ActionAid Nigeria and a coalition of agricultural stakeholders have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed N1.45 trillion allocation to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAF) in the 2026 budget. 

During a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, groups including the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) and the Community of Agriculture Non-State Actors (COANSA) argued that the current proposal fails to meet the structural needs of the sector. 

The stakeholders noted that the allocation represents only 2.48% of the total national budget, a significant decline from the 4.62% share recorded in 2025.

A major point of contention raised by the coalition is the disproportionate concentration of funds within the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). 

Dr. Gbenga Arokoyo of COANSA highlighted that 99.46% of the NADF’s N94.14 billion budget is allocated to a single project, the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme (RH-FSP). 

Stakeholders warned that such a heavy focus on a single input risks undermining the broader agricultural agenda and ignoring critical structural constraints such as post-harvest losses, lack of affordable credit, and inadequate storage facilities.

To ensure a more resilient food system, the coalition recommended that the NADF be granted “first-line charge” status to ensure its funding is protected and consistent. 

They further urged the government to redirect funds toward Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture (CRSA) and extension services. 

Source:  NAN