The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari has said Nigeria is one of the most attractive agribusiness destinations in Africa, leveraging its vast consumer base of over 200 million people and access to a regional market exceeding 1.4 billion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kyari, who made this known Abuja during the Presidential Roundtable on Agriculture, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector into a globally competitive agribusiness hub, driving economic diversification and value creation.
He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing agriculture beyond subsistence farming, positioning it as a structured economic ecosystem that empowers farmers and encourages private-sector-led growth.
“The declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture by Mr. President was not just symbolic; it was a call to action. Food security is national security, and a well-structured agribusiness sector is key to economic stability and social prosperity,” Kyari stated.
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He highlighted Nigeria’s extensive agricultural potential, including its vast arable land, favorable climate, and a youthful, entrepreneurial population. The government, he added, is actively working to remove investment barriers and foster an enabling environment for local and foreign investors.
Kyari also outlined strategic collaborations with global development partners such as the African Development Bank, World Bank, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Islamic Development Bank. These partnerships aim to finance large-scale agricultural projects and enhance food system resilience in response to global economic challenges and climate change.
The President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Arch Kabir Ibrahim, reaffirmed the private sector’s support for the government’s food security initiatives. He praised ongoing efforts in mechanization, all-season farming, and increased credit access through the capitalization of the Bank of Agriculture.
“Our investments in mechanization and extension systems are already yielding results. The focus on youth engagement in agriculture will boost productivity, create wealth, and ensure food security,” Ibrahim said.
Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Agribusiness, Kingsley Uzoma, delivered a keynote address, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
In his welcome remarks, NABG’s Director General, Jafar Umar, described the roundtable as a critical step toward bridging policy gaps and strengthening agribusiness competitiveness.
“Through structured engagements like this, we aim to align policies, enhance Nigeria’s agribusiness potential, and establish the country as a key player in regional food markets,” Umar stated.
The roundtable concluded with a collective commitment from stakeholders, policymakers, and investors to implement actionable strategies that will enhance food security and position Nigeria as a dominant force in African agribusiness.
Photo: Senior Programme Agriculture,Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Audu Grema (left); Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; President, Nigeria Agribuiness Group (NABG), Architect Kabir Ibrahim and Director General NABG, Jafar Umar during a Presidential Roundtable on Agribuiness. Theme: Driving Agribusiness transformation: policies, partnerships and prosperity.