FG and Enugu Team Up to Boost Agriculture and Food Security

The Federal Government and Enugu State Government are committed to changing agriculture into a business-focused sector. This change aims to improve food security, create jobs, and grow the economy.

Both governments confirmed their plans on Thursday at the 48th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security. This meeting took place in Enugu and was attended by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari. They discussed ongoing efforts to improve agricultural value chains, increase productivity, and open more market opportunities.

The meeting was held at Hotel Presidential in Enugu. The theme was "Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains, Agro-Industrialization and Market Access for Economic Growth." Attendees included commissioners and delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with development partners and other stakeholders in agriculture.

While addressing the attendees, Governor Mbah emphasized that changing agriculture needs more than just increasing food production. He highlighted the importance of linking farmers to better machinery, processing facilities, industries, and strong local and international markets.

He shared his vision to grow Enugu’s economy from about $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031. This goal is why agriculture is being seen as a key area for economic growth. "We want Enugu to become a place where agriculture supports industry, industry creates opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, and our products compete successfully in domestic and international markets," he said.

The governor mentioned that over 60,000 farmers have benefited from various agricultural support programs. He also noted that 84,000 farmers are now registered digitally to improve how assistance is given.

Mbah talked about tackling the issue of scale with the 260 Farm Estates Programme. "We are working to establish organized agricultural production hubs across all 260 wards of Enugu State," he said. This will create chances for farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and young entrepreneurs to engage in larger and more productive farming.

He added that his government has created an Agricultural Land Bank, securing about 187,000 hectares through partnerships with local communities. The governor also said that they have acquired 107 tractors through a deal with Nortra Tractors to enhance production.

On the topic of agro-industrialization, Mbah mentioned the expansion of the previously inactive Enugu United Palm Products Limited plantation to 6,917 hectares. This project has created over 3,500 jobs. He also spoke about reviving Enugu Songhai Farms with Tribu Limited as a major agro-industrial hub, along with reactivating Sunrise Flour Mills.

Additionally, he highlighted the Integrated Livestock Development Centre at Ubahu. This center is designed to hold between 15,000 and 20,000 cattle. "These investments are connected by a common purpose: we want more of the value generated by our agricultural resources to remain within our economy," he stated.

The governor called for stronger teamwork among federal and state governments, development partners, and private investors. He said that changing agriculture relies on coordinated efforts in production, processing, infrastructure, and market access. "Enugu is open for agribusiness. We have fertile land, a strategic location connecting the South East with other parts of Nigeria, a young and enterprising population, and a government committed to supporting productive investment."

Mbah encouraged partnerships with other states, federal institutions, development agencies, and private businesses that share his vision. In his speech, Kyari stated that the Federal Government is putting in place different programs to boost agricultural productivity, protect farmers’ incomes, and strengthen food security.

He revealed that the National Agricultural Development Fund’s Farm Input Support Programme has reached over 115,000 beneficiaries across 25 states and the FCT. The fund has also disbursed ₦16.27 billion through agribusiness financing. Kyari mentioned that the Bank of Agriculture has supported over 500,000 smallholder farmers.

He added that the second phase of the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme is set to deliver 1,500 more tractors and over 8,000 additional pieces of equipment. He emphasized the need to strengthen supply chains to make sure agricultural production provides reliable raw materials for industries and affordable food for consumers.

Kyari noted that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.43 percent in the second quarter of 2026. Agriculture saw a growth of 4.39 percent and contributed 26.15 percent of the real Gross Domestic Product.

In his remarks, Dr Kingsley Udeh, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, thanked Governor Mbah for hosting the program. He said the meeting would highlight Enugu State’s agro-industrialization policies and the Federal Government’s achievements in agriculture. "The reforms and agricultural transformation of the state and federal governments are enough to commend both Governor Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office," he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, said the state is shifting its agricultural focus from subsistence farming to a business-driven and agro-industrial economy. He mentioned that agriculture and agro-industrialisation are expected to contribute $12 billion to the state’s $30 billion economic target by 2031. He promised that the state government would support federal agricultural programs by providing warehouses for storing and distributing farm supplies and facilities for training and development.

In his closing remarks, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, urged all involved to ensure the resolutions from the meeting are put into action. He stressed that stronger collaboration is key to building a productive agricultural sector.