The Federal Government of Nigeria has invested over N200 billion in the agricultural sector to boost food production and ensure national food security. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has distributed fertilizers worth over N2.15 million free of charge to farmers nationwide to support cultivation and improve yields. Over two million farmers have benefited from the government’s latest intervention program, which aims to enhance productivity and support smallholder farmers.
The minister commended the Government of The Gambia for seeking a partnership with Nigeria aimed at improving food production and economic growth. A Gambian delegation, led by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dembal Sabally, visited Nigeria to observe its rice cultivation and irrigation methods, with plans to replicate the model in The Gambia. The delegation was impressed by Nigeria’s outgrower scheme success, post-harvest management, mechanization, seeds, packaging, and rice trade.
Nigeria’s progress in agriculture is notable, particularly in rice and wheat cultivation. The minister highlighted successful research outcomes, stating that Nigeria has developed its own wheat seeds internally and cultivated almost 500 metric tons of wheat within the country. This achievement has reduced the need for imported wheat seeds. However, challenges persist in the rice sector, particularly regarding affordability and availability. The outgrower scheme is seen as a major tool for empowering small-scale farmers, providing them with access to short-term financing between planting and harvesting.
The Federal Government’s commitment to agriculture is evident in its efforts to attract youth into the sector. The minister noted that traditional farming methods can be laborious, scaring away young people. To address this, the government is working to mechanize agriculture and make it more appealing to the youth. The renaming of the ministry from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was a strategic response to food insecurity driven by climate change, COVID-19, and natural disasters such as flooding.
The Gambian minister expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s warm reception and acknowledged the country’s agricultural progress. He noted that Gambia currently imports over 80% of its rice, severely impacting the country’s economy. Sabally called for support in the form of a Rice Ambassador to help replicate the Nigerian experience in The Gambia and boost rice self-sufficiency.
