FG Eyes Market-Driven Agriculture as Minister Seeks Deeper Private Investment

The Federal Government has signalled a renewed push to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector through stronger market systems that link smallholder farmers to profitable value chains and attract private investment.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Heifer International led by its president, Surita Sandosham, in Abuja.

Kyari said building an efficient market system would help move Nigerian agriculture beyond subsistence production towards competitive and sustainable agribusiness, while improving farmer incomes and strengthening the broader agricultural ecosystem.

According to the minister, stronger market linkages would connect farmers to higher-value markets and stimulate private investment in agricultural services, reducing reliance on donor aid and creating self-sustaining rural economies.

He also highlighted the role of technology in improving price transparency and market access for farmers, noting that digital platforms and improved market information systems would enable producers to negotiate better prices and reduce exploitation by middlemen.

Kyari further pointed to emerging agribusiness innovators such as Extension Africa, Pullus Africa, Nimsy Agro, Vet Konnect and Thrive Agric as examples of enterprises helping to expand farmer services and strengthen agricultural value chains through technology-driven solutions.

He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and Heifer International, describing the organisation as a key contributor to rural development and agricultural transformation across the country.

A major component of the collaboration, the minister noted, is a mechanisation support initiative involving the Bank of Agriculture, under which digital tracking technology is being deployed to monitor tractor usage, maintenance and servicing schedules to ensure accountability and prolong the lifespan of the equipment.

Kyari said the digital platform, provided alongside technical support, represents a practical model that combines technological innovation with institutional strengthening to support Nigeria’s mechanisation drive.

“We recognise that well-designed market systems connect smallholder farmers to higher-value markets, directly increasing their incomes and fostering economic resilience.

“Effective market strategies also encourage private sector investment in agricultural services, reducing reliance on aid and creating sustainable, self-reinforcing markets.

“Extension Africa, Pullus Africa, Nimsy Agro, Vet Konnect and Thrive Agric stand as strong examples of how catalytic support can scale agribusiness innovation, improve farmer access to services and strengthen agricultural value chains.

“Heifer International remains a valued and longstanding partner in Nigeria’s agricultural development journey. Over the years, your organisation has supported smallholder farmers, strengthened value chains and improved rural livelihoods across the country.”

In her remarks, Sandosham said the organisation is aligning its programmes with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities, including a long-term goal of helping two million Nigerian households achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030.

She said: “We are here to align our programme with your national priorities. Our goal is as bold as it is necessary: to support two million Nigerian households in achieving a sustainable living income by 2030. By integrating geo-referencing and sophisticated data mapping, we are ensuring that every intervention—from subsidised inputs to extension services—reaches real farmers on their real farmlands with transparency.”