The Federal Government has said Nigeria has made notable progress in Agriculture, implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).
Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, speaking at the validation workshop for the 2022-2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Reports and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (2025-2027) in Abuja, on Monday, emphasised the significance of CAADP.
He said, “CAADP serves as a roadmap for the continent’s agricultural sector and was adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in 2003 as a continental framework to stimulate accelerated growth and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.”
The permanent secretary said Nigeria made notable progress in Agricultural development, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security inaugurating the Agricultural Sector Working Group to coordinate efforts towards achieving the outcomes of the CAADP Kampala Declaration.
“This Working Group, comprising stakeholders from across the entire agrifood system transformation pathway, is to coordinate a collective approach towards achieving the outcomes of the Declaration”, he added.
He said the Country had committed substantial investments in the agricultural sector, including the launch of Special Agro-Processing Zones in Kaduna, Cross Rivers, and Oyo States.
He added, “These initiatives aim to increase production and productivity, enhance commodity value chains, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Mechanisation Programme, launched on June 23, 2025, is expected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, produce more than two million metric tons of staple food, and create jobs for youths and women. Additionally, the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) is being repositioned to clear and prepare more land for production, while the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) supports production, research, and training.
“Together, we can transform agriculture in Africa, making it a pillar of resilience and prosperity.” The workshop’s success will depend on the active participation and contributions of all stakeholders, ultimately guiding efforts to transform the agricultural sector and achieve food security.”
Also speaking, Ibrahim Tanimu, Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, highlighted the importance of the validation workshop, stating, “This gathering will enable us to reflect on our progress, share insights, and chart a path forward for our Agri-Food System… Your diverse perspectives are vital for fostering a comprehensive understanding of our sector’s dynamics.”
BusinessDay reports that the validation exercise aims to evaluate Nigeria’s performance in achieving CAADP targets and commitments, focusing on transparency and accountability. The outcome will provide a guide for investment opportunities, identify financial gaps, and explore private sector and partner interventions.
