stakeholders at the validation workshop for the FCT Forest, Wildlife, and Biodiversity Policy and draft Act. The workshop, a key part of a comprehensive process that began in 2024, was organized by Vakoson Consulting Limited in collaboration with the FCT ACReSAL Project and the FCT Administration.

He described forests as an essential “life-support system,” stressing that their preservation is no longer optional but a necessity. "It is therefore no longer a matter of choice, but an absolute necessity, that we conserve and pay more attention to their effective management and sustainability with the deserved urgency and foresight,” Ango asserted.

He assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, is committed to transforming Abuja into a world-class city and will give the final forest policy document expeditious attention once it is validated and formally presented.

In her welcome address, the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs. Caroline Opara, framed the workshop as the "culmination of a meticulous and exhaustive process" that began in 2024. She emphasized the critical need for the policy, stating, "This policy... is of utmost importance to the FCT Administration, to ensure the sustainable management of forest resources." She pointed to the intense pressure on the environment, noting that "as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, there are so many activities driving deforestation." Mrs. Opara regretted that the consequences of past inaction and ineffective legislation are already visible, manifesting in "increased desert encroachment, loss of fertile land, biodiversity extinction and more severe climate impacts."

She also acknowledged the pivotal role of the World Bank-funded ACReSAL project, which is not only facilitating the policy's development but is also already implementing critical on-ground interventions, which includes the reclamation of the Kuje Forest plantation and fencing of forests in Gwagwa and Ushafa to prevent encroachment as well as the implementation of the FAO land restoration initiative at the College of Education, Zuba .

Participants at the workshop hailed the initiative, describing it as a critical and timely intervention. According to Musa Shuaibu, Expert Advisor on Landscape Restoration and Wetland Management at the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), the policy will finally provide the necessary legal backing to safeguard the forest resources of the FCT. "As you are aware, before now, the FCT had no dedicated policy to safeguard the natural resources in these vegetations," Shuaibu stated. He expressed confidence that "the document that is being developed will be a living document that will enhance sustainable forest management in the FCT."

The Lead Consultant from Vakoson Limited, Barrister Sylvester Okonufua, outlined the rigorous process behind the draft and validation meeting. “Following a comprehensive review of existing frameworks, we embarked on extensive stakeholder consultations, held a series of technical review meetings, went to the field to conduct interviews, produced the first draft, reviewed it, produced a second draft, and then met with the Legal Secretariat of the FCT Administration,” he explained. “We are confident that the resulting policy and Act are comprehensive, inclusive, actionable and specifically tailored to address the unique challenges of the FCT.”

Alhaji Mohammad Garba Boyi, Zonal Coordinator of the National Conservation Foundation, shared his view, stating, “We as a civil society organisation are delighted by the level of commitment of the FCTA and the ACReSAL Project. We see this as a step forward, especially given the extensive damage to our forests.” He emphasized that “What is essential now is robust legislation to protect our trees and wildlife for generations to come.”

The two-day validation workshop concluded on a high note, with participants unanimously renewing their commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative and emphasizing the need for strong political will to see the policy implemented effectively in the FCT.

Committee Pushes Project Scale-Up in FCT Ango Calls for Greater Visibility and Long-Term Sustainability as FCT ACReSAL Technical Committee Meets

*Ango Calls for Greater Visibility and Long-Term Sustainability as FCT ACReSAL Technical Committee Meets*

Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory ACReSAL Project Technical Committee, *Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango* , has called for enhanced visibility and sustainable planning to secure the project's legacy beyond its 2028 timeline.

*Comrade Ango* made this call during a recent meeting of the Technical Committee, convened to review the progress of the ACReSAL Project implementation in the FCT. He praised the Project Implementation Team for its commendable strides in advancing ACReSAL's core objectives of land restoration and enhancing community resilience. *"I am particularly elated to witness the fervour and commitment from your expressions as we convene this morning, united in one clear focus, which is to advance the core objectives of the ACReSAL Project: revitalizing degraded landscapes, fostering sustainable agricultural development and strengthening community resilience across the Federal Capital Territory in the face of the pressing challenges posed by climate change."* Ango stated.

He stressed, however, that the achievements must be more prominently showcased. *"It is imperative to acknowledge that as we make progress, our progress and impacts must be made visible,"* Ango emphasized. *"We must develop robust monitoring mechanisms and complement them with visible promotional initiatives. We must document our successes with compelling narratives, data and visuals."* He noted that amplifying the project's impact is essential not only for validation by the World Bank but also to strengthen institutional support from the FCT Administration.

Reinforcing the Chairman’s call, the committee urged a strategic scale-up of project activities to ensure wider coverage across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Members also stressed the importance of forward-looking planning to safeguard the sustainability of all interventions beyond the project's official end date of 2028.

To strengthen their oversight, the committee resolved to undertake more frequent field visits. "Seeing is believing," Ango declared. *"The visits will not only enable members to assess progress and engage with beneficiaries but will also provide a platform to enhance our contributions to the project activities, particularly in the development of the ACReSAL Work Plan."*

He further highlighted the significance of the World Bank's recent approval for the FCT ACReSAL project to progression to Tier 2. funding. *"Earlier this year, the World Bank granted approval for our advancement to the Tier-2 stage of project implementation," Ango noted. "This progression is not a testament of the hard work demonstrated by our Project Implementation Unit but a clear indication that FCT ACReSAL Project is on the right trajectory."*

Ango also expressed deep appreciation for the project's support in developing key policy frameworks for the FCT. *"For us in the FCT, we remain profoundly appreciative of the project "* he said. *"The development of an FCT Agricultural Policy and the revision of the moribund FCT Forest Act have proven invaluable in our quest for environmental sustainability and to revitalize the agricultural sector."*

Responding to concerns raised during the deliberations, the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, *Mrs. Caroline Opara,* reaffirmed the Project Implementation Unit’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. She highlighted several key impacts and briefed the committee on the recent visit to Kwali by Ellysar Baroudy, Practice Manager for Environment, West Africa and the Sahel and Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the ACReSAL Project Task Team Leader. “During the visit, the Practice Manager engaged with beneficiary communities and expressed satisfaction with the scope and quality of the interventions,” Opara said.

Mrs. Opara also disclosed that plans are well advanced to extend project interventions to all six Area Councils of the FCT. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the project's progress report, along with the approved work plan for 2025 and the proposed plan for 2026.

*Ango Urges Stakeholder Collaboration to Make SAPZ a Model for Agricultural Growth in FCT*

The Chairman of the Inter-Agency Technical Committee for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, has called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to establish the project as a benchmark for agricultural growth in the FCT.

Speaking during a committee meeting held at the project office, Ango emphasized the strategic importance of the SAPZ initiative in revitalizing the agricultural sector and improving the quality of life for residents across the territory. He noted that the project is envisioned as a catalyst for agro-industrial development, with the potential to establish industrial hubs, attract substantial investment, create employment opportunities, and significantly boost food production.

“The SAPZ Project is a strategic initiative aimed at catalyzing agricultural development, creating jobs, and improving food security,” Ango stated. He further emphasized that the project aligns with the ideals of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic diversification and unlocking the full potential of the livestock subsector.

The Chairman also commended the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and other development partners for their sustained support since the FCT joined the project in 2022. He encouraged committee members to engage meaningfully in the deliberations and bring their experiences to bear, stressing that their contributions would play a crucial role in shaping well-informed and impactful decisions.

In his welcome address, the SAPZ Project Coordinator, Dr. Omole Olateju, delivered a detailed progress report on the implementation of the project, with particular emphasis on the development of the Agricultural Industrial Hubs (AIH) and Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATC) located at the Paikon-Kore Grazing Reserve. He informed committee members that, following a formal no-objection from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), several key components of the project are now poised to commence.

Dr. Olateju highlighted that the interventions already executed under the project are yielding tangible results in host communities, notably contributing to improved livelihoods and stimulating economic activities. He also presented the project's annual work plan and budget for the year 2026, which were tabled for deliberation and approval by the committee.

During the interactive session, committee members engaged in robust discussions, offering valuable contributions aimed at enhancing the project's implementation and sustainability. At the end of the deliberations, the committee resolved to undertake a field visit to selected project sites to assess firsthand the progress of work and its impact on the ground.

*Ango Inaugurates Committee on Development and Upgrade of FCT Abattoirs*

Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, has inaugurated a committee tasked with the comprehensive development and modernization of abattoirs in the FCT.

Addressing members of the Committee during their inauguration, Ango underscored the critical need for the upgrade. He highlighted that the current state of the abattoirs, built over three decades ago, is obsolete and inadequate. He stated that the initiative aims to replace the aging facilities with modern, hygienic ones that meet international best practices.

“As the mirror of Nigeria, Abuja deserves nothing but the best,” Ango stated. “Beyond upgrading the infrastructure, we are also concerned about public health and safety and ensuring our facilities can meet the demands of our rapidly growing population.”

Ango charged the committee with delivering a detailed plan within a two-week timeframe, underscoring the administration's urgency to commence work on the project. “We are all aware that we have a Minister committed to the delivery of world-class facilities. Therefore the ball is now in your court to produce an actionable submission that will revolutionize abattoir operations in the FCT ,” he told the committee.

He outlined the committee's terms of reference, which are: to produce detailed plans for the upgrading and modernization of the four existing FCT abattoirs; to create a prototype design for new, modern abattoirs in Kuje and Kubwa; to propose an environmentally friendly and detailed waste management plan for all facilities and to provide a complete and detailed analysis of the cost implications for both the upgrades and new constructions.

In his response, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Idris Ademoh, who is the Director of Veterinary Services in the Agric Secretariat, thanked the Mandate Secretary for spearheading the initiative. He acknowledged the historical challenges within the veterinary subsector that have affected efficient abattoir operations and pledged the committee's full commitment to meet the deadline.

“We will swing into action immediately to undertake this assignment with the seriousness it deserves,” Dr. Ademoh assured. “Our goal is to produce recommendations that are robust, practical, and comparable to the best standards obtainable anywhere globally.”

*Ango Reaffirms FCT Administration's Commitment to Peaceful Pastoralist-Farmer Coexistence for Growth*

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reiterated its commitment to fostering lasting peace between pastoralists and farmers as a catalyst for sustainable growth in the livestock sector and overall territorial development.

Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, made this declaration when he received officials of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) FCT Chapter led by its Chairman, Alhaji Ado Wakili Madugu.

Ango emphasized the vital role of the livestock sector in ensuring food and nutrition security, as well as job creation, particularly for the growing population of the FCT. Highlighting unique agricultural potentials of the FCT, Ango noted: "Our territory is blessed with rich land resources suitable for both livestock and crop farming. However, this potential remains underutilized due to persistent conflicts. The Wike-led administration is determined to change this narrative by creating an enabling environment for all stakeholders to thrive."

The Secretary outlined concrete measures implemented by the Administration through the Agric Secretariat to strengthen the livestock sector. He highlighted that peace-building committees, mass livestock vaccination programmes, rehabilitation of grazing reserves, the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project and youth engagement in modern animal husbandry techniques are yielding the desired impact.

"Under the leadership of Honourable Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, we are revolutionizing animal husbandry practices through these interventions," Ango emphasized. "Our peace committees will ensure continuous dialogue to proactively address emerging security threats."

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of MACBAN FCT chapter, Alhaji Madugu commended the administration's efforts: "We appreciate these initiatives, particularly the vaccination Programmes and grazing reserve development. The SAPZ project especially gives us confidence that the livestock sector can be reinvigorated to significantly boost Livestock production and food security."

Madugu pledged the commitment of his members to peace while calling for enhanced security vigilance ahead of the dry season. "We stand ready to work with the administration and security agencies to prevent conflicts especially during the dry season ," he assured.

The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing to strengthen collaboration through regular engagement and implementation of the outlined agricultural interventions.

*Ango Harps on Strict Enforcement of Abattoir Hygiene Standards*

Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat in the FCT Administration, *Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango*, has directed veterinary health officials of the Secretariat to intensify surveillance activities and enforce strict compliance by butchers with hygienic meat handling practices in all abattoirs of the FCT.

Ango stated this during an unscheduled inspection of the Kubwa abattoir, where he expressed concern over ineffective enforcement by the officials.

*"What I have seen here today is unacceptable and not befitting of our capital city. As the regulatory authority, we must ensure every abattoir in the FCT meets minimum hygiene standards without compromise."*

He emphasized the need for Veterinary Officials to carry out rigorous pre-slaughter animal inspections, to ensure that only meat that is certified safe is sold to residents.

Accompanied by officials of the Veterinary Department, Ango identified critical areas requiring urgent intervention, such as waste evacuation, daily cleaning, drainage control, and structural improvements.

He assured that the FCT Administration, under the leadership of FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains committed to upholding high standards in the FCT, and will address the infrastructural deficiencies to ensure meet standards beffitting the status of the FCT.

*Ango Inspects ACReSAL Projects in FCT, Commends World Bank*

Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) *Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango,* has conducted an inspection tour of ongoing projects under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) in the FCT.

Accompanied by the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, *Mrs. Caroline Opara* and members of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Ango assessed progress at key project sites, at Sheda, Pukafa and Dafa communities.

At the Sheda Women Cassava Processing Centre, Ango inspected the ongoing drainage construction works, solar-powered borehole, and the shaded workspace, all designed to enhance the daily processing activities of the women.

"This intervention is truly transformative," Ango stated. "What gladdens me most is seeing more women joining the centre since the upgrade began. From the initial 150 to 300 members is an indication that the project is impacting positively on the livelihood of the communities. I urge the contractors to complete the remaining work, particularly on installing all the processing machinery, promptly so that the centre can begin to operate at optimal capacity."

At Pukafa, Ango inspected the solar-powered borehole, solar lights and waste management facility where he emphasized the need for the community members to protect the investmens,
"These projects belong to you, their sustainability depends on your commitment to proper maintenance. You must work together to ensure these facilities serve generations to come." Ango Stated

He lauded the World Bank for its support, stating: "it is heartwarming to note that the ACReSAL project is already transforming our rural communities while addressing climate challenges."

The team also visited Dafa, where the Project is implementing a Rejuvenative Agriculture pilot project utilising the half-moon technique.

Giving details on the project, Mrs. Opara explained: "This five-hectare project currently training 300 participants from six communities in Rejuvenative agriculture, is designed to restore soil health by promoting use of natural organic farming methods. When completed, the site will have an office and a training facility "