By Stephen Simon
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive 10-year Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, strengthening food security and increasing private sector investment in farming and agro-processing. The strategy is expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative during the Agrifood System Working Group meeting in Abuja, saying the plan aligns with the African Union’s CAADP Kampala Declaration (2026–2035) and is designed to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
Kyari said President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to move beyond fragmented interventions and develop a practical, bankable and implementable roadmap capable of transforming the country’s agrifood system. He described food security as a national security priority requiring coordinated action by government, development partners and the private sector.
According to the minister, the strategy focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, improving value chains, expanding investment in food production, strengthening climate resilience and creating sustainable jobs across the agricultural sector. It also seeks to improve governance and accountability in implementing food security programmes.
The initiative comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reduce food inflation and improve domestic food production through new financing programmes for smallholder farmers, expanded access to improved seeds and fertilisers, and guaranteed minimum prices for selected crops.
Stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, financial institutions, research organisations and private investors to achieve the objectives of the strategy. They noted that a coordinated approach would enhance food availability, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural competitiveness.
If approved by the Federal Executive Council, the 10-year strategy will serve as Nigeria’s blueprint for agricultural transformation through 2035, with the government expressing confidence that its implementation will enhance national food security, attract investment and build a more resilient agrifood system.
