The Federal Government has launched the National Soybean Production and Expansion Policy and Strategy to significantly boost soybean cultivation and strengthen the crop’s role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Unveiled under the theme “States’ Participation in National Soybean Expansion,” the strategy is designed to cultivate one million hectares of farmland and produce 460,000 metric tonnes of soybean within two years. The federal plan is expected to generate N3.9 trillion annually and create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
At the policy launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said the initiative offers a clear path to scale production, enhance value addition, and position soybean as a cornerstone for both local consumption and export. He noted that building a robust ecosystem will require effective governance, strategic collaboration, and supportive policies that enable farmers, processors, and investors to thrive. The strategy aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture in national development.
The minister emphasized that the plan goes beyond paperwork—it sets the foundation for long-term food security and global competitiveness, with soybean positioned as a vital economic crop.
Benue State, a major agricultural hub, declared full support for the national rollout. Describing the policy as a transformative milestone, the state governor called it a collective invitation to reimagine rural prosperity. He announced that Benue’s Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme will reach over 200,000 farmers in three years and boost average yields from 1.2 to 3 metric tonnes per hectare.
Through partnerships with research institutions, private sector investment, and infrastructure upgrades, Benue plans to double its soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 tonnes. The state aims to contribute over 400,000 metric tonnes to the country’s total production while empowering tens of thousands of farming households.
Benue, often referred to as the food basket of the nation, pledged not only to participate in the national strategy but to lead its execution. The governor called on other states and stakeholders to move from policy to action and transform soybeans into a golden crop that drives food security, economic growth, and shared prosperity across Nigeria.
