FG decries low agricultural export earnings, below $400 million despite major GDP contribution

The Federal Government has expressed concern over Nigeria's low earnings from agricultural exports, which are below $400 million despite the sector's significant contribution to the economy. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted this issue at the First Bank Nigeria 2025 Agric Export Expo in Lagos.

He emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring food sovereignty and increasing financing in agriculture to boost food security. A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that trade accounted for a significant portion of the GDP in Q1 2025, with crop production leading the way.

The government has also launched a presidential initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians in modern agricultural practices. Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Agriculture, Abiodun Yinusa, described the project as a strategic initiative to enhance food security and leverage the potential of unemployed youth for agricultural transformation.