In a strategic move to position agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and ensure food security, the federal government has announced a significant shift from subsistence farming to a fully industrialized agribusiness sector.
Transforming Agriculture into a High-Value Economic Enterprise
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a thriving agribusiness hub.
Speaking at a Presidential Roundtable on Agribusiness organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Kyari emphasized that agriculture would be treated as a high-value economic enterprise, capable of lifting millions out of poverty and enhancing national prosperity.
“The state of emergency on food security is more than symbolic; it’s a call to action. Food security is national security,” Kyari asserted.
He stressed the importance of private-sector investments, large-scale mechanization, and extensive value addition across the sector.
Tapping into Regional and Global Markets
Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s unique advantage: a domestic market of over 200 million people and access to 1.4 billion consumers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Nigeria is strategically positioned to become Africa’s agribusiness hub, making it one of the most attractive agribusiness destinations on the continent,” he said.
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Mechanization, Youth Engagement, and Credit Access Key to Growth
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant on Agribusiness, stressed that mechanization, increased credit access, and youth participation are vital for achieving year-round food production and stabilizing commodity prices.
“With increased food production, we anticipate a drop in commodity prices in the coming weeks,” Uzoma assured, addressing growing concerns about food inflation.
While launching the Agribusiness Productivity Enhancement and Management Office, Uzoma stated that this initiative marks the beginning of strategic interventions and coordinated efforts that will deliver measurable impacts in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Private Sector Commitment to Food Security
Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, President of NABG, reaffirmed the private sector’s support for the government’s initiatives.
He praised the focus on mechanization, year-round farming, and facilitating farmer access to credit, particularly through the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture.
“Our commitment to deploying mechanization and strengthening extension services is already delivering results.
We’re attracting youth into agriculture, boosting production, and ensuring food security while creating wealth,” Ibrahim noted.
A New Era of Public-Private Sector Collaboration
Jafar Umar, Director-General of NABG, described the roundtable as a pivotal step in bridging policy and private sector realities.
“Through engagements like this, we will align policies, strengthen agribusiness competitiveness, and position Nigeria as a leading force in regional food markets,” Umar said.
Global Support for Nigeria’s Agribusiness Ambitions
A Senior Program Officer for Agriculture at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commended NABG’s Commodity Aggregation Group, particularly their work in Argungu, where they are supporting rice farmers with quality seeds and fertilizers.
He urged NABG to replicate innovative farmer empowerment schemes across the country and accelerate the adoption of food fortification to tackle micronutrient deficiencies among Nigerians, especially children.
With these bold moves, Nigeria is set to transform its agricultural landscape, creating sustainable food systems and positioning itself as a powerhouse in regional and global agribusiness markets.
