The Federal Government has introduced new reforms to boost private sector investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and improve food security across the Sahel region.
Speaking at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Sahel Regional Initiative in Rome, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined measures designed to attract sustainable investments and accelerate agrifood transformation.
He said the National Agrifood System Investment Plan (NASIP) is being upgraded into a National Public–Private Investment Portal, a digital platform showcasing opportunities in mechanization, irrigation, storage, logistics, and digital agrifood services.
Kyari also announced new investment incentives, including targeted tax and import duty reliefs, as well as risk-sharing facilities in collaboration with international development partners.
The government is expanding the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) from eight to 27 states to reduce operational costs for agro-processors. Additionally, the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST) aims to reduce the N3.5 trillion lost annually to postharvest inefficiencies through better storage and cold chain systems.
Kyari emphasized the need for strong institutions, innovative financing, and effective governance to drive agricultural growth. He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is committed to creating a stable environment for both local and foreign investors through partnerships with FAO, AfDB, IFAD, and other agencies.
