The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has entered into a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as part of efforts to strengthen food security across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, the Air Force said the collaboration represents a strategic effort to align national defence initiatives with Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expanded its non-kinetic operations through engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” the statement said.
According to the NAF, the engagements underscored the increasing recognition that food security is closely tied to national security, while also supporting the objectives of NAF Farms Limited, the Air Force’s flagship agricultural initiative.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, led the delegation during the engagements.
The delegation also included the Managing Director of NAF Farms Limited, Abdulrasheed Kotun, alongside other senior officers from the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch.
During a visit to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the CAS commended the Minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for the ministry’s progress in implementing the National Ranching Policy, livestock partnerships, and National Livestock Centres.
The Air Force noted that collaboration with the ministry would help expand modern NAF livestock farms through improved livestock breeds, veterinary services, and specialised training in animal husbandry and agricultural technology.
In response, Maiha described the initiative as “strategic and forward-looking” and praised the NAF for its contributions to national security and stability.
Similarly, during engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the CAS applauded the Minister, Abubakar Kyari, for interventions aimed at stabilising food prices, promoting dry-season farming, and strengthening food reserves.
The Air Force also sought support for integrating NAF Farms Limited into national agricultural programmes, particularly in areas such as mechanised farming, improved seedlings, and fertiliser access.
Kyari assured the delegation of the ministry’s support, while both ministries confirmed plans for technical cooperation and policy integration.
According to the statement, the collaboration is expected to position NAF Farms Limited as a strategic non-kinetic platform for increasing food production, supporting livelihoods, and complementing counter-insurgency operations through sustainable national development initiatives.
