Quick Summary:
- The Federal Government of Nigeria has recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion.
- Over N200 billion has been invested in agricultural interventions nationwide.
- 2.15 million bags of fertilizer have been distributed to support farmers.
- Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional leader in food security and agricultural transformation.
- The country is strengthening partnerships with The Gambia and ECOWAS member states through joint technical missions and MoUs.
The Federal Government has recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion and invested over N200 billion in agricultural interventions aimed at boosting food security and empowering farmers nationwide.
Major Boost for Agricultural Development
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a high-level engagement in Abuja on Saturday. The event featured bilateral discussions, technical briefings, and a field tour of Nigeria’s national mechanization fleet at the National Agricultural Seed Council in Sheda.
Kyari emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in transforming regional food systems, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s July 2023 declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security as a key milestone in the country’s agricultural journey.
“We have committed over N200 billion to agricultural interventions, distributed 2.15 million bags of fertilizer, and recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion to empower our farmers,” Kyari said.
Nigeria Strengthens Regional Partnerships
The Minister also expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deeper regional collaboration with The Gambia and ECOWAS member states through joint technical missions and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
Kyari outlined Nigeria’s agricultural strategy, which focuses on sustainable mechanization, youth inclusion, food sovereignty, and data-driven policymaking. He also highlighted the ongoing development of a national farmer registry, in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), targeting over 42 million farming households across the country.
The Gambia Seeks Nigeria’s Support on Rice Production
Speaking at the event, The Gambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally, praised Nigeria’s strides in the agricultural sector and called for stronger bilateral cooperation—particularly in rice production and mechanization.
Sabally said The Gambia is keen to adopt Nigeria’s rice production model to help achieve its goal of rice self-sufficiency by 2030.
We have seen the Nigerian model in action—from the outgrower schemes to post-harvest management. We now request a Rice Ambassador from Nigeria to support our implementation,” he added.
Ambassador Nyangado Alhagie, The Gambia’s Permanent Secretary, described the visit as “transformational,” adding that Nigeria’s replicable agricultural systems could significantly advance The Gambia’s food security efforts.
Nigeria’s Rice Model Can Guide Africa
Also speaking at the event, Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, said Nigeria’s rice success story could serve as a continental model.
He commended the growing acceptance and improved quality of Nigerian rice and encouraged The Gambia to embrace local solutions and leverage regional partnerships for agricultural growth.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, welcomed the Gambian delegation, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to mutual learning, technical exchange, and advancing food self-sufficiency across Africa.