Presidency’s Vision
for a Food-Secure Nigeria in 2026
Food security has become one of the most important national priorities in recent years. With rising population numbers and increased pressure on the food system, Nigeria cannot afford to slow down in the race toward self-sufficiency. The Presidency has made it clear that 2026 must mark a turning point where Nigerians feel the impact of stronger food production, improved access to finance for farmers, and growth across the agricultural value chain.
This vision is not just about producing more food. It is about restoring confidence in local agriculture, reducing the cost of staple foods, and ensuring that every farmer feels supported as a key contributor to the nation’s progress. It is also about giving families the comfort of knowing that food is available, affordable, and secure.
To bring this vision to life, the Bank of Agriculture has taken on a central role. Our mission is to stand with farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities as they work hard every day to grow the food that feeds the nation. And as the country moves toward 2026, we are building systems, support structures, and financial tools that turn the Presidency’s goals into real results on the ground.
How the Bank of Agriculture Is
Bringing the Vision to Life
1. Strengthening Access to Affordable Agricultural Finance
One of the strongest pillars of food security is access to funds. Farmers cannot plant, buy inputs, or expand production without timely and reliable financing. To support this, we have broadened our loan programs to reach more farmers in both rural and peri-urban communities.
By simplifying requirements, improving verification processes, and expanding our network of support officers, more farmers are now receiving the financing they need to contribute to national food production. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (2025), access to affordable finance remains one of the top three factors influencing yield improvement nationwide. This is why we continue to place financing at the center of our support strategy.
2. Increasing Support for Staple Food Production
Nigeria’s food security depends heavily on the consistent availability of staples such as maize, rice, sorghum, cassava, and soybeans. To align with the Presidency’s priorities, we have expanded funding targeted specifically at staple crop farmers.
This includes credit programs tailored to the planting cycles of each crop, quicker loan turnaround times, and special financing opportunities for clusters of farmers working together. These efforts help farmers grow more, reduce post-harvest losses, and supply local markets efficiently.
3. Strengthening the Role of Women and Young Farmers
Women and young Nigerians represent a powerful force in agriculture. Yet many of them struggle to access resources and financing. To address this, we introduced dedicated support desks, flexible collateral pathways, and group-backed guarantees that give women and youth a better chance to participate fully in farming and agribusiness.
NBS data from 2024 shows that women make up nearly 43 percent of the agricultural workforce, while youth account for over 35 percent. By intentionally supporting these groups, we are strengthening the backbone of future food production.
4. Growing the Impact of Cooperatives and Smallholder Groups
Food security becomes stronger when farmers are organized. Cooperatives help farmers share resources, gain easier access to markets, and receive training together. They also improve trust and transparency, which speeds up loan processing and reduces risk.
We continue to work closely with cooperative leaders to support group-based lending, farm mapping, and bulk procurement of inputs. This collective approach allows more farmers to scale their production efficiently.
5. Expanding Support for Irrigation and Climate-Resilient Farming
Climate change remains one of the biggest threats to food security. Erratic rainfall, flooding, and drought are affecting farms nationwide. To protect farmers from unpredictable weather patterns, we have expanded financing for irrigation systems, water management solutions, greenhouse projects, and climate-smart technologies.
Reports from FMFAS (2025) show that farmers with access to irrigation can achieve up to 60 percent higher yield stability, even during challenging seasons. These investments are essential for meeting national food targets.
6. Improving Post-Harvest Systems and Market Access
Food security is not only about how much is grown. It is also about how much is saved from waste. Nigeria loses up to 40 percent of its agricultural produce annually due to poor storage, weak transport systems, and limited access to processing (FMFAS Food Loss Report, 2024).
To solve this, we are supporting farmers and cooperatives with financing for small processing centers, cold storage options, and improved logistics. These interventions help reduce waste, improve food availability, and ensure more farmers get fair value for their harvests.
7. Strengthening Partnerships Across the Agricultural Value Chain
Driving national food security requires collaboration. We work closely with federal and state agencies, research institutes, extension officers, seed companies, and commodity associations. These partnerships help guide our lending decisions, support training programs, and expand our reach to more communities.
By aligning our work with the Presidency’s broader agricultural roadmap, we ensure that every effort contributes to a unified national goal.
Achieving food security in Nigeria requires more than policy statements; it requires action, partnership, and unwavering commitment. By providing timely financing, building farmers’ capacity, leveraging technology, and supporting sustainable practices, the Bank of Agriculture is helping translate the Presidency’s vision into real, measurable outcomes.