118,000 hectares cultivated for wheat production in 11 states – FG

As part of efforts to boost food security and stabilize wheat production, Nigeria has cultivated 118,000 hectares of wheat across 11 states under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro Pocket Project (NAGS-APP). The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made this disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasizing that this intervention marks a historic expansion of wheat farming in Nigeria.

The initiative, backed by President Bola Tinubu, is a strategic response to wheat scarcity, a critical input for Nigeria’s flour and bakery industries. Abdullahi noted that private sector players, including Flour Mills of Nigeria and independent farmers, have further expanded cultivation, potentially pushing production beyond the government’s estimated figures. The initiative has injected over 500,000 metric tons of wheat into the economy, representing a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependency on wheat imports.

The minister reassured Nigerians that the country is not facing food scarcity, despite concerns over rising food prices. He attributed inflationary pressures to macroeconomic factors, which the government is actively addressing.

To further enhance agricultural productivity, Nigeria is implementing four mechanization programs in collaboration with state governments such as Niger, Kebbi, and Kaduna. These initiatives aim to improve farmer efficiency and support year-round staple crop production, ensuring stable supply and price regulation.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The 118,000-hectare wheat cultivation initiative under the NAGS-APP is a bold and necessary step in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As wheat remains a key commodity in the food value chain, its local production is essential for reducing reliance on imports, cutting costs, and ensuring food security.

Key Implications for Stakeholders:

1. Wheat Import Substitution & Economic Impact:
   Nigeria imports about 95% of its wheat consumption needs, spending billions of dollars annually. Expanding local wheat farming reduces forex dependency, strengthens the naira, and supports the local agro-processing industry.
   Injecting 500,000 metric tons into the economy could lower production costs for flour mills and bakery industries, stabilizing bread and other wheat-based food prices.
2. Private Sector Participation & Value Chain Development:
   The collaboration with private sector stakeholders, including Flour Mills of Nigeria, enhances sustainability and market linkages for wheat farmers.
   Contract farming models could emerge, ensuring consistent market access and price stability for wheat producers.

Challenges & Considerations for Long-Term Sustainability:

1. Seed Quality & Yield Improvement: Scaling wheat farming requires access to improved seed varieties, irrigation facilities, and climate-smart practices.
2. Storage & Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Without proper storage and processing facilities, increased production may lead to post-harvest losses, affecting profitability.
3. Access to Credit & Mechanization: The planned mechanization programs must be affordable and accessible to farmers, ensuring efficient land preparation and harvesting.

Policy Recommendations & Next Steps:

1. Expand Irrigation & Dry Season Wheat Farming: Sustainable wheat production in Nigeria hinges on year-round cultivation, which requires expanded irrigation infrastructure.
2. Strengthen Wheat Processing & Milling Capacity: Investments in local processing will ensure domestic utilization of locally grown wheat, reducing reliance on imported varieties.
3. Integrate Extension Services: Farmer training on best agronomic practices, mechanization, and post-harvest management will maximize yield potential.

Nigeria’s recent expansion of wheat farming marks a pivotal step toward food security, economic stability, and agro-industrial growth. However, achieving full self-sufficiency will require consistent policy support, private sector investment, and strong infrastructure development.