The Nigerian government, through the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has launched a nationwide greenhouse farming initiative aimed at boosting vegetable production, empowering young people, and supporting women farmers across Nigeria.
The project, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, forms part of a broader strategy to address long-standing challenges of seasonal vegetable shortages, post-harvest losses, and limited access to fresh produce.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the NALDA greenhouse facility at the University of Abuja, the agency’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, said the project represents a major leap towards sustainable, year-round vegetable production.
“The greenhouse project is in three phases because we realised that one of the major problems we have with vegetables is that we depend too much on seasonal production,” Adebayo explained.
“We approached Mr President for approval, which he graciously gave, for mega high-tech greenhouses across the country.”
Nationwide Rollout and Infrastructure
According to Adebayo, the initiative comprises three high-tech, climate-controlled mega greenhouses strategically located across Nigeria, alongside multiple net-house greenhouse clusters in Abuja and Ogun State.
In Giri, Abuja, 20 greenhouse units and one nursery have been established.
In Shagamu, Ogun State, 30 units are currently under development.
Each site includes a solar-powered cold storage facility, irrigation systems, and packing houses for cleaning and packaging produce.
“The greenhouses are strategically located to serve major markets like Abuja and Lagos,” he said.
“We are also supporting other greenhouse owners around Shagamu and Epe to expand their capacity.”
Youth and Women at the Forefront
Adebayo noted that the initiative is designed to promote youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. Each cluster will be managed by young farmers, with every participant allocated two net-houses to operate independently under NALDA’s supervision.
“Most of these facilities will be handed over to young people who understand how to run them,” he said.
“The idea is to engage youth productively while ensuring food availability.”
In addition, women farmers will benefit through open-field vegetable farming schemes across all federal constituencies.
“For every 10 hectares, 100 women will be allocated plots for pepper, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables,” Adebayo said.
“We are providing land clearing, irrigation, packing houses, and cold storage facilities to support them.”
He disclosed that 16 pilot locations, including Cross River, Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe states, are currently undergoing land clearing and infrastructure development.
Sustainability and Safety
Addressing concerns about the use of greenhouse technology, Adebayo clarified that greenhouse farming is safe, organic, and environmentally friendly.
“It’s just atmospheric condition control,” he said. “It’s normal, safe, and cleaner. Plants simply need the right environment to thrive — and that’s what we’re providing.”
He further stressed that the initiative is not a loan scheme, but a government-backed empowerment programme aimed at removing infrastructural barriers that limit farmers’ productivity.
“Government is not in the business of business,” he stated. “Our role is to create an enabling environment for business to thrive.”
Timeline and Economic Impact
The Abuja greenhouse facility is expected to become fully operational by December 2025, while the Ogun site and other locations are scheduled to follow in early 2026. NALDA has already begun enlisting young farmers to manage the facilities.
“By December, this facility will be fully functional,” Adebayo confirmed.
“Our officials will monitor compliance with best agricultural practices.”
He added that the greenhouse clusters would help improve market access, reduce costs, and indirectly stabilise vegetable prices through structured production and coordinated offtake arrangements.
“When you have a big enough cluster, you can manage price control indirectly,” he explained.
“We know the cost of production, what the offtaker earns, and what we expect to see in the market.”
A Vision for Food Security
The greenhouse initiative aligns with NALDA’s broader vision to decentralise food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote urban agriculture near population centres.
“Outside every major city in the world, you see clusters of greenhouses supplying that city,” said Adebayo.
“As the Giant of Africa, we should do no less.”
The project will produce tomatoes, peppers, avocados, and other high-demand vegetables, with training opportunities for young Nigerians through partnerships with universities and agricultural departments.
“You don’t need a master’s degree to manage a greenhouse,” Adebayo added.
“You just need passion and proper training — and NALDA will provide that.”