Minister Highlights Strategies to Accelerate Growth in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized that a focused internal appraisal, proactive management, and strategic policy reforms are essential to accelerating growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Speaking at the Ministerial Sectoral Retreat themed “Performance Improvement and Strategic Alignment” held at the African Trade Centre, Onomo Allure, Abuja, Kyari stated that sustainable agricultural development and food sovereignty would be driven by a combination of innovation, mechanization, and strategic planning.
According to a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of the Ministry’s Department of Information, the Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition agriculture as a major contributor to economic growth, job creation, and investment. He outlined a new policy focus on mechanization, value-chain development, agribusiness financing, and market expansion as key pillars of this strategy.
Senator Kyari explained that the ministry is committed to leveraging technology, climate-smart farming techniques, and innovative practices to enhance productivity and resilience. “Our mission is to feed Nigeria, create jobs, and drive economic growth through sustainable agriculture,” he said, stressing the importance of transforming subsistence farming into a scalable, profitable enterprise.
The Minister also revealed ongoing collaborations with international partners to secure funding, technical expertise, and equipment for agricultural initiatives. He noted partnerships with equipment manufacturers from Belarus, Brazil, and global firms such as John Deere and Origin to address Nigeria’s long-standing tractorization gap. These initiatives are expected to lower production costs, boost yields, and attract private investment into farming and agro-processing.
Senator Kyari further highlighted the ministry’s focus on expanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) through the establishment of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, Agro-Industrial Estates, Agro-Processing Centers, and Cottage Processing Mills. These facilities aim to enhance value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and deepen agro-industrial activities nationwide.
To ensure market stability and reduce price volatility, the Minister revealed the implementation of a National Food Reserve Programme that will manage excess production during peak seasons, providing predictable pricing for farmers and consumers alike. Complementary initiatives include the development of commodity market hubs, farmers’ markets, and cooperative markets to improve market access and profitability for producers.
Special attention is being given to youth and women in agribusiness, whom the Minister described as key to unlocking Nigeria’s demographic dividend and stimulating rural economies.
Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, added that the ministry is restructuring itself to support private sector engagement, data-driven decisions, and effective performance management. New departments, including Agricultural Mechanization, Agricultural Data and Analytics, Agricultural ICT, Horticulture, Plant Health, and Development Partners Projects, have been established to sharpen the ministry’s focus and improve efficiency.
The ministry is also enhancing financing windows through the Bank of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Development Fund, aiming to support farmers, processors, and agribusiness investors across the value chain.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Mr. Alfred Abba, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, praised the retreat as a platform to reinforce leadership cohesion, institutional discipline, and a unified direction for the ministry in line with public service reforms.
During the welcome address, Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that the retreat provided a strategic opportunity to reflect and reposition the ministry and its agencies for greater effectiveness. He highlighted the validation of the Performance Management Systems (PMS) Automation and the Electronic Content Management (ECM) Platform, which are scheduled to go live on December 18, 2025, following the retreat. Dr. Ogunbiyi described the joint validation exercise as a critical, transformational step for the ministry’s operations.
The retreat showed the ministry’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through technology, strategic partnerships, and inclusive initiatives that empower farmers, enhance productivity, and position agriculture as a central driver of economic growth.
