FG highlights agriculture’s role in food security, employment and poverty reduction
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of the nation’s economy and a critical sector for achieving food security, job creation and poverty reduction.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Annual Ministerial Reward and Recognition Ceremony held in Abuja.
According to the minister, agriculture continues to play a central role in sustaining millions of livelihoods across Nigeria and remains essential to the country’s long-term economic development.
Recognising excellence in the agricultural sector
The ceremony, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was held under the theme “Nurturing Dedication, Growing Sustainable Agriculture.”
Kyari explained that the event was designed to celebrate excellence, commitment and innovation among staff members working within the ministry and the wider agricultural sector.
“Sustainable agriculture does not grow by chance,” the minister said.
“It grows through the dedication of our farmers who rise before dawn, our researchers who seek better solutions, our policymakers who provide enabling frameworks, and our partners who invest in the future of food security.”
He noted that as the world faces increasing challenges such as climate change, rising food insecurity and economic uncertainties, the importance of sustainable agricultural practices has become more urgent than ever.
Agriculture key to Nigeria’s economic stability
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s largest economic sectors. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, agriculture contributes around 22–25 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs more than 35 percent of the country’s labour force.
The sector supports millions of smallholder farmers across rural communities and supplies food for Nigeria’s growing population, which is estimated to exceed 220 million people.
However, experts say the sector still faces several challenges including:
-
Low mechanisation
-
Limited access to financing
-
Climate change impacts
-
Poor rural infrastructure
-
High post-harvest losses
Despite these challenges, government officials believe that improving agricultural productivity could significantly boost Nigeria’s economic growth and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports.
Commitment to sustainable agricultural development
Kyari stressed that sustainable agriculture is essential for ensuring that current food needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to feed themselves.
He added that the award recipients recognised during the ceremony demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing agricultural development in Nigeria.
According to him, their efforts show that with dedication, innovation and strong leadership, the challenges facing the agricultural sector can be transformed into opportunities that will strengthen Nigeria’s food system.
Recognition programme to motivate workforce
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the recognition programme was designed to celebrate outstanding service and dedication among ministry staff.
He described agriculture as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development and a key sector for achieving national priorities such as:
-
Food and nutrition security
-
Employment generation
-
Poverty reduction
-
Sustainable rural livelihoods
Ogunbiyi also noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which promotes a performance-driven culture within Nigeria’s public service.
Call for continued commitment to food security
In a goodwill message, Abdul Garba of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation commended the minister for promoting a culture of recognition within the ministry.
He said such initiatives help motivate staff, improve productivity and strengthen institutional performance.
Representing the award recipients, Ayodele Olawumi thanked the ministry’s leadership for the recognition and pledged that staff members would continue working toward achieving the ministry’s mandate of ensuring food and nutrition security across the country.
Outlook for Nigeria’s agricultural sector
Agricultural experts believe that if Nigeria continues to invest in improved farming techniques, mechanization, irrigation systems and value-chain development, the sector could play an even greater role in driving economic growth.
With rising global food demand and Nigeria’s vast arable land resources, agriculture remains one of the country’s most promising sectors for sustainable development and economic diversification.
