Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja, Nigeria — November 6, 2025 — In a major move to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the Federal Government has secured a $500 million facility from the World Bank to strengthen food security and advance rural development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The loan, approved through the World Bank’s Agri-Connect initiative, seeks to accelerate growth across the country’s agricultural value chains, focusing on staple crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and soybean. The project will enhance farmers’ access to markets, improve agro-processing infrastructure, and expand financial and technological inclusion for smallholder farmers.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the programme is designed to address persistent challenges in Nigeria’s food production system by integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into agro-value chains. It will also create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote rural industrialisation through modern, market-oriented agriculture.
“This partnership is in line with the administration’s drive to ensure national food self-sufficiency and inclusive economic growth,” the Ministry said. “Our goal is to strengthen food systems that are resilient, efficient, and capable of sustaining Nigeria’s population.”
The World Bank’s broader Agri-Connect programme, with a total value of $14 billion globally over six years, supports sustainable food systems and helps countries build resilience against climate and market shocks.
Experts have welcomed the development as a critical step toward revitalising Nigeria’s agricultural economy but cautioned that transparent implementation and effective institutional coordination will be key to ensuring success. They also stressed the importance of directing benefits to smallholder farmers, who remain the backbone of the sector.
Agriculture, which employs millions of Nigerians and contributes significantly to national GDP, continues to be a cornerstone of the economy. Strengthening it, analysts note, is essential to reducing import dependence, curbing inflation, and driving inclusive development nationwide.
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