The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have unveiled a landmark study that charts a clear roadmap for revitalising northern Nigeria’s food systems through innovative investments, stronger partnerships, and inclusive growth.
Titled “Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts,” the report presents data-driven recommendations to rebuild agriculture in regions affected by conflict, enhance resilience, and restore Nigeria’s path toward food sovereignty.
The study comes at a critical time when more than 30 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity, underscoring the urgent need for systemic transformation. It identifies key policy, institutional, and investment priorities to stimulate agricultural recovery and strengthen the entire value chain in fragile areas.
According to Abdul Kamara, Director General for Nigeria at the AfDB, reviving agriculture in the North is fundamental to national stability and growth.
“With targeted investments in inputs, storage, and infrastructure, we can rebuild livelihoods and drive inclusive economic growth across the region,” he said.
The study focuses on eight priority crops — cereals such as sorghum, millet, maize, and wheat; legumes including cowpeas and soybeans; as well as groundnuts and tomatoes. It maps out production hubs, trade routes, price trends, and supply chain costs to pinpoint where strategic investment will deliver the greatest impact.
Dr. Steven Were Omamo, Executive Director of IFPRI, emphasised that the report provides a solid evidence base for policy and investment actions.
“By grounding decisions in rigorous data, we can ensure smarter resilience-building and lasting development outcomes,” he noted.
Highlighting the need to transition from short-term relief to long-term recovery, the study calls for scaling up climate-smart agriculture, upgrading rural infrastructure, improving on-farm storage, and empowering youth and women in agribusiness.
WFP Country Director and Representative for Nigeria, David Stevenson, stressed that rebuilding the North’s agricultural capacity goes beyond humanitarian response.
“Rebuilding northern Nigeria’s breadbasket requires more than emergency aid — it demands bold investments rooted in peace, resilience, and long-term recovery,” he said.
Furthermore, the study also identifies emerging opportunities in relatively stable areas of the North-East, with successful investment models such as airtight grain silos in Yobe and the revitalisation of wheat milling in Maiduguri showcasing strong returns and sustainable development outcomes.
