Nigerian Government boosts agriculture to drive economic growth

The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to enhance food security and drive economic growth by operationalising the enhanced National Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS).

This was the focus of a high-level meeting in Abuja, presided over by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

FG Accelerates Implementation of Enhanced National Agricultural Growth Scheme

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, today presided over a high-level meeting on the operationalisation of the enhanced National Agricultural… pic.twitter.com/SS542MG6Ki

— Federal Ministry of Finance (@FinMinNigeria) March 19, 2025

A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, highlighted that the initiative aims to strengthen food security, stabilise commodity prices, and support smallholder farmers across the country.

Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and agricultural transformation, the minister underscored Nigeria’s 3.84% economic growth, rising foreign reserves, and stabilised exchange rate as key indicators of progress. He further stressed the importance of efficient financing, mechanisation, and strategic commodity storage to boost productivity and ensure price stability.

The statement read in part, “With funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and a newly signed Mechanisation and Commercialisation Programme with Brazil, the scheme will provide essential inputs, machinery, and financial support to 200,000 farmers during the wet season and 50,000 during the dry season, focusing on key crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and sorghum.“

The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Mr. Cornelius O. Adebayo underscored the significance of a coordinated approach to agricultural development. “This initiative integrates key ecosystem players to address commodity pricing, harvest losses, and productivity challenges, ensuring long-term food security and national reserves,” he stated.

The meeting also tackled challenges and concluded logistical huddles in food distribution, with renewed government efforts to strengthen supply chains and bolster strategic food reserves.

As Nigeria accelerates the implementation of the enhanced NAGS, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring food security, promoting economic growth, and improving the lives of Nigerian farmers and citizens.

With this bold initiative, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in agricultural development and a model for sustainable food systems in Africa.