Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has said that more than €4.1 million in finance has been facilitated through the HortiNigeria programme, helping to create 477 new jobs and businesses, with young people accounting for 70 percent of the beneficiaries.
Speaking in Ibadan at the 2025 Learning Event of the HortiNigeria programme, the Minister, represented by the Director of Horticulture at the Ministry, Mr. Yerima Ubah, highlighted the programme’s progress in supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening the horticulture sector in Nigeria.
According to the Minister, the initiative has supported nearly 900 micro, small and medium enterprises involved in horticulture, helping to improve their knowledge in agriculture, financial literacy, and enterprise development. He noted that the programme has not only improved productivity but also expanded opportunities for women and youth across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo States.
So far, over 76,000 farmers have received training, significantly surpassing the initial targets for female and youth participation. In addition, there has been a 93 percent rise in crop yields and a 205 percent increase in income among farmers involved in the programme.
The Minister stated that HortiNigeria’s activities have gone beyond training and financing.
The programme has reduced post-harvest losses by 83 percent and introduced climate-friendly innovations, such as solar-powered irrigation systems.
Infrastructure support has also been provided, including the distribution of more than 23,000 plastic crates for handling tomatoes at Mile 12 Market in Lagos.
He acknowledged the challenges still facing the sector, such as rising input costs, land conflicts, insecurity, and climate change.
However, he noted that the results so far show what can be achieved with consistent support, strong partnerships, and targeted investments.
The HortiNigeria programme, which began in 2021 and is set to conclude in 2025, is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is led by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), working in partnership with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, Royal Tropical Institute, and Wageningen University and Research. The total budget for the programme stands at €9.7 million.
Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt Van Loosdrecht, who also spoke at the event, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential in the horticulture industry.
He said the Netherlands remains committed to working with the Nigerian government to strengthen agricultural policies and develop systems that can support long-term growth in the sector.
Representatives from state and federal agencies also attended the event. Dr. Juliet Agu, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, called for integrating horticulture into Nigeria’s long-term economic plans.
She noted that horticulture plays a key role in improving nutrition, creating jobs, and contributing to trade.
Oyo State’s Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, spoke on the importance of state-level partnerships.
She explained that the state, through its agricultural agency OYSADA, is working to ensure that smallholder farmers benefit from improved practices and access to markets.
Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Food Safety in Ogun State, also praised the programme’s achievements. She emphasized that horticulture is central to the state’s strategy for job creation, enterprise development, and youth engagement.
Earlier, HortiNigeria Programme Director, Mr. Mohammed Salasi Idris, explained that the programme’s core aim is to support farmers, connect them to markets, and encourage innovation.
He said the focus going forward will be on sustainability and trade.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to double its horticultural exports by 2030 if current efforts are scaled up and supported with policies that encourage modern practices and private investment.
