In a renewed push to combat food insecurity and rising inflation, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to roll out a comprehensive agribusiness strategy under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM).
The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, streamline farming practices, and bring stability to food prices nationwide.
Unveiled by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at a steering committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) at the Presidential Villa, the policy framework is expected to align agricultural programs across federal, state, and local levels using real-time data and advanced analytics. According to Shettima, the policy marks a critical turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize its agriculture sector.
Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Productivity
Agriculture in Nigeria holds massive potential, but underperformance has long hindered growth in the sector. According to PFSCU Executive Secretary Marion Moon, the country’s crop yields are currently 60% below global averages. The new National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism is designed to reverse this trend by addressing inefficiencies that have plagued the industry for decades.
A pilot survey for the NAPM has already been conducted across 13 states, with a nationwide rollout scheduled for June 2025. Once in place, the initiative is expected to serve as a unified platform for guiding investment, managing subsidies more effectively, and creating tailored solutions for Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
The Green Imperative Project: A Cornerstone of Reform
A key element of this new strategy is the Green Imperative Project (GIP), a $1.1 billion partnership between Nigeria and Brazil aimed at equipping 774 mid-sized farms with modern agricultural technology. Originally conceived years ago, the GIP has finally gained traction and is now set to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The project promises to bring Brazilian expertise and mechanization models to Nigerian farms, increasing both efficiency and employment opportunities. By enhancing access to modern tools and techniques, the initiative hopes to help farmers transition from subsistence methods to commercial-scale operations.
Vice-President Shettima emphasized the importance of making the GIP work, highlighting that past interventions have often fallen short. With better coordination between states and stronger policy execution, the government believes this time can be different.
Digital Transformation at the Core
A significant innovation embedded in the NAPM strategy is the integration of digital tools and data analytics. These technologies will allow for better planning, transparent allocation of resources, and the tracking of outcomes in real-time. This digital backbone is also expected to improve the management of farming subsidies, historically plagued by inefficiencies and leakage.
Moon noted that the ongoing development of a central digital platform will enable authorities to identify gaps in supply chains, support farmers with timely information, and attract investors seeking clear metrics and reliable data.
Addressing Flood Risks and Food Price Volatility
Beyond agricultural modernization, the government is also taking a more proactive stance on disaster preparedness. President Bola Tinubu recently approved N15 billion for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for potential floods during the upcoming rainy season—marking a shift toward preemptive, rather than reactive, response planning.
This move complements the broader food systems strategy by safeguarding harvests and minimizing disruptions that could drive up prices and worsen food scarcity.
Backing from States and Stakeholders
The initiative has received strong support from state leaders, including Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, who stressed the importance of aligning national and state-level agricultural programs. Namadi pointed to the Green Imperative Project as a key driver of rural development and job creation once implemented fully.
With stakeholders across federal and state governments now aligned, and international partnerships in place, the launch of the NAPM marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s bid to transform its agricultural economy.
As implementation begins in mid-2025, the true test will lie in sustained execution, transparent monitoring, and the government’s ability to turn ambitious plans into tangible results for farmers and consumers alike.
