Nigeria plans to double soybean cultivation by 2027 to reduce edible oil imports
Faced with rising demand from the edible oil and animal feed industries, Nigeria is pivoting to a new growth strategy.
NIGERIA – In a strategic push to promote food security and economic diversification, Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to double the land area under soybean cultivation by 2027.
The initiative, launched under the National Soybean Production Policy and Strategy, aims to expand farmland dedicated to soybeans from just under one million hectares to two million hectares, with a projected output increase of 460,000 metric tons.
The announcement was made in Abuja by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who emphasised that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Food security is not merely an aspiration; it’s an urgent mission,” Kyari stated, highlighting soybeans as a cornerstone crop for nutrition, industry, and export potential.
Currently, Nigeria produces approximately 1.35 million tons of soybeans annually, while national demand exceeds 2.7 million tons, driven by the growing food, feed, and industrial sectors.
Faced with rising demand from the edible oil and animal feed industries, Nigeria is pivoting to a new growth strategy.
The supply gap has led to Nigeria importing soybeans from the United States for the first time in six years, underscoring the urgency of scaling up domestic production.
To achieve its goals, the government’s strategy outlines interventions across seven priority areas, including seed innovation, soil fertility enhancement, climate-smart mechanisation, and improved extension services.
The plan also calls for strong collaboration between federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and farmer cooperatives.
Benue State, Nigeria’s leading soybean producer, is expected to play a pivotal role in the expansion.
Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed the state’s commitment, citing its fertile Guinea Savanna and long-standing tradition of soybean farming as key assets.
Beyond boosting yields, the initiative is designed to generate N3.9 trillion (US$2.55B) in annual revenue and create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Soybeans are also vital to Nigeria’s animal feed industry, with roughly one-third of production going into poultry feed.
Notably, Nigeria’s soybeans are naturally non-GMO, making them attractive in global markets that prioritise organic and sustainable sourcing.
The government hopes to position the country as a leading supplier of both raw grains and value-added products such as soybean oil, flour, tofu, and protein isolates.
While the strategy has been launched, a detailed action plan is still pending. However, stakeholders across the agricultural value chain have expressed optimism, viewing the initiative as a transformative step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive soybean economy.
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