Tinubu Sets Sights on Nigeria Becoming Leading Agricultural Export Nation by 2025
President Bola Tinubu has outlined an ambitious goal for Nigeria to become a leading agricultural export nation by 2025 through a transformative initiative titled “Project Earn from the Soil.” Speaking at the “Road to South-South National Convergence for Renewed Hope Agenda” event in Abuja, represented by Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Tinubu emphasized the program’s potential to transition subsistence farming into export-oriented opportunities. This initiative aligns with his administration’s broader strategy to achieve national food security and economic transformation.
The South-South region, known for its vast natural and human resources beyond oil and gas, is positioned as a critical hub for this initiative. Tinubu stressed that the government seeks strategic partnerships rather than traditional aid to transform Nigeria’s economic ecosystem. Investors, especially those focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship, were called upon to harness the region’s untapped potential.
Hon. Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), highlighted the region’s strategic role in Nigeria’s development, citing underutilized opportunities in agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She unveiled platforms like the Pitching Den to attract entrepreneurs and investors to contribute to the vision.
Source- Arise News
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Tinubu’s vision for agricultural transformation provides an encouraging roadmap for Nigeria’s agri-food sector. Here’s an expert analysis for stakeholders:
Key Opportunities:
1. Focus on Agricultural Exports:
Transforming Nigeria into an agricultural export powerhouse by 2025 requires a significant shift in farming practices, processing, and global market integration. This presents opportunities for stakeholders to invest in high-value crops and value chain development.
Priority should be given to commodities with strong global demand, such as cocoa, palm oil, and cashew, alongside emerging markets for organic and biofortified products.
2. South-South as a Strategic Hub:
The South-South region’s rich natural resources, fertile land, and access to coastal export routes make it ideal for large-scale agribusiness projects. Collaboration between local farmers, agribusinesses, and government agencies can unlock the region’s agricultural potential.
3. Empowering Youth and Women:
The emphasis on youth and women as drivers of transformation underscores the need for targeted capacity-building programs, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurial initiatives.
4. Innovation and Technology Integration:
Incorporating modern agricultural technologies and practices will be crucial for increasing productivity and sustainability.
Agri-tech solutions such as precision farming, digital marketplaces, and mobile extension services can address inefficiencies in production and distribution.
Strategic Recommendations:
1. Policy Alignment and Incentives:
Policymakers should ensure that “Project Earn from the Soil” aligns with existing agricultural policies and creates an enabling environment for private sector participation.
Incentives like tax breaks, grants, and infrastructure investments will attract investors.
2.Market-Driven Approaches:
Farmers and agribusinesses must focus on market-oriented production, prioritizing quality standards and certifications required for export.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
Partnerships between government, agribusiness investors, and local communities can drive infrastructural development, such as storage facilities, transportation networks, and processing hubs.
4. Sustainability and Climate Resilience:
Sustainable practices, such as climate-smart agriculture, must be integrated to ensure resilience against environmental challenges.
5. Engagement Platforms like the Pitching Den:
Entrepreneurs and startups should leverage platforms like the Pitching Den to showcase innovative solutions and attract funding.
Call to Action for Stakeholders:
1. Farmers and Agri-Food Entrepreneurs: Focus on export-oriented production and seek partnerships to scale operations.
2. Investors: Explore the vast opportunities in the South-South region’s agri-food sector, from crop production to processing and logistics.
3. Policy Makers: Facilitate ease of doing business and align local policies with the goals of “Project Earn from the Soil.”
4. Agri-Tech Innovators: Provide solutions that enhance productivity and market linkages for farmers.
Through collective effort and strategic investment, Nigeria can achieve its goal of becoming a leading agricultural export nation by 2025, fostering economic growth and food security.
