The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has announced that the implementation of the Kampala Declaration (2026–2036) on agriculture and food security is expected to boost sustainable food production, advance agro-industrialisation, minimise post-harvest losses, and enhance intra-African trade within the agricultural sector.
He revealed this during 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.”
According to Sen. Kyari, the initiative aims to expand investment opportunities, promote regional integration through inter and intra-African trade, foster inclusivity, drive research and innovation, encourage technological advancement, and reinforce good governance structures.
He emphasised that transforming Nigeria’s food systems is vital, noting that “we must move beyond conventional methods and adopt bold, result-driven reforms that make our food systems more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Such transformation is key to achieving lasting food security.”
The Minister further highlighted that the Federal Government has made notable progress by setting clear policy directions and strengthening collaboration with state governments in line with the Malabo Declaration.
He added that Nigeria’s performance in the African Union’s Biennial Review reflects significant progress within the agricultural ecosystem over the past decade.
Kyari also disclosed that the Ministry has established an Agricultural Sector Working Group comprising representatives from research institutions, the private and public sectors, development partners, NGOs, and civil society organisations.
The group, he explained, functions as a governance platform to share best practices, monitor implementation, identify gaps, ensure accountability, and mobilise coordinated action toward achieving collective goals.
In his remarks, the Minister revealed that the Federal Government has provided 2,000 tractors and other implements to enhance productivity and launched Special Agro-Industrial Zones (SAPZs) in Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States, with more to follow.
The initiative involves a $538.05 million investment, leveraging private sector participation to develop industrial and agricultural transformation hubs, with total investments projected to reach $1 billion by 2027.
He further noted that at the African Food Systems Summit in Dakar, he hosted a deal room with investors and key stakeholders to promote the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST),a project designed to address post-harvest inefficiencies valued at ₦3.5 trillion annually and strengthen value chains to safeguard Nigeria’s food sovereignty.
Senator Abubakar Kyari stated that the ongoing investment initiatives are expected to build a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable food system, ultimately improving farmers’ incomes, enhancing livelihoods, reducing waste, strengthening value chains, boosting economic growth, and ensuring long-term food security.
He stressed that achieving these goals requires collective understanding and shared responsibility, adding that effective collaboration is key to localising the framework at sub-national levels.
According to him, “by working together, we can maintain the current momentum, ensure continuity, and guarantee that agricultural policies translate into real and lasting benefits for all Nigerians.”
The Minister further underscored the critical importance of synergy between the Federal and State Governments, describing it as indispensable for building sustainable food systems, resilient communities, and achieving the transformation envisioned under the Kampala Declaration.
He noted that coordinated efforts and shared accountability among all levels of government would help streamline policies, mobilise resources, and deliver impactful interventions.
Addressing Commissioners of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Rural Development, Sen. Kyari highlighted their pivotal role in steering agricultural policies and programmes within their respective states.
He emphasised that addressing the nation’s agricultural challenges requires innovation, collaboration, and steadfast commitment from every level of governance.
He assured that the Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting and working closely with state governments to align national priorities with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
“Together, we can set practical targets, harness available resources, and drive the reforms necessary to build strong, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across all regions,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that the implementation of CAADP has already had a transformative effect on Nigeria’s agricultural sector and across the continent.
He explained that by providing a clear strategic framework for agricultural growth, CAADP has helped nations align their local policies with continental objectives, producing numerous positive outcomes.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Karen Yansen, Head of German Cooperation, commended the Kampala Declaration (2025), describing it as an evidence-based initiative designed to strengthen governance systems through integrated monitoring while promoting inclusivity and equity in agricultural development.
