The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a range of new measures aimed at boosting investment in agriculture, with projections that the initiatives could generate up to 21 million jobs nationwide.

The reforms, which form part of President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, focus on expanding irrigation, strengthening access to credit, enhancing mechanisation, and creating more opportunities in rural communities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) National and Subregional Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja, described hunger as “the great equaliser that exposes human vulnerability and shared fragility.”

According to details shared after the event, the new incentives include a single-window system for land registration, stronger agricultural credit structures, major mechanisation drives, and large-scale irrigation projects.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising food prices and climate pressures, which have heightened calls for long-term investment in the sector. Nigeria has been under pressure to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen food security, especially after the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms worsened inflation.

Shettima stressed the untapped potential of irrigation, noting that while Nigeria has the capacity to irrigate over three million hectares of farmland, less than 10 percent is currently utilised.

“Investing strategically in irrigation could triple yields, reduce seasonal dependence, and increase resilience against climate shocks,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria’s development blueprint under the 2021–2025 National Development Plan targets lifting 35 million people out of poverty, generating 21 million rural jobs, and ensuring food and nutrition sufficiency.

Reassuring investors, Shettima said regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and technology-driven innovations would make the country more attractive for agribusiness.

“Nigeria is open for business, and we are ready to partner with stakeholders to build a sub-region where no one goes to bed hungry, where rural communities are wealth hubs, and where agriculture anchors prosperity,” he declared.

Also speaking at the forum, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described Nigeria’s large arable land, vast domestic market, and expanding digital economy as unique opportunities for investors across the agricultural value chain.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, highlighted the untapped potential of agriculture and irrigation in driving economic diversification and transformation. He emphasised that agribusiness remains central to Nigeria’s medium- and long-term development strategy, as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

The Gambian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally, commended Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture, pointing to successes in rice and cassava value chains as examples for other West African nations. He urged greater peer-to-peer learning across the sub-region to tackle common challenges and harness growth opportunities.

FAO’s representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, described the Hand-in-Hand Initiative as a flagship programme designed to accelerate agricultural transformation and rural development. He praised Nigeria’s clear priorities and Vice President Shettima’s commitment, describing his leadership as pivotal in attracting investment and fostering innovation.

Similarly, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s long-term partnership with Nigeria, citing a recent investment of over €80 million to boost value chains across seven states.

Meanwhile, farmers have urged the government to ensure proper implementation of the new initiatives.

The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kabir Kebram, said policies would only make an impact if followed through.

“Definitely, the measures will boost production if implemented. But without proper execution, the results will not be felt. We urge the Vice President to ensure the promises are delivered and closely monitored,” Kebram said.

Similarly, Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum, Peter Dama, cautioned against repeated policy announcements without concrete results.

“Government pronouncements are one thing, but actual delivery is another. For instance, tractors were promised months ago, yet farmers are still waiting. Implementation must match announcements if these reforms are to make a real impact,” Dama noted.