FAO, Nigeria launch 2025 Food and Agriculture Policy Review

NIGERIA – The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has launched the 2025 Nigeria Food and Agriculture Policy Monitoring Review (PMR).

The event in Abuja drew senior government officials, farmer groups, development partners, and academics to examine the direction of Nigeria’s agricultural policy.

The PMR, prepared with technical support from FAO’s Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies programme, tracks public spending and commodity price incentives over several years.

The findings give decision-makers fresh data for resource allocation and investment planning under the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.

Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and food security, stressed that research-backed insights will help the government direct resources effectively. “We must secure our future through food security. Increasing yields and improving nutrition are central to our agenda. The MAFAP analysis provides policymakers and development partners with a clear direction for targeted investments and impactful reforms,” he said.

The minister also pointed out that the timing of the report is crucial as the government prepares its 2026 budget proposal. He noted that credible research ensures money reaches the right sectors at the right time.

Dr Hussein Gadain, FAO’s representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, highlighted the value of the collaboration. “The landmark policy review reflects our shared commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The evidence and recommendations presented will serve as a foundation for inclusive growth, improved food security, and sustainable development,” he said.

Gadain explained that the recommendations emerged through government consultations with multiple stakeholders. “Key actions, based on government priorities and stakeholder consultations, continue to ensure that the findings of the report are relevant and achievable for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation,” he added.

The launch of the 2025 PMR comes just weeks after national consultative meetings on the 2026 budget, which took place in Lagos in July. These meetings involved the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the agriculture ministry, ActionAid Nigeria, GIZ AgSys, ECOWAS, and THRIVE2.

The budget process continues through the year, with allocations refined before submission to the National Assembly in the final quarter.

The PMR offers immediate input for planners. It shows that agriculture received only 1.2 percent of the 2025 national budget, far below the 10 percent target under the Maputo and Malabo agreements.

It also highlights disincentives for crops such as maize and sorghum, while pointing to weaknesses in export crops like cocoa and cashew.

Stakeholders have called for new investments in climate-resilient farming, river basin development, digital extension services, and rural infrastructure. The PMR findings support these calls by showing where government spending can have the strongest effect.

The report also highlights the need to cut logistics costs, improve market integration, and align currency policies. These areas will shape proposals for better value chains, stronger trade facilitation, and more effective financing in the coming budget.

At the launch, both government leaders and development partners agreed that the review provides timely evidence. Its findings will continue to guide Nigeria’s policy choices as the country prepares its 2026 budget and seeks stronger food security.

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