The Federal Government has introduced a set of agricultural reforms and incentives designed to attract investment, expand irrigation, improve access to credit, and create 21 million jobs across rural communities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the plan at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja, calling hunger ‘the great equaliser that reveals our vulnerabilities and the shared fragility of our existence.’

Core Measures

- Single-window platform for land registration

- Strengthened agricultural credit systems

- Large-scale mechanisation

- Strategic irrigation projects

Shettima stressed that Nigeria has the capacity to irrigate more than 3 million hectares of farmland but currently uses less than 10%. Expanding irrigation, he said, could triple yields, reduce seasonal dependency, and boost resilience against climate shocks.

National Development Goals

- Lift 35 million people out of poverty

- Create 21 million rural jobs

Achieve food and nutrition sufficiency

Strengthen partnerships with investors through public-private collaborations and agri-tech

“Nigeria is open for business… let us build a sub-region where no one goes to bed hungry, and where agriculture is the true foundation of our prosperity,” Shettima said.

Supporting Voices

Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari: Highlighted Nigeria’s large market, arable land, and digital economy as unique opportunities.

Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu: Stressed agriculture as central to economic diversification under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

FAO & EU Officials: Commended Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture and pledged continued support, with the EU confirming an €80m investment in value chains across seven states.

Farmers’ Reactions

All Farmers Association of Nigeria: Welcomed the reforms but urged proper implementation, warning against ‘promises without delivery.’

Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation (SWOFON): Criticised past interventions, saying smallholder farmers — especially women — have yet to benefit significantly. They noted Nigeria spends less than 1.9% of its budget on agriculture, far below the 10% Malabo Declaration target.

Reform plan aims at job creation, food security, and poverty reduction.

Farmers remain skeptical, stressing implementation over pronouncements.\r\n