By Ogochukwu Isioma
In a move aimed at bridging national defence with Nigerian’s agricultural renaissance, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has formally broadened its nonkinetic interface with 2 key Federal Ministries.
The engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development marks a significant NAF’s commitment towards stakeholders’ engagement for enhanced food security in Nigeria.
The visits also underscored a shared understanding currently taking root within the highest levels of government; that food security is inseparable from national security, and that militarycivilian synergy is essential for sustainable development.
At the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, commended the Honourable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for the remarkable strides recorded by his Ministry since its establishment in 2024.
He specifically lauded the acceleration of the National Ranching Policy, strategic partnerships with Brazil and New Zealand with focus on genetics and dairy production and the establishment National Livestock Centres to improve feed and water access.
AVM Gabkwet also informed the Minister that NAF’s proposed partnership with his Ministry aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of enhancing food security, boosting local production, and strengthening sustainable livestock management.
To this end, AVM Gabkwet requested access to improved livestock breeds and veterinary support from the Ministry, as well as training opportunities for NAF personnel and dependents in modern animal husbandry, farm management and aggrotech.
In his response, the Honourable Minister welcomed the delegation and commended NAF’s Livestock Development initiative, describing it as strategic and forward thinking move that aligns seamlessly with global best practices, linking food production to national security.
The Minister also took the opportunity to appreciate NAF’s broader efforts in fighting insecurity across the nation, acknowledging that stability and safety provided by the NAF are fundamental to enabling agricultural and livestock development.
At the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, AVM Gabkwet lauded the Honourable Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for his emergency measures towards curbing rising food prices, expansion of dryseason farming initiatives, and strengthening of strategic food reserves among other achievements.
He then solicited for the support of the Minister in integrating the NAF into the national farming policies, particularly in mechanisation, modernised farming systems, and access to improved seedlings and fertilisers.
In his response, Senator Kyari commended NAF’s efforts in the fight against insurgency in Borno State, extending the nation’s collective appreciation for its efforts.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry would integrate NAF Farms Limited into its existing agricultural frameworks, while also highlighting several programmes for collaboration, including support for dry-season farming and strategic reserve initiatives.
Both Ministers separately confirmed that formal frameworks will be established for continued technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and policy integration with the NAF. These frameworks aim to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors, enhance emergency response in agricultural crises, and reinforce the synergy between military capabilities and agricultural programmes.
The NAF delegation included the Managing Director of NAF Farms Limited, Air Vice Marshal Abdulrasheed Kotun; the Director of Cooperation and Coordination, Air Vice Marshal Chris Akpa; and other senior directors from the NAF CivilMilitary Relations Branch.
