Nigeria has joined forces with the African Union (AU) to revitalise agriculture and boost food production through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).
CAADP, adopted by AU Heads of State and Government in 2003, is a continental framework to accelerate growth and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.
Speaking in Abuja at the validation workshop of the 2022–2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (2025–2027), Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the significance of CAADP in driving agricultural change.
He explained that the validation aimed to evaluate Nigeria’s performance in meeting AU benchmarks for agricultural growth and investment.
“The primary focus of CAADP is to transform African agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth with a commitment of six per cent growth rate and 10 per cent budget allocation to agriculture,” Ogunbiyi said.
He added that Nigeria has made significant strides by investing in initiatives such as the Special Agro-Processing Zones in Kaduna, Cross River, and Oyo States.
These projects are designed to boost productivity, enhance value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs while promoting inclusivity and resilience in the sector.
Ogunbiyi urged stakeholders to embrace CAADP as a blueprint for agricultural action, stressing its potential to empower farmers, strengthen food security, and support sustainable growth.
Mr Ibrahim Tanimu, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, described the workshop as an opportunity to chart a forward-looking strategy for Nigeria’s agri-food system.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a critical element in achieving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, emphasised the importance of inclusive policies that address the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
She also linked the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan to the AU Malabo commitments (ending in 2025) and the Kampala Declaration (from 2026).
“The joint sector review report is key in assessing our progress and informing future interventions in achieving inclusive food systems transformation in Nigeria,” she said.
The validation workshop was crucial in strengthening accountability, collaboration, and investment in agriculture to make farming a driver of resilience and prosperity across Africa.
Source: NAN
Image Credit: Punch
