Nigeria’s agricultural sector expanded by 4.39 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, recording its strongest performance in several years, according to the Federal Government.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this on Friday, October 16, during activities marking World Food Day 2026 in Abuja.
Abdullahi said the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that agricultural production was recovering, with crop production growing by 3.66 per cent during the same period.
He attributed the improvement to government investments, farming support programmes and policy measures introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister maintained that Nigeria was making progress towards developing a more productive agricultural economy, although significant work remained to ensure reliable and affordable food supplies.
FG Reports Increased Food Production and Wheat Output
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Abdullahi said smallholder farmers supported through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) had produced about 2.5 million metric tonnes of staple foods over four farming seasons.
He also disclosed that Nigeria’s annual domestic wheat production had increased to approximately 420,000 metric tonnes, compared with an earlier production baseline of 120,000 metric tonnes.
According to the minister, the increase reflects efforts to expand domestic farming activities, improve access to agricultural inputs and reduce the country’s dependence on imported food commodities.
The government believes that supporting small-scale producers is essential to improving national food security because of their contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural output.
Tinubu Administration Introduces 2,000 Tractors to Improve Farming
Abdullahi identified agricultural mechanisation as another major component of the government’s food production strategy.
He said the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme had been commissioned with 2,000 tractors and accompanying equipment to support more efficient farming.
The initiative is intended to reduce dependence on manual labour, improve farm productivity and encourage more young Nigerians to pursue opportunities in agriculture.
Beyond machinery, the minister said the Federal Government was investing in soil mapping, improved crop varieties and modern agricultural advisory services.
He highlighted the National Soil Health and Fertility Programme, which aims to provide better information about soil conditions and help farmers make more effective production decisions.
The ministry is also strengthening agricultural extension services through trained field officers and digital platforms designed to connect farmers with technical guidance.
These services are being linked to the National Farmers Registry, which incorporates National Identification Number records to support farmer identification.
Government Targets Reduction in Post-Harvest Food Losses
The Federal Government also announced plans to strengthen food storage and distribution systems as part of efforts to address high food prices.
Abdullahi said investments in processing facilities, cold storage and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones were intended to reduce the quantity of farm produce lost before reaching consumers.
The government’s stated objective is to bring estimated post-harvest losses down from 40 per cent to below 20 per cent.
He explained that improved storage facilities, combined with expanded dry-season cultivation, could help stabilise food supplies throughout the year.
Other measures include the planned management of strategic food reserves and the use of a Guaranteed Minimum Price mechanism to support agricultural markets.
The minister also outlined efforts to improve farmers’ access to credit through the Bank of Agriculture, alongside investments in irrigation, agricultural insurance and pest monitoring.
FG Pledges Better Security for Farmers in Northern Nigeria
Insecurity in major food-producing areas remains a serious concern for the agricultural sector, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
Abdullahi acknowledged the difficulties faced by farming communities affected by attacks and other security threats.
He said the government was strengthening cooperation between security agencies and rural communities, including efforts involving military personnel, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and agro-rangers.
The objective, he explained, is to protect agricultural communities and enable farmers to continue food production without constant fear of attacks.
He also identified climate-smart farming practices as necessary for improving resilience against changing weather patterns, crop diseases and other agricultural risks.
World Food Day 2026 Focuses on Innovation and Nutrition
This year’s World Food Day celebration carries the theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”
The global observance, coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), draws attention to the importance of sustainable agriculture, better nutrition and improved access to food.
Abdullahi said the theme reflects the need for governments, farmers, researchers and private businesses to invest in practical solutions that can secure future food supplies.
He maintained that innovation must be accompanied by better financing, stronger agricultural markets and improved opportunities for producers.
Permanent Secretary Calls for Support for Smallholder Farmers
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, also emphasised the importance of collective action during the commemoration.
Ogunbiyi said World Food Day provides an opportunity to recognise the people responsible for producing, processing, transporting and distributing food across Nigeria.
He explained that modern agriculture requires more than tractors and digital tools, pointing to improved seeds, irrigation, transportation, food preservation and sustainable land management as equally important.
The permanent secretary urged greater attention to smallholder farmers, women and young people, noting that their participation would be essential to strengthening the country’s food system.
He also called for more private-sector involvement and partnerships capable of helping Nigeria respond to population growth, climate pressures and economic challenges.
Agricultural Growth Has Yet to Eliminate Food Price Pressures
Despite the improvement in agricultural output, food affordability remains a major concern for Nigerian households.
Recent inflation figures show that food prices are still rising, even as the overall inflation rate has moderated.
Nigeria’s annual food inflation rate stood at 19.59 per cent in September 2026, while headline inflation eased to 14.63 per cent, according to figures reported from the NBS.
The contrast shows that stronger agricultural production does not automatically translate into immediate relief for consumers.
Transport costs, insecurity, storage limitations and the cost of farming inputs remain important factors affecting the price of food in local markets.
As Nigeria marks World Food Day, the government’s challenge is to turn higher agricultural output into reliable food supplies, affordable prices, better incomes for farmers and improved nutrition for households.
The Federal Government says it remains committed to working with farmers, development institutions and private businesses to strengthen food security and expand agriculture’s contribution to economic growth.
Origin of World Food Day
The Food and Agriculture Organization was established on October 16, 1945.
In November 1979, FAO member countries agreed to create World Food Day to raise awareness of hunger, malnutrition and agricultural development. The first observance took place in 1981.
This year’s theme, Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow., focuses on using scientific advances, traditional knowledge and practical innovation to make food systems more productive and inclusive.
