Stakeholders Urge Government to Enhance Security in Agriculture Sector

Strategic Insights -

Stakeholders in the Nigerian agriculture sector have stressed the need for improved security for farmers, their farmlands, and properties. At the annual Stakeholders Consultative meeting on the 2026 Agriculture Budget, they called upon the government to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to address the security challenges in the sector. The meeting, organized by ActionAid Nigeria, aimed to expand agricultural productivity and food security. Presentations were made by officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and other organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agriculture sector has been contributing sustainably to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increasing from 23% to 29% between 2015 to 2024.
  • The sector's budget has been relatively low, despite its significant contributions to national development.
  • Cluster farming in secured zones is recommended to boost agricultural production, and the government should provide insurance and support packages for affected farmers.
  • Promotion of community peace-building efforts is essential for achieving food security and job creation in rural areas.
  • Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are needed to achieve value for money and realize the goals of attaining food security, job creation, and positive economic growth.
  • The meeting identified gaps and challenges that have hindered the agriculture sector from achieving its full potential and sought to facilitate more citizen inputs into the subsequent years' budget for agriculture.

Statistics:

  • The agriculture sector's contribution to GDP increased from 23% to 29% between 2015 to 2024 (Okpe).
  • The sector's budget has been relatively low, and funding constraints have hindered its development (Okpe).
  • The government is expected to dedicate significant resources to agriculture in line with the Malabo 2014 and Kampala 2025 declarations and commitments (Mohammed).
  • Nigeria aims to achieve food security, job creation, and poverty reduction through increased national agricultural productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and all-year-round food production (Mohammed).

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria (18 July 2025)
  • ActionAid Nigeria (Organizers of the annual Stakeholders Consultative meeting on the 2026 Agriculture Budget)
  • Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (presentation by Mr. Simon Okpe, Assistant Director, Budget)
  • Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (presentation by Dr. Auwal Mohammed, Director, Economic Growth Department)
  • Community of Agricultural Non-State Actors (COANSA)
  • Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of the ECOWAS Commission
  • German International Cooperation (GIZ) Global Programme