On a recent Tuesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria made an appeal to both local and international stakeholders to capitalize on the increasing interest in the agricultural sector by investing in large-scale mechanized farming. This appeal was presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the inaugural three-day Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo in Abuja. The event was a collaboration among the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Afreximbank, and Autodex Nigeria Limited. Kyari’s remarks were delivered by Adegbenro Adebiyi, the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development in the Ministry. The significant turnout at the expo highlighted the crucial role that agriculture plays in Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its people. Kyari emphasized that agriculture is gaining traction amid ongoing global oil price fluctuations, which have prompted the government to diversify the economy to improve productivity and create new revenue streams.
Kyari outlined the government’s current agricultural policy, which aims to place the private sector at the forefront of agricultural initiatives while establishing a conducive environment for investment. Unlike previous approaches that treated agriculture as a mere development program, this strategy seeks to transform it into a business sector. The Minister asserted the government’s commitment to enhancing agribusiness linkages between farmers and processors, thereby increasing agricultural value addition and reducing post-harvest losses, which are essential for achieving food security and economic empowerment. Agriculture is now viewed not only as a traditional industry but also as a potential driver of economic growth, which aligns with the government’s broader diversification goals.
Supporting this vision, Chief Emeka Obegolu, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about the expo’s purpose of stimulating stakeholder interest in agricultural innovation and strengthening partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and China. He affirmed that agriculture is crucial to Nigeria’s economy, directly supporting millions of livelihoods and sustaining local communities. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, financial limitations, unstable markets, and the pressing need for modern infrastructure. The Chamber’s goal is to promote economic robustness by highlighting investment prospects in the agro-allied sector, engaging policymakers to support agriculture, and encouraging favorable policies that will facilitate both economic and individual advancement.
A key aspect of the discussions at the expo revolved around the imperative for security in Nigerian agriculture. General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, addressed this critical issue through a representative, Major General Isa Abdullahi. He emphasized that without urgent measures to ensure food sufficiency, approximately 33 million Nigerians could be at risk of hunger in the near future. The threat of food insecurity in Nigeria is exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts that disrupt agricultural activities and adverse weather conditions that result from climate change. General Musa pointed out that many countries facing similar food security challenges have adopted military interventions as emergency measures, underlining the gravity of the situation in Nigeria.
Musa’s remarks highlighted the dual challenges posed by security concerns—such as insurgency and banditry—and environmental factors that hinder agricultural productivity. To combat these obstacles, he noted that the Defence Headquarters is prioritizing the protection of farmers and their harvests throughout the country. Additionally, he stressed the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure to facilitate continuous farming through various seasons. The Federal Government’s objective of cultivating over 10 million hectares of arable land signifies a robust commitment to enhancing national food security, and the expo serves as a crucial platform to explore practical solutions and collaborative efforts toward this end.
In conclusion, the Farm, Food, and Allied Technologies Expo in Abuja has established itself as a vital event for promoting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, fostering investment, and highlighting the pressing need for innovation and support. With key stakeholders expressing a shared vision for rejuvenating agriculture, the emphasis on mechanized farming and security offers a roadmap for addressing the multifaceted challenges the sector faces. The concerted effort between government, private stakeholders, and international partners reaffirms the potential of agriculture to transform the Nigerian economy, ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for millions. Through strategic investments and collaborative initiatives, Nigeria can harness the power of agriculture to build resilience against both economic and environmental threats, ultimately enhancing its growth trajectory.
