The Federal Government has rolled out fresh agricultural reforms aimed at attracting investment, creating 21 million jobs, and boosting food security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the plans on Tuesday at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja, describing hunger as “the great equaliser that reveals our vulnerabilities and the shared fragility of our existence.”
According to Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the measures include:
- Single-window platforms for land registration
- Improved access to agricultural credit
- Large-scale mechanisation projects
- Strategic irrigation expansion
Irrigation as a Game-Changer
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria has the potential to irrigate over three million hectares of farmland, but currently utilises less than 10%.
“Strategic investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, reduce seasonal dependency, and strengthen resilience against climate shocks,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s blueprint under the 2021–2025 National Development Plan seeks to lift 35 million people out of poverty while creating millions of rural jobs.
Nigeria Open for Agribusiness
The Vice President assured both local and international investors of regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and agri-tech innovations to support the sector.
“Nigeria is open for business, and we are ready to partner with you. Together, we can build a nation where no one goes hungry and agriculture becomes the foundation of our prosperity,” Shettima said.
Stakeholders React
- Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari highlighted Nigeria’s large market, arable land, and growing digital economy as unique investment opportunities.
- Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu described agriculture and irrigation as key to diversification and long-term transformation.
- FAO Representative, Dr Hussein Gadain, praised Nigeria’s commitment to food security, noting that the Hand-in-Hand Initiative is designed to eradicate poverty and malnutrition.
- EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, citing an €80 million investment across seven Nigerian states.
However, farmers urged the government to back its promises with concrete implementation.
- Kabir Kebram, President of AFAN, warned that policies without action would yield no results.
- Peter Dama, Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, stressed that farmers are tired of “a cycle of promises without delivery.”
- Chinasa Asonye, Secretary of SWOFON, criticised the government for failing to meet the 10% budgetary allocation to agriculture under the Malabo Declaration, noting that smallholder farmers, especially women, are still struggling without meaningful support.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria continues to battle food insecurity, worsened by inflation, climate change, and over-reliance on imports. The new reforms, if implemented effectively, could mark a turning point in making agriculture the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and job creation.
