FG Reviews Agri-Program Following N2.31tn Surge in Produce

In a major review of national food production efforts, the Federal Government of Nigeria is assessing its key agricultural program, the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).

This follows the program’s impressive contribution of ₦2.312 trillion in agricultural produce value over four planting cycles.

This achievement, shared on Thursday at a stakeholders’ workshop in Nasarawa State, marks an important moment in the government’s effort to improve food security and strengthen the economy.

Landmark Output: More Than ₦2 Trillion in Value

Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, reported that the NAGS-AP project has produced 2,536,184 metric tonnes of staple crops, including wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava, during four consecutive seasons.

The total value of this output was estimated at ₦2.312tn, highlighting the program’s scale and economic importance.

Abdullahi called this achievement “a major contribution to improved food availability and the gradual stabilization of food prices nationwide.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to solving long-standing issues related to agricultural productivity and food affordability.

Policy Shift: From Crisis to Production

Launched as part of Nigeria’s Food Security Emergency Support Programme, the NAGS-AP initiative aims to close the growing gap between food demand and local supply.

The scheme focuses on subsidizing key farming inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, for millions of smallholder farmers through a digital platform.

This approach improves access to essential resources and boosts production of vital food crops.

According to government data, the program has already had a noticeable impact on food markets. “Currently, food prices are declining,” Abdullahi told stakeholders, while recognizing the ongoing efforts to reduce the high costs of agricultural inputs, which still pose challenges for many producers.

What Comes Next: Strategic Review and Expansion

The workshop focused on reviewing the project’s strengths and weaknesses. Federal authorities and development partners are now working to improve the implementation framework to increase efficiency, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Attendees included officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), state governments, and farmer organizations.

Senator Abdullahi announced that new initiatives are in the works, including a major loan-backed program with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) centered on rice, maize, soybean, and cassava production.

There is also a plan for NAGS 2.0, which will focus on expanding wheat and rice production starting with the 2026 wet season.

For the 2025/2026 dry season, the government plans to support the production of rice, maize, and cassava across all 36 states and the FCT. This move aims to strengthen food availability and improve rural incomes.

Economics of Food Security: A Broader Context

Analysts note that the increase in agricultural output is timely. Nigeria spends over $10 billion each year on food imports, including staples like rice, wheat, and sugar.

This situation underscores the need to boost domestic production and enhance export-oriented value chains.