President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has outlined plans to position Nigeria as a top agricultural exporter by 2025. Speaking at the ‘Road to South-South National Convergence for Renewed Hope Agenda’ event in Abuja, the President emphasized that his administration’s strategic blueprint is designed to prioritize agriculture as a key driver of national development. He noted that the South-South region, rich in natural resources, will be at the forefront of this economic transformation.
Represented by Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, President Tinubu highlighted that the region’s agricultural potential is even greater than its oil and gas resources. He expressed confidence that focusing on agriculture could lead to significant economic gains, making Nigeria a leading exporter in the sector within the next few years.
Project ‘Earn from the Soil,’ an initiative aimed at boosting food security, was also mentioned as a central part of the plan. The project aims to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape from subsistence farming to a robust, export-driven industry. By enhancing the agricultural value chain, the initiative is expected to strengthen the country’s food security while creating new economic opportunities.
The President’s vision is to ensure that by 2025, Nigeria will not only achieve self-sufficiency in food production but will also become a global player in agricultural exports. To achieve this, his administration is committed to supporting the successful implementation of projects like ‘Earn from the Soil.’
During the event, Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South region, called for collective action. She urged individuals, business leaders, and policymakers to work together to unlock the South-South’s untapped agricultural potential, emphasizing the benefits that could extend beyond the region to the entire country and continent.
Johnbull also addressed the youth and women, urging them to play an active role in the transformation of their communities. She highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, stressing the need for continued collaboration from international stakeholders to achieve these goals.