Agricultural Transformation: FMAFS holds Validation Worshop on Joint Sector Review Reports, 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan

Agricultural Transformation: FMAFS holds Validation Worshop on Joint Sector Review Reports, 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has organized a 3-Day Validation Workshop for the 2022-2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review (JSR) Reports and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2025-2027 aimed at achieving Transformation in the sector in line with National and Continental goals

At the event held in Abuja recently, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi stated that the Initiative was part of Nigeria’s alignment with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), a continental framework adopted in 2003 to accelerate agricultural growth, food security, and economic development.

According to a statement by Mrs Eremah Anthonia
on behalf of the Ministry’s Head of Information, the Permanent Secretary noted that the primary focus of the CAADP was to transform African agriculture for food security, poverty reduction, and stimulation of economic growth with a commitment of 6% growth rate and 10% budget allocation to agriculture from the national budget.

According to him, “the endorsement of CAADP started with the Maputo (2003-2014), Malabo (2015-2025) and currently Kampala Declaration (2026-2035) which was adopted at the African Union Heads of State and Government at the Extraordinary Summit in Uganda, marked a significant moment in Africa’s leadership.

This collective commitment aims to drive a prosperous, resilient, and transformative agrifood system across the continent”. the Permanent Secretary said

Ogunbiyi highlighted that Nigeria had made significant progress in the AU Biennial Review Reports, ranking fourth and third in the 2017 and 2023 assessments, respectively, though challenges remain.

‘He disclosed that ’President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had intensified investments in agriculture, citing the Renewed Hope Mechanization Programme, which deployed 2,000 tractors to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, expected to produce more than 2 million metric tons of staple foods and generate jobs for youths and women’’.

Ogunbiyi added that other initiatives include, the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) with N1.5 trillion, establishment of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and the repositioning of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to boost land development for increased production.

He emphasized that Nigeria as a member country is committed to implementing the CAADP, adding that both previous and current administrations have institutionalized policies and strategies to domesticate CAADP so as to promote shared responsibilities and ownership.

“A step in this direction was the inauguration of the Agricultural Sector Working Group by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on April 15, 2025, as a follow-up action to the outcomes of the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the CAADP Kampala Declaration made in January, 2025.

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” the Permanent Secretary added

He urged the participants to embrace CAADP as a blueprint for action that will empower farmers, enhance food security, and drive economic growth

In his remarks, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu stated that the Workshop would enable participants to reflect on the progress made so far as well as constraints, share insights, and chart a way forward for Agri-Food System.

“As you are aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, a critical element in achieving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development”. He said

The gathering witnessed a convergence of stakeholders from various agricultural bodies, including the All Farmers Association, Nigerian Quarantine Service, and Nigerian Customs.