The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening domestic food production and tackling food insecurity, despite persistent funding constraints, rising input costs, and structural challenges affecting farmers nationwide.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made this known while presenting the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Agricultural Production, Services and Rural Development.
He explained that the ministry’s strategy is guided by the food security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, with a focus on expanding agricultural output, improving sustainability, and strengthening farmers’ resilience.
Funding delays slowing progress
Abdullahi revealed that implementation of capital projects under the 2025 budget has been significantly hampered by delayed releases of funds. About 30 per cent of the ministry’s capital allocation—approximately ₦18 billion—has yet to be released, while only ₦19.8 billion tied to constituency projects has been partially disbursed.
He warned that the limited capital releases have slowed programme execution and restricted the ministry’s ability to scale support for farmers and production systems.
For 2026, the agricultural sector is projected to receive about ₦1 trillion, with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security expected to get about ₦262 billion for capital expenditure and ₦19.18 billion for recurrent costs.
Rising input costs threaten farmers
The minister identified rising production costs as one of the most pressing challenges facing farmers, particularly the high cost of fertiliser, pesticides, and other inputs driven by gas pricing and taxation policies.
He noted that farmers are struggling to balance rising production costs with consumers’ expectations for affordable food, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
Abdullahi also disclosed that about 7,000 tractors nationwide are currently underutilised due to poor distribution systems, stressing the need for improved mechanisation and equipment management.
Technology and investment critical to food security
The minister emphasised the importance of adopting modern agricultural technologies, including high-yield crop varieties and improved extension services, to boost productivity.
He noted that agriculture remains a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for:
-
24.05% of GDP in 2022
-
24.10% in 2023
-
29.44% in 2024
-
26.17% in the second quarter of 2025
However, he pointed out that Nigeria’s agriculture funding—about 4% of the national budget—falls below the 10% target set under the Maputo Declaration.
Lawmakers warn of declining allocations
Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Rt. Hon. Bello Ka’oje, expressed concern over declining funding for agriculture, noting that allocation to the ministry dropped from ₦2.22 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.45 trillion in the 2026 proposal.
He warned that reduced funding could weaken productivity, worsen food insecurity, and undermine economic recovery.
Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Saliu Mustapha, stressed the need for adequate and timely funding, warning that poor implementation of capital projects has already constrained productivity.
Calls for stronger investment and reforms
Lawmakers and ministry officials agreed on the need for:
-
Increased funding and timely release of budgeted funds
-
Improved access to affordable credit for farmers
-
Greater mechanisation and technology adoption
-
Stronger fertiliser production and input supply systems
-
Expanded irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture
-
Better youth and women participation in agriculture
Abdullahi assured lawmakers that the ministry remains committed to prudent use of resources and collaboration with the National Assembly to strengthen food production, improve farmer livelihoods, and ensure food security for Nigerians.
Post comments (0)