Nigeria has presented a $3.2 billion portfolio of agrifood investment opportunities at the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Rome, Italy, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen domestic value chains.
The presentation was made on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Rome-Based Food Agencies, Dr. Yaya Olaniran Olaitan Adisa.
The forum, organised in connection with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), provided a platform for Nigeria to showcase investment opportunities in its agricultural sector.
The $3.2 billion investment portfolio focuses on six strategic agricultural value chains identified as having significant potential to drive economic growth, improve food production and create employment opportunities.
The priority value chains include tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as beef feedlots.
According to the presentation, the proposed investments are expected to support agricultural development through improved production systems, increased processing capacity and better utilisation of agricultural resources.
The initiative also seeks to address post-harvest losses, which continue to affect farmers and other stakeholders across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains. Increased investment in storage, processing and distribution is expected to improve the preservation and marketing of agricultural produce.
The government noted that the proposed projects offer potential commercial returns to investors while delivering measurable economic, social and environmental benefits.
Nigeria also highlighted its large domestic market, estimated at 242.4 million people, as a major advantage for agrifood investment. The country’s population presents opportunities for expanding agricultural production, meeting consumer demand and developing competitive food-processing industries.
In addition, the country showcased its 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land as a significant resource for expanding agricultural activities and attracting private-sector participation.
The presentation further emphasised opportunities for import substitution and domestic value addition with investments expected to strengthen local production and processing capacity while reducing reliance on imported agricultural products.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment in agriculture through public programmes, fiscal incentives and partnerships with development institutions.
These measures are intended to encourage investors to participate in the country’s agricultural transformation agenda and support the development of sustainable agrifood systems.
The investment drive also underscores the importance of collaboration between the government, private investors and international development partners in addressing challenges within the agricultural sector.
Through the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, Nigeria seeks to attract the capital and partnerships required to unlock the potential of its agricultural resources, strengthen food security and promote economic development.
The proposed $3.2 billion portfolio represents an opportunity to expand agricultural value chains, improve market access for farmers and increase the contribution of agriculture to national development.
