The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has commended the Northern Governors’ Forum for establishing the Northern Security Trust Fund and committing N1 billion monthly to strengthen security across the region.
The association said the initiative would enhance safety in farming communities, encourage increased agricultural production and contribute to improving food security across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National President, Muhammad Gettado, AFAN also praised the inauguration of the fund’s management board, describing its members as individuals with proven integrity, competence and the capacity to manage the resources transparently.
According to Gettado, the governors have demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the security challenges that have continued to disrupt farming activities and threaten the livelihoods of millions of people across northern Nigeria.
“We warmly commend the Northern Governors’ Forum for its decisive and visionary step in establishing the Northern Security Trust Fund to tackle the persistent insecurity plaguing the region,” he said.
He added, “We particularly applaud the inauguration of the fund’s management board, which comprises individuals of impeccable character, proven track records, and high integrity.
“This strategic appointment inspires confidence that the resources allocated will be managed transparently, accountably, and effectively to achieve lasting peace.”
AFAN also lauded the governors’ decision to contribute N1 billion every month to finance security interventions across the region.
“This unprecedented commitment underscores the governors’ shared determination to confront insecurity head-on and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the people,” Gettado said.
The AFAN president expressed optimism that the security initiative would restore confidence among farmers, reduce attacks on farming communities and stimulate higher agricultural output.
“This robust intervention will drastically improve the security situation across the northern states, thus creating a safe and enabling environment for farming activities to thrive once again.
“By restoring safety to the agricultural belt, the fund will directly boost crop production, stabilise food prices, and guarantee national food security,” he stated.
Gettado urged farmers, cooperative societies and AFAN chapters across the northern states to support the initiative by working closely with security agencies and providing credible intelligence to help tackle criminal activities.
“We call on all regional chapters, cooperative unions, and individual farmers across the northern region to offer their unalloyed support and maximum cooperation to the governors and the newly inaugurated board.
“Farmers should remain vigilant, collaborate with local security agencies, and provide actionable information that will aid the successful implementation of this security master plan,” he added.
He reaffirmed AFAN’s commitment to partnering with governments and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural production in a peaceful and secure environment.
The endorsement comes amid growing concerns over the impact of insecurity on agriculture in northern Nigeria, where attacks by bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups have forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, contributing to lower food production and rising food prices. Stakeholders have consistently argued that improving security in rural communities is essential to increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and supporting the country’s broader economic development.
