The National Assembly’s joint Senate and House Committees on Agricultural Production and Services have called for a gradual increase in Nigeria’s agricultural budget to enhance food security. This advocacy was made during a 2024 budget performance review and presentation of the 2025 budget proposal by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in Abuja on Thursday.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services, lauded the allocation of 4.2% of the 2024 budget to agriculture but emphasized the need to meet the Maputo Declaration’s 10% target. He described the allocation as a step forward and urged the Federal Government to commit more resources to the sector to address food insecurity.
Bello Kaoje, Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, echoed these sentiments, stating that agriculture is integral to Nigeria’s development. He highlighted the sector’s potential to spur growth in other industries and stressed the importance of government support in tackling the country’s food security challenges.
Senator Adamu Aleiro expressed concerns over the 2025 budget’s insufficient allocation for agriculture, warning of its potential impact on Nigeria’s growing population. He criticized the reduced funding for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and emphasized the need for increased investments in irrigation, mechanization, and infrastructure to improve productivity.
The Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, presented a detailed budget proposal, outlining plans to implement the National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP). This policy focuses on commodity value chains, rural development, and mechanization to create jobs, boost food production, and enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Kyari highlighted the ministry’s achievements in 2024, including the release and utilization of N32.9 billion for various capital projects. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to drive sustainable agricultural growth and improve food security.
Lawmakers emphasized the need to increase agricultural funding to address challenges such as climate change, flooding, and subsistence farming practices. They pledged their support to work collaboratively with the executive arm to ensure agriculture becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
