The Federal Government, in collaboration with 22 states, has launched the National Soybean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy, which targets generating N3.9 trillion annually and creating one million jobs.
At the launch of the National Soybean Expansion Strategy on Tuesday in Abuja, Governor of Benue State, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, described the new initiative as a “bold, forward-looking partnership designed to generate N3.9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and position Nigeria as a powerhouse in global agriculture.”
Alia characterised the new Strategy as a call to action: a means to reimagine the future of Nigerian rural communities, smallholder farmers, and Nigeria’s economy.
He urged all stakeholders to move beyond formulating policy and strategy to implementing it, boosting soybean production for national development.
“I call upon the Federal Government, development partners, private sector investors, and every stakeholder in this room. Let us join hands. Let us move from policy to action, and from action to shared prosperity. Let us make soybeans a golden crop for Benue and for all Nigeria,” he said.
“As the food basket of our nation, Benue is not just participating in this strategy; we are driving it. With fertile land, skilled farmers, and an unshakeable vision, we will unlock the full potential of Nigerian agriculture. Let us seize this moment. Together, we will make Nigeria a global leader in soybean production and ensure lasting prosperity for every community.”
Unveiling the National Soybean Production Policy and Strategy and launching the Nigeria Soybean Partnership, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari stated that Nigeria currently produces 1.35 million metric tons of soybeans.
He explained that the national demand for soybeans stands at 2.7 million metric tons, assuring that Nigeria would embark on massive production for domestic consumption and export.
Kyari stressed the importance of massive soybean production, adding that “soybean stands as a pillar of prosperity and innovation, marking a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural progress.” He noted that the launch directly supports the national agenda for agricultural renewal.
He emphasised that the soybean policy and strategy are critical tools, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places agriculture at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
To achieve this vision, he stated, “We must address the realities of our current production. Nigeria currently produces approximately 1.35 million metric tons of soybeans annually, yet our national demand surpasses 2.7 million metric tons, fueled by the growing food, feed, and industrial sectors.”
Kyari described soybean as a “nutritional powerhouse”, which contains “about 40% high-quality protein and essential amino acids, making it crucial in the fight against malnutrition and in improving household diets.”
He added that Nigeria’s soybeans are naturally non-GMO, giving the country a comparative advantage in premium markets across Europe and Asia, where demand for non-GMO products continues to rise.
In addition, Kyari outlined a two-year plan to cultivate 1 million hectares of farmland and deliver 460,000 metric tons of soybean grain to the market.
Achieving this, he noted, “demands a supportive ecosystem driven by effective governance.”
