In a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the National Agricultural Business Group (NABG) has validated the National Integrated Agribusiness Agenda (NIAA).
This initiative aims to empower farmers and enhance food security nationwide.
During the validation workshop held in Abuja yesterday, NABG Director General Jafar Abubakar Umar emphasized the need for smallholder farmers to transition into small-scale processing to enhance the value of their products and achieve fair returns.
He stated, “Farmers are often seen as poor because they don’t get fair value for their produce. However, rising costs are helping them realize that their work has become more valuable.”
Umar pointed out that while selling primary products yields minimal profits, processing and value addition can significantly increase earnings.
He highlighted the importance of innovative practices and machinery to attract younger generations to agribusiness, ultimately leading to a more prosperous agricultural sector.
In support of these goals, Prof. Aminu Suleiman, an agricultural economist and NIAA consultant, explained that the initiative stems from a workshop held in May.
The NIAA is a tripartite relationship between the critical stakeholder involved government, private sector, and farming communities, designed to create sustainable agricultural development and food security in Nigeria.
“The core strategy revolves around collaboration between these sectors,” Suleiman said, underscoring the agenda’s comprehensive approach to agribusiness development.
The NIAA document will be reviewed every five years, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
With these initiatives, the NABG and its partners are poised to redefine the narrative around Nigerian farmers, transforming them from perceived poverty to recognized value creators in the agribusiness space.
