FG SAYS AGROTOURISM WILL DRIVE RURAL GROWTH, JOB CREATION, FOOD SECURITY
The Federal Government says agrotourism holds the key to unlocking rural economies by merging agriculture with tourism to generate employment, strengthen food security and attract local and foreign investment.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made this known on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the International Agrotourism Investment Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja. He was represented by the Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi.
Sen. Kyari stated that the forum, themed _‘From Policy to Implementation: Advancing Agrotourism for Food Security, Job Creation, Global Investment, Economic Diversification and Sustained Growth’_, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to move policy from paper to practical impact for farmers, businesses and communities.
“Agrotourism will open new income streams for rural areas, lessen our reliance on oil, and project Nigeria’s culture, landscapes and modern farming methods to both local and global audiences,” he said.
The Minister described the International Agrotourism Village as proof of this vision in action. The 40-hectare facility at Karshi South, FCT, is conceived as a central hub where agribusiness, hospitality and cultural tourism meet.
He noted that the Village will house climate-smart farm estates, processing plants for value addition, training centres for youth and women, eco-lodges and cultural hubs.
“It is projected to generate thousands of jobs in agriculture, hospitality, logistics and the creative sector, while also boosting food production and cutting down on imports,” he added.
In a statement issued by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Ministry’s Head of Information Department,
Sen. Kyari further stated that the project is structured to draw in domestic and foreign investors, improve foreign exchange inflows, and equip rural households with skills, market linkages and infrastructure to reduce poverty.
He also announced that the Village will serve as the take-off point for the proposed World Agrotourism Organization, with Nigeria positioned to lead the body and set international standards for the sector.
To support this, he said the Ministry is refining policy frameworks and rolling out incentives including tax waivers, land access, and public-private partnership models to make Nigeria Africa’s top destination for agrotourism investment.
“The Village is ready. The communities are ready. Nigeria is ready. Investment opportunities are open now,” Kyari declared.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Public-Private Partnership Cooperation of the World Agrotourism Organization, (WAO), Prof. Edwin Ozuzu, said the forum is focused on driving investment, building partnerships and rolling out projects with clear socio-economic outcomes.
He disclosed that a key project is the Nigerian Agrotourism Village initiative, which will be replicated in states across the Federation. The model will integrate modern farming, tourism facilities, agro-processing, research centres, investment hubs, training schools and cultural centres.
In his welcome address, the President of WAO and Global Lead Advocate, Amb. Arc. Trust Henry Ogboi, said the 40-hectare Nigerian International Agrotourism Village at Karshi South will host federal and state liaison offices, private sector investments, farm estates and other components of the agrotourism value chain.
He added that the initiative complements other planned projects, including the World Agrotourism Centre in Obi LGA, Benue State, and similar developments nationwide.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the Nigerian International Agrotourism Village Project at Karshi South, FCT, Abuja.
