FG Validates New Agrifood Systems Investment Plan

Federal government is ramping up efforts to attract increased investments into the agricultural sector by validating the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) for 2025-2027.

The plan, which came with a strategic blueprint, is designed to align with the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and drive sustainable growth amidst renewed push for continental commitments to agri-food systems.

At a workshop for the 2022–2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review (JSR) and the validation of NASIP in Abuja, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, emphasised Nigeria’s dedication to CAADP, describing it as a road map for the continent’s agricultural sector adopted by African Union (AU) heads of state in 2003.

The NASIP, alongside the 2022-2024 JSR reports being validated at the workshop, serves as a critical tool for measuring Nigeria’s performance against CAADP targets.

Ogunbiyi explained that these documents will provide a guide for investment opportunities, identify financial gaps in the agrifood system, and explore private sector and partners’ interventions.

” This is particularly vital for Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which employs over 70 percent of the population and contributes significantly to GDP, yet faces challenges like low productivity, post-harvest losses and climate vulnerabilities.

By pinpointing investment needs, the plan aims to unlock funding for infrastructure, technology and value chains, ultimately enhancing resilience, job creation, and food self-sufficiency,” he noted.

According to the permanent secretary, key government initiatives driving this push include the launch of Special Agro-Processing Zones in states to boost production, reduce losses, and promote inclusivity, unveiled of the Renewed Hope Mechanisation Programme, repositioning of the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA), including the establishing the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and recapitalising the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) with 1.5 trillion naira to support CAADP-aligned financing.

Ogunbiyi called on stakeholders to embrace the CAADP as a blueprint for action that empowers our farmers, enhances food security, and drives economic growth.

Earlier, Ibrahim Tanimu, director of planning and policy coordination, urged participants to share insights on achievements and constraints to strategise on how stakeholders can work together more effectively for sustainable agribusiness development.

Stakeholders at the event stressed the importance of the NASIP in transitioning Nigeria into the post-Malabo era under the Kampala Declaration.