The Federal Government has launched a sweeping programme of agricultural reforms designed to overhaul food production, address rising prices, and create more than 21 million jobs across Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima presented the initiative at the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Hand-in-Hand Forum in Abuja, describing hunger as a global security challenge. “Food is not merely a matter of survival, it is a matter of global security,” he noted.
Measures unveiled include:
Development of single-window land registration systems
Large-scale irrigation projects across river basins
Expansion of agricultural credit access
Introduction of modern mechanisation and digital technology
The Vice President emphasised Nigeria’s potential to irrigate three million hectares but lamented that less than 10 per cent of this capacity is currently utilised.
According to him, “Strategic investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, free us from seasonal dependency, and fortify our resilience against climate shocks.”
The government’s strategy is aligned with the National Development Plan (2021–2025), which aims to lift 35 million Nigerians out of poverty while strengthening food and nutrition security.
International partners praised the move. The European Union (EU) pledged €80 million to expand agricultural value chains. The Gambia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr Demba Sabally, highlighted Nigeria’s rice and cassava production success stories, while FAO’s Hussein Gadain commended Vice President Shettima’s “unmatched passion for agriculture and nutrition.”
Despite the optimism, farmer groups expressed caution. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria’s president, Kabir Kebram, insisted that implementation is critical. Similarly, Peter Dama of the Competitive African Rice Forum warned against “a cycle of promises without delivery.”
The Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria also raised concerns, arguing that government policies have not significantly improved access to loans, land, or women-friendly farming tools.
With inflation, food insecurity, and climate change threatening livelihoods, analysts say the success of these reforms will hinge on transparency, consistency, and strong collaboration between government and rural communities.
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