The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), hosted a high-level strategic workshop on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The workshop aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector through public-private partnerships, bringing together key stakeholders from government agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector to develop practical solutions for enhancing food security and driving sustainable agricultural growth.
The Urgency of Food Security
In his welcome address, Mr. Boye Olusanya, vice chairman of NESG, represented by Mr. Uche Ogbonna, Executive Director of the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development at NESG, underscored the paradox of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
“Agriculture has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing 24% to our GDP and sustaining the livelihoods of over 70% of our rural population. Yet, paradoxically, we are grappling with one of the most pressing challenges of our time—food insecurity. In a nation blessed with over 84 million hectares of arable land, diverse agroecological zones, and a vibrant workforce, no Nigerian should go to bed hungry. And yet, hunger and malnutrition persist,” he stated.
Mr. Ogbonna stressed that data from the Agriculture and Food Security Survey, led by NBS, has provided critical insights into the scale of this challenge.
However, he emphasized that these findings must transcend research papers and conference discussions—they must translate into tangible policies and investments.
“The cost of inaction is too high. Every delay in fixing our food systems increases the number of children facing malnutrition, the number of farmers trapped in poverty, and the vulnerability of our economy to global food crises. Nigeria cannot afford to be a net importer of food when we have the resources to feed ourselves—and even the world,” he concluded.
Government and International Support
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ibrahim, executive secretary of the Nigerian Agriculture Development Fund, reiterated the necessity of strong partnerships between the government and private sector to build a resilient and productive food system.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abuba Karakari, to fostering an enabling environment for private sector investments through policy reforms and financial incentives.
Representing Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Dr. Ali Modibo reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring food security and agricultural transformation.
He highlighted the pivotal role of the PFSCU in mobilizing investments and coordinating government initiatives.
Notably, he announced a $4.3 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Brazil aimed at boosting fertilizer production, hybrid seed development, and agricultural credit lines, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s food production capacity.
A key highlight of the workshop was the participation of the World Food Program (WFP), represented by Mr. Stevenson, who outlined WFP’s $200 million annual investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He stressed the potential of irrigation, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, and the importance of fostering private sector collaborations to enhance food production and market access.
Data-Driven Solutions for Growth
Adding a statistical perspective, Mr. Ayodele Babalora, representing the Statistician General, provided key insights into agriculture’s economic contribution.
He noted that agriculture accounted for 24.64% of Nigeria’s real GDP in 2024 and remains the country’s largest employer of labor.
However, he also highlighted persistent challenges such as climate change, pest infestations, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies, calling for increased investments in sustainable data production and agricultural statistics to drive evidence-based policy decisions.
Key Focus Areas and Actionable Insights
Discussions at the workshop centered on four priority areas:
- Boosting production and productivity through improved seed quality, livestock genetics, and advanced fishery practices.
- Expanding agro-industrial growth and job creation by promoting local processing of agricultural commodities.
- Enhancing financial accessibility through increased agricultural loans and investment mobilization.
- Strengthening agricultural data systems to guide policy and investment decisions.
Stakeholders also identified urgent areas for intervention, including better coordination in plant disease management, increased awareness and adoption of improved seed varieties, strengthening Nigeria’s organic agriculture market, and addressing funding gaps for medium-scale agricultural enterprises.
NESG’s Commitment to Transforming Agriculture
The NESG remains dedicated to fostering strong partnerships and advocating for policies that support a thriving agricultural sector.
By working collaboratively with key stakeholders, the NESG aims to drive Nigeria’s agricultural transformation—ensuring food security, economic growth, and sustainable development for future generations.
