The Federal Government has unveiled sweeping agricultural reforms designed to attract investment and create 21 million jobs nationwide.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the initiative on Tuesday at the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja.
He described hunger as “the great equaliser” that exposes Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
The new measures include single-window platforms for land registration, improved access to credit, large-scale mechanisation, and expanded irrigation systems.
According to Shettima, Nigeria has the capacity to irrigate over three million hectares of farmland but currently uses less than 10 percent.
“Strategic investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, free us from seasonal dependency, and strengthen our resilience against climate shocks,” the Vice President said.
The plan aligns with the 2021–2025 National Development Plan, which seeks to lift 35 million Nigerians out of poverty and secure food sufficiency.
Shettima assured investors that reforms, partnerships, and agri-tech innovations would make Nigeria “open for business.”
He added: “Nigeria is open for business. Let us work hand-in-hand to ensure no one goes to bed hungry, and agriculture becomes the true foundation of our prosperity.”
Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari said Nigeria’s vast arable land, large domestic market, and growing digital economy create unique opportunities for agribusiness.
Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu echoed this, stressing that agriculture remains a pivotal driver of Nigeria’s diversification and growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
International partners also pledged support.
The Gambia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Demba Sabally, praised Nigeria’s rice and cassava successes as examples for West Africa. FAO Representative Dr. Hussein Gadain commended Shettima’s “visionary leadership” in transforming Nigeria’s food systems.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed Europe’s partnership, noting €80 million invested in agribusiness value chains across seven Nigerian states.
Despite the promises, farmers urged the government to back reforms with action.
Kabir Kebram, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, warned that policies mean little without implementation.
“Definitely, it will boost food production if they are implemented. But unless the government follows through, results won’t be seen,” he said.
Peter Dama of the Competitive African Rice Forum also cautioned against empty promises, noting that tractors and farm tools pledged months earlier have yet to reach farmers.
Women farmers raised concerns too. Chinasa Asonye, Secretary of SWOFON, criticised the government’s inability to meet the 10 percent agriculture budget commitment under the Malabo Declaration.
She said smallholder women farmers remain excluded from credit, land access, and inclusion in policies.
“Billions are earmarked, but results are not visible. Farmers are still struggling by themselves,” she lamented.
The agricultural reforms, if implemented, could ease food inflation, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
But stakeholders insist delivery on promises is the only path to true impact
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