Nigeria targets US$803M wheat revenue in 2025

NIGERIA – The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an ambitious plan to generate approximately ₦1.25 trillion (US$803 million USD) from wheat production in 2025.

This initiative is a key component of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket Project (NAGS-AP), which aims to bolster food security by providing subsidized agricultural inputs to registered farmers nationwide.

Ishaku Buba, the National Project Coordinator of NAGS-AP, revealed these plans during a workshop in Abuja themed “Building Partnerships with the Media for Food Security.”

He highlighted that the wheat production program for the 2024/2025 dry season has been launched across 16 wheat-producing states, targeting 280,000 farmers. To date, over 279,000 farmers have been engaged, with an estimated yield of 837,891 metric tons.

“We anticipate a significant boost in wheat production, with the expected output generating revenue exceeding ₦1.25 trillion,” Buba stated.

This strategic move comes in response to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce its dependence on wheat imports.

According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, wheat consumption in Nigeria for the marketing year 2024/25 is projected to decrease by nearly 9 percent to 4.2 million metric tons, with imports forecasted to decrease by 8 percent to 4.4 million metric tons.

This initiative employs a robust distribution model involving 409 redemption centers and a network of agro-dealers in the selected states.

Buba noted that 647,500 farmers have registered on the platform to date, and more than 628,000 have received inputs for various crops, including wheat and rice. The program is set to expand, with additional farmers benefiting from both dry and wet season support across Nigeria.

“We are on track to meet our targets, and the NAGS-AP framework, backed by ICT, will ensure seamless implementation and accountability,” Buba added.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the Ministry and the media in achieving food security.

Ogunbiyi highlighted that the ministry’s mandate aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, focusing on promoting agricultural development, improving food security, creating jobs, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.

“The press has significant power to change negative narratives. I encourage you to use this power to sensitize Nigerians and encourage them to take a renewed interest in agriculture. Together, we can feed ourselves and develop our nation,” he said.

He further urged the media to support the Ministry’s efforts by educating farmers on various farming methods, farm inputs, and agricultural practices to boost productivity.

In his address, the Director of the Department of Information, Dr. Joel Oruché, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, especially given the current administration’s focus on food security.

 “Your duty is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programs, and activities of the Ministry that impact farmers, especially smallholder farmers who rely on your ability to inform them on methodologies, input availability, and application techniques,” he said.

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