Federal Government Launches Security Initiative for Agriculture

The Federal Government is developing a military-backed security framework to protect agricultural investments and revive farmlands abandoned due to insecurity. This initiative involves the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Integrainium Holdings Limited, and the Defence Agricultural Assets and Projects Development Company Limited, supported by Defence Holdings Company Limited.

Dr Femi Ogunseinde, Chief Investment Officer of MOFI, stated that insecurity has discouraged agricultural investment, leading to abandoned productive land. The partnership aims to combine investment mobilization, technology, and security arrangements to restore agricultural activities.

Potential investments include large-scale soybean production in Yobe State and sugarcane cultivation in Jigawa State, with Nigeria having an estimated 30 million to 35 million hectares of farmable land. The government expects to commence work on at least one identified project before the end of 2026.

Dr Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of MOFI, emphasized that the agreement aims to increase agricultural production, strengthen food security, and reduce inflationary pressures.