Nasarawa State has taken a step toward improving coordination between agricultural policies and implementation with the inauguration of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Policy Facilitation Advisory Committee (NAPFAC), a platform designed to bring government officials, development partners and sector stakeholders together around agricultural development priorities.
The committee’s inauguration brought together representatives from government institutions, private sector organisations and agricultural development partners, with discussions focused on improving collaboration, strengthening policy implementation and creating better links between decision-making and farming communities.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga, former Commissioner for Agriculture in Nasarawa State, described NAPFAC as a mechanism for connecting agricultural policies with practical action.
According to him, the committee was established as a strategic platform to align the state’s agricultural goals with implementation efforts.
“NAPFAC is not just a committee, it is a strategic platform to align our agricultural vision with action. Together, we will transform policies into impactful realities for our farmers and food systems,” Tunga said.
The initiative reflects broader efforts by state governments and agricultural development organisations to improve policy coordination, particularly in areas affecting farmers, food production and agricultural value chains.
Dr. Charles Iyangbe, Chief Executive Officer of Jesnoch International, highlighted the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement in agricultural reform.
He said the organisation was supporting efforts aimed at strengthening connections between farmers, policymakers and other actors within the agricultural sector.
“Jesnoch is proud to support the state in amplifying farmer voices and bridging the gap between policy and practice through strategic communication and knowledge products,” Iyangbe said.
Agricultural policy implementation often involves multiple institutions, including government agencies, development organisations, private companies and farmer groups. Stakeholder coordination has remained a major factor in determining how effectively agricultural programmes reach intended beneficiaries.
AGRA reiterates support for state-level agricultural development
Representing the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Program Coordinator Juliette Lampoh-Agroh reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation initiatives at the state level.
She said NAPFAC provides an avenue for strengthening institutional capacity and improving the connection between agricultural policies and grassroots implementation.
“AGRA remains committed to building state-level capacity that drives inclusive agricultural transformation. Through NAPFAC, we see a clearer pathway to delivering policy impact where it matters most at the grassroots,” Lampoh-Agroh said.
AGRA has worked with governments and agricultural stakeholders across Africa on initiatives focused on improving agricultural productivity, market access and policy support.
The inauguration attracted representatives from various sectors involved in Nasarawa State’s agricultural development efforts.
Those present included Barr. Ibrahim A. Abdullahi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA); Barr. Jugbo Hauwa Samuel, Commissioner for Women Affairs; and Dr. Peter Akwe, Chairman of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Food Security.
Others included Mohammed Iyimoga Oyigye, Special Adviser on Special Duties and Agriculture; Umar Nuhu Jibril, Programme Manager of the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP); Dr. Umar Ismaila, Chief Agronomist at Olam International; and representatives of AGRA and other agricultural organisations.
The gathering also included Ken Ode, Nasarawa State AGRA Project Manager; Abdullahi Salihu Ari, AGRA Project Coordinator II in Nasarawa State; Mike Imadifor, Consultant; and Dr. Charles Iyangbe of Jesnoch International.
The establishment of NAPFAC places attention on improving the relationship between agricultural policy development and implementation processes.
For Nasarawa State, where agriculture remains a significant part of economic activity and rural livelihoods, effective coordination among government agencies, development partners and private sector participants remains central to achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
While the committee’s impact will depend on future implementation, monitoring and stakeholder engagement, its formation represents an attempt to create a more coordinated approach to agricultural planning and policy execution in the state.