The Federal Government of Nigeria is urging both local and international stakeholders to invest in large-scale, mechanized farming, seizing the growing opportunities in the nation’s agricultural sector. This call to action was made at the inaugural three-day Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo held in Abuja, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with Afreximbank and Autodex Nigeria Limited.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Adegbenro Adebiyi, Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, highlighted the vital role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy, especially as the country shifts from reliance on oil to a diversified economy. “Agriculture is fast becoming the focus across trade and investment circles,” Kyari stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for agriculture as an investment opportunity rather than merely a development program.
Kyari emphasized the government’s support for connecting farmers with processors to boost agricultural value addition, cut down on post-harvest losses, and drive food security and wealth creation.
Echoing Kyari’s message, Emeka Obegolu, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the expo aims to stimulate agricultural innovation and forge partnerships, particularly with China. “Agriculture is the heartbeat of our nation, providing livelihoods and supporting our economy,” Obegolu remarked. He acknowledged that while agriculture faces challenges such as climate change and financing, it is also evolving with technological advancements, and this expo aims to bring new investment and policy support to strengthen the agro-allied sector.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Isa Abdullahi, underscored the need for greater security for Nigerian farmers. Musa warned that without improvements in security and investment in farming infrastructure, up to 33 million Nigerians could be at risk of hunger in the coming months. He stressed the impact of conflicts and climate change on food production, noting that Nigeria is not alone in facing these global food security issues.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, he added, is prioritizing the protection of farmers’ harvests as part of a larger strategy to secure food supplies. “Investing in agricultural infrastructure is essential to embrace year-round farming,” he said, advocating for strategies that will align with the government’s plan to cultivate over 10 million hectares of arable land nationwide.
The event brought together stakeholders from government, agriculture, and defense to discuss sustainable solutions for food security and encourage investments that will harness Nigeria’s agricultural potential to support economic growth and improve livelihoods across the country.
