From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing food insecurity, economic instability, and challenges affecting agricultural development across the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated this during the commemoration of World Food Day in Abuja.
He said that with supportive policies, rising investments, and strategic partnerships under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s agriculture sector was now positioned for stronger performance.
“The present administration has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to tackling the complex issues of food insecurity, economic instability, and agricultural development, recognizing the critical role that agriculture plays in driving economic growth and feeding the nation,” Abdullahi said.
According to the minister, the government has intensified investment in agriculture through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanization Programme, under which 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 specialized farming implements were recently launched by President Tinubu for the cultivation of 550,000 hectares of farmland.
He said the expected outcome includes the production of more than two million metric tonnes of staple foods and the creation of thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths and women.
In a landmark decision, Abdullahi noted that the President had approved the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with N1.5 trillion, describing it as a “monumental milestone” in agricultural financing.
The President also approved a N250 billion credit facility to be disbursed to smallholder farmers through the bank at a single-digit interest rate to boost agricultural productivity and food security.
He explained that the government had also established the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to facilitate access to finance and ensure long-term stability through diversified funding sources, with the goal of enhancing national agricultural standards and ensuring food sustainability.
The minister said a 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey, conducted across all 36 states and the FCT, confirmed steady growth in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, with crops such as rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava recording higher outputs compared to 2024.
“These gains were driven by expansion in cultivated areas, improved farming practices, and resilience across major producing states, thereby reinforcing food security and sustaining agro-industrial value chains,” Abdullahi added.
He further disclosed that the government had rolled out a Dry Season Farming Initiative covering 500,000 hectares, beginning with wheat production in 15 states, followed by rice, maize, and cassava cultivation.
To promote industrial transformation, he said the Federal Government is implementing Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) supported by the African Development Bank and other development partners. Phase one of the five-year programme, covering Kaduna, Cross River, Kano, Kwara, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the FCT, commenced in April 2025.
According to Abdullahi, the programme is designed to increase agricultural output by 60 per cent, reduce post-harvest losses by 80 per cent, promote value addition, create jobs, and strengthen market access, thereby driving Nigeria’s shift towards an agro-industrial economy.
He also revealed that the government plans to bolster the National Strategic Food Reserve to optimal stock levels as a rapid-response mechanism to cushion the effects of natural disasters, conflicts, or economic shocks.
“This measure will help stabilize food prices, ensure steady supply of essential commodities, and protect both consumers and farmers from extreme fluctuations,” he explained.
The minister described the National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS) as another flagship programme aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving the livelihood resilience of farmers through digital input distribution under the Agro Pocket initiative.
He added that the government is scaling up support for smallholder farmers to make farm inputs more affordable and accessible in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to easing economic hardship.
Abdullahi also highlighted the adoption of the ‘Every Home a Garden’ initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which promotes household-level food production and gender inclusion.
He emphasized that the progress made in agriculture and food security reflects collective efforts across sister ministries — including the Ministry of Livestock Development, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Speaking on the significance of World Food Day, the minister said the global event, celebrated annually on October 16, commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945.
“This day strengthens international solidarity in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, and promotes the need for sustainable food systems and nutritious diets,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that this year’s celebration was unique, coinciding with the FAO’s 80th anniversary, and themed ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’, which emphasizes global collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities to build a sustainable and food-secure world.
“As usual, Nigeria today joins over 150 countries to celebrate World Food Day, with events and outreach activities aimed at raising awareness on hunger and inspiring collective action for a more resilient agri-food system,” he added.