The Federal Government has launched the National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS) 2023 Report, towards developing data-driven policies that support food security and economic diversification.
The report was compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and the World Bank.
It was presented on Tuesday in Abuja by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
“A nation that measures well governs well. Food security begins with information security,” said Kyari.
“This report is a practical tool for decision making, guiding policy choices, investment priorities, and the reforms required across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
The NASS 2023 Report provides comprehensive data on crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and 767 local government areas.
The information is designed to enable data-driven agricultural programmes, Track production trends and identify emerging opportunities, support targeted interventions in areas of greatest need,and strengthen Nigeria’s overall food system through evidence-based decision-making.
Kyari stated that without credible evidence, interventions risk being misdirected and investments may fail to achieve their intended impact.
“Every effective agricultural system rests on two pillars: the work of our farmers and the quality of the data that directs national policy,” he added.
The survey was conducted through a partnership involving NBS, FAO, World Bank, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, highlighting a decade-long commitment to improving agricultural statistics.
Dr Hussein Gadain, FAO Director-General, said the report celebrates collaboration, progress, and resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Reliable data is the foundation upon which sound policies are built,” he said.
The report covers critical components of the sector, including crop production, livestock, fisheries, land use, farm inputs, post-harvest losses, farming systems, and socio-economic indicators of agricultural households.
Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of NBS, represented by David Babalola, confirmed that the findings provide crucial insights to shape effective policies and guide sustainable growth across Nigeria.
Officials highlighted that the survey strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to generate credible, timely, and policy-relevant agricultural statistics through improved methodologies, enhanced field operations, and modern digital tools.
Henry Karshima, Assistant Chief Forest Officer, stressed the importance of agriculture in achieving national food security, while Abdulhameed Umar, Project Coordinator of Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (AReSAL), noted the role of data in restoring degraded lands.
Asad Alam, Senior Economist at the World Bank Nigeria Development Data Group, applauded the initiative, noting that prioritising agricultural data ensures better-targeted interventions and sustainable food systems.
Source: NAN
