FG, ACCI woo investors for agricultural revolution
Agriculture is rapidly gaining attention within Nigeria as the country looks to solidify its economic foundation beyond oil. The Federal Government recently called on local and international stakeholders to leverage Nigeria’s agricultural potential by investing in large-scale, mechanized farming. At the inaugural Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo held in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, emphasized the vital role agriculture plays in diversifying the economy and addressing food security.
The Expo, jointly organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Afreximbank, and Autodex Nigeria Limited, showcased the potential of the sector to drive economic growth and employment. The Abuja Chamber President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, highlighted the importance of international partnerships, particularly with China, to promote agricultural innovation. He underscored the urgency to adopt advanced farming technologies, secure sustainable markets, and push for favorable policies to support agriculture’s growth trajectory.
The need for security in farming was also brought to light by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. He warned that without intervention, millions of Nigerians face food vulnerability due to disruptions from climate and conflict. Military initiatives are underway to ensure safe harvesting seasons, but he emphasized that achieving the National Food Security Scheme requires resilient infrastructure that can support year-round farming across Nigeria’s extensive arable lands.
Source- Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
The Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo highlighted critical investment and policy directions for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Here are key insights:
1. Investment in Mechanization and Technology: With Nigeria’s agriculture sector attracting international interest, stakeholders should prioritize mechanized farming, which increases yields, reduces labor intensity, and aligns with government policies. Mechanized and precision farming technologies, such as those for efficient irrigation, automated planting, and harvesting systems, can create a scalable model for agriculture that sustains productivity while reducing post-harvest losses.
2. Policy and Market Linkages: The Minister’s emphasis on private-sector leadership implies an opportunity for agribusiness investors to influence policy direction through sector linkages. Engaging policymakers to secure policies that improve market access, provide tax incentives, and simplify regulatory processes could enhance agribusiness sustainability, reduce production costs, and create a supportive environment for small and large-scale farmers alike.
3. Strengthened Security Measures: General Musa’s statement on prioritizing farmers’ security is essential for stabilizing food production. For large-scale farming to flourish, stakeholders must advocate for robust and reliable security frameworks that protect farms and reduce the risk of agricultural abandonment due to conflict. With millions at risk of food insecurity, securing farmlands not only safeguards productivity but also sustains rural livelihoods.
4. Infrastructure for Climate Resilience: To counter weather shocks and ensure year-round farming, strategic investments in agricultural infrastructure—like climate-smart storage facilities, improved rural roads, and weather-monitoring systems—are paramount. Agribusiness stakeholders can explore public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop sustainable infrastructures, especially for remote farming areas.
The Expo has opened up dialogues on transforming agriculture into a high-impact, investment-driven sector that significantly contributes to food security and economic growth.
