By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
In a bid to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the Federal Government, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), has unveiled a strategic plan designed to bolster agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and uplift the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
The initiative done in collaboration with the World Bank and other critical stakeholders, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s priority to secure the nation’s food systems.
According to a statement by Vivian Amadi, Development Communication Officer at RAAMP Office in Abuja on Tuesday, the strategy focuses on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, market access, and food safety standards to support farmers and facilitate growth within the sector.
The core of the strategy which highlights key agricultural corridors — Kano-Kaduna, Oyo-Lagos, and Onitsha-Port Harcourt — focuses on improving hygiene standards, developing essential infrastructure, and establishing a more favorable market environment for smallholder farmers.
By targeting these critical regions, the project is expected to improve transportation efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase access to major markets for local farmers, contributing to greater agricultural productivity and national food security.
The strategic plan, developed with AFD funding and expertise from the consulting firm Semaris, was formally presented to the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during a handover ceremony attended by AFD Country Director Mr. Xavier Muron, Semaris Representative Mr. Timothee Witkowski, and RAAMP National Coordinator Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed.
Senator Abdullahi expressed appreciation to AFD and the World Bank’s partnership, stating, “This strategy underscores our commitment to fostering a resilient agricultural economy that can sustainably support Nigeria’s food needs and raise farmer incomes. We look forward to the transformative changes this strategy will bring to our agricultural markets.”
Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed added, “The report presents a detailed blueprint for enhancing Nigeria’s food distribution network. It’s more than a policy document, “it’s a practical roadmap to improve the lives of both urban consumers and rural producers.”
Implementation of the strategic plan is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025, marking a crucial step toward a vibrant and sustainable agricultural future for Nigeria.
The report, developed by Semaris and funded by AFD, was formally handed over to the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, by Mr. Xavier Muron, Country Director of AFD. Mr. Timothie, a representative of Semaris, and the National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, were also present at the handover ceremony.
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