FG secures $134 million AfDB loan to bolster nationwide seed, grain production
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at significantly boosting the nation’s seed and grain production. This funding initiative is set to support the country’s year-round agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming campaign in Calabar, Cross River State.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, representing Governor Bassey Otu, alongside other key stakeholders, including international development partners and state agriculture officials.
Kyari explained that the AfDB loan will be instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s dry season farming, part of a broader strategy to enable continuous agricultural production throughout the year. “The national dry season farming initiative will play a pivotal role in ensuring food security across Nigeria,” he said, highlighting the project’s alignment with the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP).
To address food availability and affordability, the federal government recently declared a state of emergency on food production. The initiative targets the cultivation of staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava across both dry and wet seasons to support Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Kyari outlined the government’s efforts, revealing that over 107,000 wheat farmers and nearly 44,000 rice farmers were supported during the 2023/2024 dry season.
He also disclosed that under the 2024 wet season, the program has assisted approximately 192,000 farmers cultivating rice, maize, sorghum, millet, soybean, and cassava across Nigeria’s 37 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Cross River State has been recognized as a leader in wheat production, with over 3,000 wheat farmers enlisted to benefit from federal support in the current dry season. This strategic partnership between the federal and Cross River governments aims to establish a strong foundation for wheat production in Nigeria, with Cross River at the forefront.
“For the 2024/2025 dry season, the project aims to support 250,000 wheat farmers with subsidized agricultural inputs, covering approximately 250,000 hectares and yielding an estimated 750,000 metric tons of wheat. This initiative will reduce dependence on imported wheat and boost domestic consumption,” Kyari stated.
He added that the program will extend support to 150,000 rice farmers across the country, expecting to yield around 450,000 metric tons of rice.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State commended the initiative, noting the state’s commitment to agriculture as a means to enhance food availability. “Our agricultural policies are deliberate in promoting food sufficiency, and we are ready to support this national initiative,” he said.
According to NAGS-AP National Project Coordinator Buba Ishaku, the project will be implemented in two phases, focusing on providing farmers with high-quality seeds and grains essential for robust crop yields.
The event culminated in the ceremonial launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming by Minister Kyari, marking a new phase in Nigeria’s agricultural sector focused on self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
