Stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to the effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Soybean Expansion Strategy, aimed at increasing production and boosting national revenue through local and international markets.
The commitment was made on Wednesday at the national workshop on the Validation of the Soybean Expansion Strategy in Abuja.
Dr Ayoola Oduntan, President of the Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria (FIPAN), said the initiative signalled a new dawn for soybean production, processing, and trade in the country.
Oduntan, represented by Mr Francis Toromade, Director-General of the Premier Agribusiness Academy, commended the vision and strategic foresight of the conveners of the National Soybean Partnership (NSP).
He outlined the initiative as a landmark convergence of public and private resolve, driven by a shared commitment to transform the nation’s agricultural landscape.
“FIPAN is proud to publicly and unequivocally align with this noble cause.
“We have declared our partnership and endorsed the core pillars of the strategy, with particular focus on scaling up the adoption of improved seed varieties, expanding cultivated areas, attracting new investments, and fully utilising Nigeria’s untapped crushing capacity,” he said.
Oduntan added that soybean was more than a crop but a strategic national asset positioned at the intersection of food security, livestock feed sustainability, economic diversification, and industrial development.
“The time to unlock its full potential is now, and we are ready to play our part,” he said.
He reaffirmed FIPAN’s commitment to supporting the initiative through technical expertise, private sector collaboration, and active engagement across the value chain.
“We are prepared to work with all stakeholders, government, investors, farmers, and processors to ensure this partnership delivers measurable results and lasting impact,” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, said Nigeria’s favourable agro-ecological conditions had contributed to its position as the leading producer of soybeans in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Yetide Olarinde, Head of Public Partnerships and Investor Relations at NADF, said the country had the potential to become a global leader in both soybean production and processing.
“This strategy and roadmap represent a deliberate effort to accelerate Nigeria’s position in global markets, ensuring value addition for local prosperity.
“With changing dynamics in the global supply chain and rising demand for non-GMO produce, including soybeans, we have a compelling opportunity to scale production and capture greater value both at home and abroad,” he said.
Mr Samaila Maigoro, Chairman of the Oil Seeds Processors Association of Nigeria (OSPAN), expressed concern over Nigeria’s low soybean yields compared to global standards.
He identified key challenges, including poor land choices and the need for a more enabling environment to support private sector participation.
“To ensure food security and economic growth, government must create the conditions that allow private sector actors to thrive,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Uwala Ayodele, President of the Nigerian Seed Association (NSA), expressed support for the national soybean strategy.
Represented by the association’s National Secretary, Mr Aondover Shaahu, Ayodele called for prompt action to achieve self-sufficiency in soybean production and meet global market demands.
NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi