The Federal Government on Tuesday called on both local and international stakeholders to seize the growing opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and invest in large-scale, mechanized farming to drive economic diversification and food security.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, at the opening of the inaugural three-day Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo in Abuja. The event, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in partnership with Afreximbank and Autodex Nigeria Limited, aims to stimulate interest and investment in the agricultural sector.
Kyari, who was represented by Adegbenro Adebiyi, the Director of the Ministry’s Agribusiness and Market Development Department, noted that the large turnout at the event underscored the critical role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy and its potential for growth. He emphasized the shift in policy towards positioning agriculture as a business, with the private sector taking the lead and the government creating an enabling environment for investment.
“It is heartening to see agriculture gaining traction in trade and investment circles, particularly as oil prices remain volatile and the Federal Government seeks to diversify the economy,” Kyari said. “Our focus is to make agriculture a profitable sector, driven by the private sector, where government support facilitates sustainable growth, job creation, and food security.”
He further reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening agribusiness linkages between farmers and processors, improving agricultural value addition, reducing post-harvest losses, and ultimately ensuring food security and wealth creation for Nigerians.
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, echoed Kyari’s sentiments, stressing the importance of the expo in promoting agricultural innovation and fostering stronger partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and China.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, providing livelihoods to millions and supporting our economy,” Obegolu stated. “However, the sector faces numerous challenges, from climate change and limited access to financing to the need for modern infrastructure and technology. This expo aims to highlight investment opportunities in the agro-allied sector, engage policymakers, and advocate for policies that will drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.”
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, who also spoke at the event (represented by Major General Isa Abdullahi, Director of Policy at the Defence Headquarters), underscored the critical need for security in agricultural activities. He emphasized that without adequate security for farmers, large-scale mechanized farming and food security would remain unattainable.
Musa highlighted the vulnerability of up to 33 million Nigerians to hunger in the coming months, stressing that armed conflict, banditry, and weather-related disruptions have severely impacted agricultural productivity. “In response, the Defence Headquarters has prioritized the protection of farmers and their harvests, while also advocating for investment in agricultural infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure all-year-round farming,” he said.
Musa also acknowledged that other nations facing similar challenges had adopted military-led initiatives to safeguard food security, and urged Nigeria to consider such measures as part of its broader strategy.
With the Federal Government targeting the cultivation of over 10 million hectares of arable land, the expo provided a crucial platform for developing practical solutions to advance Nigeria’s National Food Security Scheme.
The event underscored the potential of the agricultural sector to drive national economic transformation and improve the livelihoods of millions, with key stakeholders calling for sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration to achieve long-term food security.
