By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria is set to intensify sustainable food production and regional trade integration through the implementation of the Kampala Declaration (2026-2036) on agriculture and food security.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced this at the Community of Practice Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) held in Abuja. Themed “From Kampala to Abuja: Transforming Agrifood Systems in Nigeria”, the summit outlined bold reforms to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
Kyari explained that the initiative will increase investment portfolios, promote research and innovation, enhance governance, and drive inter- and intra-African agricultural trade. He said Nigeria has made significant progress under the Malabo Declaration, as reflected in the African Union’s Biennial Review.
To strengthen collaboration, the Ministry has established an Agricultural Sector Working Group involving research institutions, development partners, civil society, and private stakeholders to scale up best practices and track results.
Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government has provided 2,000 tractors to support farmers and launched Special Agro-Industrial Zones (SAPZ) in Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States. The project involves $538.05 million in investments and is expected to stimulate $1 billion by 2027.
He added that Nigeria is also targeting post-harvest inefficiencies valued at ₦3.5 trillion through the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), which aims to improve value chains, reduce waste, and boost national food sovereignty.
The Minister stressed the importance of federal-state collaboration to effectively implement the Kampala Declaration, urging commissioners to align policies and drive reforms at the subnational level.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that CAADP has already transformed agricultural development by aligning national policies with continental priorities. Dr Karen Yansen of German Cooperation described the Kampala Declaration as evidence-based and designed to strengthen governance and promote equity.
