The Nigerian Army has taken a significant step toward enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability with the commissioning of modern food processing and storage facilities at the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFRL), Giri, Abuja.
The facilities—parabolic-shaped solar dryers and inert atmosphere silos—were installed by the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute as part of efforts to address post-harvest losses and improve food preservation systems in the country.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the commissioning ceremony, the Deputy Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Jerry Manjang, described the project as a strategic intervention linking national security with food security.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, including insurgency and banditry, which have adversely affected agricultural production and contributed to economic hardship.
According to him, the establishment of NAFRL forms part of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic operations aimed at promoting peace through improved food systems and supporting government policies on agricultural development.
“The introduction of these facilities will significantly enhance food processing and grain storage capacity. The solar dryer provides hygienic and energy-efficient drying, while the inert atmosphere silo ensures chemical-free preservation and eliminates pest infestation,” he said.
He emphasized that the innovations would not only improve operational efficiency within the Nigerian Army but also benefit surrounding communities by strengthening local food systems and promoting sustainability.
Major General Manjang further highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that the initiative aligns with the Army’s vision of building a professional, adaptable, and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint environments.
He urged stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and utilization of the facilities to maximize long-term benefits.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of NAFRL, Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus, said the organisation was established in 2017 and incorporated in 2018 to support the Federal Government’s food security agenda while also generating internal revenue through agribusiness.
He noted that post-harvest losses remain a major challenge in Nigeria, with up to 50 percent of agricultural produce lost due to inadequate storage and processing systems.
“These newly installed technologies mark a major milestone in addressing these challenges. They will improve preservation, enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and strengthen the agricultural value chain,” he said.
Nicodemus added that the facilities would also support training, research, and expansion into agro-processing ventures such as yoghurt production, cassava flour, rice milling, poultry, and fish farming.
He stressed that beyond operational gains, the initiative would contribute to job creation, economic growth, and community development.
The Executive Director called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other stakeholders to provide continued support through access to improved seedlings, fertilizers, and mechanized equipment.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Professor Lateef Saani, underscored the critical link between food systems and national stability
He noted that the institute, established in 1948, has consistently developed innovative technologies to tackle post-harvest challenges and ensure year-round food availability.
“The solar dryer and inert atmosphere silo are proven solutions designed to reduce losses and improve food preservation across Nigeria,” he said, adding that the institute would continue to provide technical support and training to NAFRL.
Providing a technical overview, Project Manager, Engr. Dr. Michael Omodara, explained that Nigeria’s food security challenge extends beyond production to significant post-harvest losses, estimated at about 30 percent.
He said the parabolic solar dryer uses renewable solar energy to achieve faster and more hygienic drying under controlled conditions, while the inert atmosphere silo preserves grains by replacing oxygen with nitrogen, thereby preventing pest survival without the use of chemicals.
“These technologies have been successfully deployed across the country and have proven effective in preserving grains for extended periods,” he noted.
Omodara encouraged farmers, agribusinesses, and investors to adopt the technologies to enhance productivity and reduce losses.
The commissioning ceremony drew senior military officers, government representatives, agricultural experts, and development partners, reflecting a growing consensus on the need for integrated approaches to national security and food sustainability.
The event concluded with the formal commissioning of the facilities, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting national development through innovative and collaborative initiatives in agriculture.
