The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through science, research, and innovation, saying sustainable food security can only be achieved by adopting evidence-based policies and modern farming technologies.
The commitment was made on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during the Agrifood System Working Group Meeting held in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who led discussions on the country’s long-term strategy for building a resilient and productive agrifood system.
Kristina Reports learnt that the meeting brought together government officials, agricultural researchers, development partners, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to explore science-driven solutions to Nigeria’s growing food security challenges and position the country to meet regional agricultural development goals.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Kyari said Nigeria could no longer rely on traditional farming methods alone to feed its growing population, stressing that research, innovation, climate-smart agriculture, and improved technology must become the foundation of the nation’s food production system.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is developing a 10-year National Agrifood Strategy aligned with the African Union’s Kampala Declaration (2026–2035). According to him, the strategy is expected to strengthen agricultural productivity, improve food availability, create jobs, enhance farmers’ incomes, and attract greater private-sector investment into the sector.
The minister explained that the proposed framework would prioritise scientific research, improved seed varieties, digital agriculture, mechanisation, irrigation, soil health management, and climate-resilient farming practices capable of increasing yields while reducing post-harvest losses.
Kristina Reports gathered that the strategy also seeks to bridge the gap between agricultural research institutions and farmers by ensuring that innovations developed in laboratories are effectively transferred to rural communities where they are most needed.
For millions of Nigerian farmers, however, the success of the initiative will depend on improved access to quality seedlings, affordable fertilisers, extension services, modern equipment, irrigation facilities, and financing, as many continue to battle insecurity, climate change, rising production costs, and poor infrastructure.
Stakeholders at the meeting called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, universities, development partners, and the private sector to accelerate innovation and ensure scientific discoveries translate into practical solutions for farmers across the country.
They noted that strengthening agricultural research and promoting technology adoption would not only improve food production but also reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports, create employment opportunities, and support sustainable economic growth.
The Federal Government maintained that science-led agriculture remains central to achieving national food security and building a resilient agrifood system capable of meeting the nutritional and economic needs of Nigeria’s growing population.