The Federal Government has unveiled a US$3.14 billion agricultural investment portfolio as part of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, focusing on five high-impact value chains: tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, and fisheries.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during his presentation at the National Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja.
According to Kyari, the initiative aims to “eradicate poverty, end hunger, and build resilience in rural communities,” aligning with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s CAADP Action Plan.
The funding mix includes US$1.75 billion from public investment and US$1.39 billion in private sector commitments, demonstrating both government ownership and confidence from private investors.
He projected that “per capita incomes will rise by as much as US$657 and we will contribute to global climate goals by sequestering over **1.2 million tonnes of carbon.”
Expected Outcomes and Strategic Focus
Kyari emphasized that the selected value chains were chosen based on “market demand, production potential, climate resilience, and socio-economic impact.”
He also noted that “more than 4.1 million Nigerians stand to benefit directly and indirectly.”
Furthermore, the initiative is designed to offer “concrete, bankable opportunities in agriculture and irrigation that were ready for investment. These opportunities reflect Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture, the strength of our private sector, and our determination to transform declarations into action.”He added:
“Nigeria is honoured to host this forum at a critical moment; climate shocks, food insecurity, and malnutrition remain pressing challenges. But through irrigation, innovation, and targeted investment, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth, food sovereignty, and regional integration.”
In his remarks, Hussein Gadain, FAO Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the government’s commitment and described the forum as a platform for action.
He noted that the Hand-in-Hand Initiative has already identified high-impact investment opportunities and matched them with private sector and development partners.
Gadain also underscored the role of irrigation, saying it is a “game-changer for Nigeria’s food systems,” and praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “genuine commitment and visionary leadership.”
“Today, we gather not just to discuss, but to catalyze action; not just to plan, but to partner; and not just to invest, but to transform. Let us work hand-in-hand to drive the investments that will ensure increased food security, improved nutrition, better jobs and sustainable economic growth for the people of Nigeria,” Gadain urged.
