Food Security Policies

With $2.2 billion committed, the AfDB is establishing agro-processing zones in 28 states to reduce post-harvest losses, create rural jobs, and strengthen food value chains

A flagship scheme by the Central Bank of Nigeria designed to encourage banks to lend to the agricultural sector by guaranteeing up to 75% of loans in case of default. It remains pivotal in expanding access to credit for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.

World Bank-assisted, state-based interventions aimed at boosting smallholder productivity and rural livelihoods through extension and infrastructure.

A bill to reorganize and strengthen NAERLS (Agricultural Extension, Research & Liaison Services) is under review to professionalize extension services and enhance farmer knowledge transfer

Launched under President Jonathan to modernize agriculture, improve agribusiness competitiveness, and replace subsistence farming with commercial value chains.

Launched by the World Bank in 2023, ACReSAL is a 6‑year resilience-building initiative restoring degraded lands across northern Nigeria to support climate-resilient agriculture

CBN initiative connecting smallholder farmers with off-takers and credit to boost local food production, especially rice, maize, cotton, and cassava.

The Federal Government announced a recapitalization and potential merger of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) with the CBN’s NIRSAL Microfinance, aimed at strengthening agricultural financing capacity

A continental initiative under the African Union and NEPAD to achieve 6% annual agricultural growth. Nigeria’s commitment includes policy reforms and increased public investment in agriculture.

The Senate passed a bill (awaiting presidential assent) making it illegal to export over 1 tonne of unprocessed corn, aiming to reduce food shortages and keep staple grains within the country .

Launched under First Lady Maryam Abacha to alleviate poverty through women’s empowerment and small-scale agriculture, later integrated into broader economic empowerment schemes.

Nigeria temporarily suspended import duties on key staples like wheat and maize for 150 days to alleviate soaring food inflation and support local processors

President Buhari administration’s flagship policy focusing on food security, job creation, and import substitution through private sector-led growth.

A major policy under President Shehu Shagari focused on increasing productivity through mechanization, fertilizer use, and rural infrastructure development.

Flagship program under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) that used e-wallet technology to deliver subsidized fertilizers and seeds directly to farmers.

A federal initiative launched to rapidly increase domestic food production through improved inputs and technology dissemination to farmers.

Created to develop arable land for agriculture and reduce food import dependency, with a revived focus on youth participation.

Created to provide access to land and empower youth through mechanized agriculture, NALDA supports commercial farming and agribusiness development across Nigeria.

Successor to the APP, designed to drive inclusive innovation, mechanization, digital agriculture, and sustainability in Nigeria’s food systems.

The current federal roadmap emphasizes job creation, food security, inclusive growth, and agricultural value chain development through public-private partnerships and infrastructure investment.

A comprehensive reform plan emphasizing privatization, diversification, and agricultural transformation as a driver of rural income and food security.

A World Bank-assisted program aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and income among rural farmers through sustainable use of lowland (fadama) resources.

Integrated poverty alleviation strategy addressing youth unemployment, vocational training, and rural development — agriculture was a major focus area.

A partnership with FAO to promote food security, poverty alleviation, and improved agricultural practices at the grassroots.

Partnered with FAO to improve agricultural productivity, food access, and rural livelihoods, targeting all 36 states and the FCT with community-driven interventions.

Created to provide specialized credit facilities to farmers and agribusinesses, NAB was Nigeria’s first agricultural development bank. It later evolved into the Nigerian Agriculture and Cooperative Bank (NACB), and is now part of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

Introduced under General Obasanjo’s regime to promote self-reliance in food production and encourage mass participation in agriculture.

A collaboration between the Nigerian and Moroccan governments to revive local blending plants and ensure the nationwide availability of affordable fertilizers.

Targeted cassava expansion for domestic and export markets, leveraging Nigeria’s comparative advantage in root crop production.

Established legal frameworks for water resource management and land allocation to support large-scale irrigation and agricultural development through River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Established to develop Nigeria’s water resources for irrigation, fisheries, and food production across various river basins.

An initiative supported by IFAD to boost the production and marketability of cassava, yam, and potatoes among smallholder farmers through improved access to inputs and technology.

Government introduced a national Soil Health Card Scheme establishing soil testing labs at state and LG levels to guide farmers on nutrient needs, improving yields and sustainability

Introduced market liberalization reforms affecting agricultural pricing, subsidies, and commercialization under the Babangida administration.