FG Links 4.39% Agricultural Growth to Reforms and Farm Investments

Nigeria’s agricultural sector grew by 4.39 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, with the Federal Government crediting ongoing reforms and investments for the performance.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this during the 2026 World Food Day commemoration on October 16. He said crop production grew by 3.66 per cent during the quarter, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Abdullahi said the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket programme had supported the production of 2.5 million metric tonnes of staple foods across four farming seasons. He also put annual domestic wheat production at about 420,000 metric tonnes.

The minister said the government had introduced 2,000 tractors and implements under its agricultural mechanisation programme to improve farm efficiency. Other measures include soil mapping, expanded irrigation, dry-season farming and improved access to agricultural credit.

He added that investments in storage, cold-chain facilities and agro-industrial processing zones were aimed at reducing post-harvest losses from 40 per cent to below 20 per cent.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, called for greater adoption of improved seeds, modern farming methods, better storage and processing facilities to strengthen food production and reduce hunger.

Both officials stressed the need for continued investment, innovation and cooperation