Federal Government Unveils New Agricultural Incentives to Create 21 Million Jobs

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new package of agricultural incentives aimed at attracting investment into the sector, with the ambitious goal of creating 21 million jobs and boosting food production. The plan was unveiled on Tuesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) National and Subregional Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Shettima described hunger as the “great equaliser,” stressing that food security is not only about survival but also about global stability. He assured stakeholders that Nigeria is committed to reforming its agricultural sector, which is central to President Bola Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda.

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Agricultural Incentives to Boost Investment

The measures outlined include:

• Single-window platforms for land registration to simplify access to farmland.
• Strengthened agricultural credit systems to make loans accessible to farmers and agribusinesses.
• Large-scale mechanisation to replace subsistence practices with modern tools.
• Strategic irrigation projects to increase crop yields and ensure year-round farming.

Shettima noted that Nigeria has the capacity to irrigate more than three million hectares of farmland but currently utilizes less than 10 percent. He emphasized that investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, reduce reliance on rain-fed farming, and protect the country from climate shocks.

Irrigation as a Game-Changer

The Vice President stressed that irrigation must become the foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural reforms. With vast river basins and aquifers available, Nigeria has the natural resources to expand irrigation and dramatically scale up production.

“Strategic investment in irrigation alone could triple yields, free us from seasonal dependency, and fortify our resilience against climate shocks,” Shettima said. He added that the government’s 2021–2025 National Development Plan targets lifting 35 million Nigerians out of poverty and securing food and nutrition sufficiency.

The Vice President reassured international investors that Nigeria is open for business, with reforms focused on public-private partnerships, regulatory changes, and agri-tech innovations.

Ministers Back Agricultural Reforms

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, praised Nigeria’s vast market, arable land, and growing digital economy as unique attractions for investors. He noted that a combination of fertile land and favorable weather makes Nigeria one of the most promising agricultural investment destinations in Africa.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described agriculture as central to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals. He stated that the sector has the capacity to transform rural economies and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Bagudu explained that irrigation and mechanisation would not only improve productivity but also provide millions of rural jobs, aligning with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

International Endorsements for Nigeria’s Agric Plan

The announcement drew strong support from international partners.

• The Gambian Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, praised Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture, particularly in rice and cassava production, which he described as models for other African countries.
• FAO’s Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, highlighted the Hand-in-Hand Initiative as an evidence-based and country-led programme designed to accelerate agricultural transformation. He commended Shettima’s “passion for agriculture” and his role in attracting critical investments.
• The European Union (EU) Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, confirmed that the EU has invested over 80 million euros in Nigeria’s agricultural value chains across seven states. He said the EU remains committed as a long-term partner in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

Farmers Call for Action, Not Promises

Despite the positive outlook, farmers have urged the Federal Government to back its policies with concrete action.

The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Kebram, cautioned that policies without effective implementation will fail to deliver results.

“Definitely, it will boost if they are implemented. Of course, you can have a policy but unless you implement it very well, you cannot see the results. We call on the Vice President to actualize what he promised,” Kebram said.

Similarly, Peter Dama, Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, warned against “a cycle of promises without delivery.” He noted that past announcements on mechanisation, including tractors for farmers, have not been fulfilled on time.

“Pronouncements are different from implementation. While we welcome all these pronouncements, we are still hoping that the pronunciations will be met with practicality,” Dama stated.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Nigeria continues to grapple with food inflation and insecurity, worsened by climate change, subsidy removal, and currency reforms that drove up costs in 2023. Analysts believe that if effectively implemented, the newly announced incentives could mark a turning point for the country’s agricultural sector.

The government’s plan to harness irrigation, expand mechanisation, and attract private investment is expected to significantly reduce reliance on imports while boosting domestic food production.

Stakeholders argue that the success of this initiative will depend on consistency, transparency, and sustained government commitment. Without tangible progress on the ground, they warn, the bold promises may once again fall short of expectations.

The unveiling of fresh agricultural incentives by the Federal Government marks an ambitious step towards transforming Nigeria’s farming sector into a major driver of economic growth. With the potential to create 21 million jobs and lift millions out of poverty, the initiative has attracted optimism both locally and internationally.

However, as farmers and industry experts caution, implementation will be the ultimate test. If Nigeria follows through with the reforms, expands irrigation, and supports mechanisation, the nation could unlock its full agricultural potential, ensuring food sufficiency and greater resilience against economic shocks.