Abuja: The Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) has announced a new initiative aimed at empowering women farmers and young people in the agriculture sector across Nigeria. Speaking at the official launch of the Sovereign Agrotrade System (SAS) and a related summit in Abuja, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, highlighted the program’s potential to revolutionize access to markets for these groups.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the SAS introduces a pioneering trade infrastructure, both digital and physical, that connects Nigerian farmers directly to national and international markets. Omolara Svensson emphasized that the system features four key innovations: AgriXchange Marketplace, NWAPDI Grow, AgriCert, and FarmAssure. These platforms aim to enhance market visibility, secure financial transactions, ensure product quality, and improve farm management for NWAPDI members.
The unveiling event also featured remarks from Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security. Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Mr. Mohammed Jobdi, Abdullahi expressed that the SAS aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture, digital innovation, and grassroots empowerment as pivotal elements of Nigeria’s economic revival.
Mr. Dion Croom, President of Norcom, LLC, and Lead Consortium Partner, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted that the AgroTrade System was designed to empower women and youth in agriculture, while also promoting food security and sustainable farming practices. Croom described the system as a vital link between rural farmers and international markets, providing new opportunities for growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.