The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has launched a new report calling for bold and coordinated investments to rebuild northern Nigeria’s food systems and revive agricultural productivity.
The report titled “Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts,” was presented on the sidelines of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
It outlines practical policies and investment strategies to restore livelihoods, strengthen food value chains, and foster long-term resilience in conflict-affected areas.
Speaking during a high-level panel session, Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced that the government plans to relocate 80 percent of national silos closer to smallholder communities to improve access and reduce post-harvest losses.
“We are working to ensure that storage facilities serve the real producers, not just distant hubs,” he said.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, stressed that sustainable agricultural development depends on consistent government policies and strong private sector participation.
“The best way to tackle poverty in the North is through long-term investment and fixing the value chains,” he said.
Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, who moderated the session, emphasised that reviving agricultural value chains is vital to achieving food sovereignty and economic stability.
“By building resilient value chains, we can create sustainable jobs, empower women and youth, and lay the foundation for shared prosperity,” he noted.
The AfDB currently has nearly $900 million invested in Nigeria’s agriculture sector through programmes such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS).
These initiatives aim to enhance productivity, market access, and value addition across key crops, including sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts, and tomatoes.
Steven Were Omamo, Executive Director of IFPRI, highlighted that the report offers a data-driven framework for policy and investment in fragile contexts.
“Grounding decisions in rigorous evidence ensures smarter resilience-building and lasting impact,” he said.
David Stevenson, WFP Country Director, added that rebuilding northern Nigeria’s “breadbasket” requires market-led, climate-smart, and partnership-driven approaches, shifting away from emergency aid dependency.
“It demands bold investments rooted in peace and resilience,” he stated.
Source: Business Day
Image Credit: WFP Nigeria
