Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for a decisive shift from traditional to modern farming systems to unlock Nigeria’s full agricultural potential and ensure long-term stability in food supply.
Speaking yesterday in Kaduna at the 47th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security, themed “Food Sovereignty and Food Security: An Era of Renewed Hope”, Kyari said the government’s agricultural transformation agenda aligns with key national frameworks — including the Nigeria Vision 2050, National Development Plan (2021–2025), and the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.
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He noted that targeted interventions by the ministry are beginning to yield results, citing a decline in food prices for several commodities as early evidence of progress.
“Nigeria must transition from traditional to modern farming systems if we are to achieve our vision of food security and economic diversification,” Kyari said.
Highlighting recent milestones, Kyari said the government, in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and state governments, has strengthened the National Agricultural Growth Scheme–Agro-Pocket (NAGS–AP), the flagship input delivery and productivity expansion programme.
Through this initiative, wheat cultivation has expanded from 15 states during the 2023/2024 dry season to a wider coverage in the 2024/2025 season. He described the introduction of rainfed wheat cultivation in Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states as a “game-changer” for achieving all-year farming and self-sufficiency.
The Minister also disclosed that operations at National Strategic Grain Reserve Silos in Zamfara, Katsina, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Niger, Osun, Edo, and Kwara states have been enhanced to boost national food distribution and price stability.
“The Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, launched with Heifer Nigeria, will give farmers, youth, and women access to affordable tractors, mechanisation hubs, and technical training. Mechanisation will modernise production, raise yields, and create sustainable rural jobs,” Kyari said.
He further revealed that the National Agricultural Development Fund is now fully operational to expand access to finance for agribusinesses and value chain actors.
In collaboration with state governments, the ministry is also investing in feeder roads, solar-powered boreholes, mini-earth dams, and water treatment plants to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Climate-Smart and Inclusive Agriculture
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, underscored the importance of adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity while addressing climate adaptation and mitigation goals.
He outlined ongoing initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, the Dry Season Initiative covering 500,000 hectares, and the “Every Home a Garden” initiative championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Other key programmes include the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) and the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme, both aimed at improving soil fertility, strengthening cooperatives, and empowering smallholder farmers.
“Our goal is to reduce import dependence, strengthen market confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading food supplier in West Africa,” Abdullahi stated.
Policy Coordination and Food Sovereignty
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, described the Council as Nigeria’s premier policy platform for agricultural coordination and decision-making.
He said the meeting provides an avenue to harmonise federal and state agricultural strategies and deepen stakeholder collaboration.
“True national strength begins with the ability to feed ourselves,” Ogunbiyi said. “Food sovereignty is not just about availability — it’s about control, sustainability, and empowerment.”
He urged delegates to ensure that the Council’s resolutions translate into actionable policies capable of building a resilient food system and ensuring that “every Nigerian household is nourished.”
