Nigeria Seeks Investors for Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, is actively seeking investors to unlock the country's agricultural potential and promote climate-smart farming practices. In a statement, Kyari emphasized Nigeria's vast agricultural capacity, which employs nearly 70% of the country's labor force and contributes 24% to its GDP.

However, he warned that climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity, citing prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and desertification as major risks to food security. The government has declared a national emergency in food security and established a Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit in July 2023, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Key initiatives include the distribution of solar-powered irrigation pumps, development of climate-resilient seed systems, and procurement of tractors and farming implements. Kyari highlighted the need for increased private sector participation and access to financing, noting that total credit access for farmers remains limited.

The government is committed to creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth.