The Federal Government says Nigeria’s annual wheat production has risen from 120,000 metric tonnes to 420,000 metric tonnes following the implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The government said the initiative was being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and promote food sovereignty.
Ademola Adenle, Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture and Innovation to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, 3rd of October 2026 while reviewing developments in the agricultural sector.
NAGS-AP is a flagship Federal Government initiative aimed at bridging food supply gaps by providing subsidized and quality agricultural inputs directly to smallholder farmers.
Adenle said the scheme was designed to improve farmers’ access to essential inputs and services needed to increase productivity.
According to him, the government was prioritizing access to critical agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, improved seeds, chemicals and extension services.
“We have implemented NAGS-AP under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The whole idea is to provide inputs to farmers, such as fertilizers, chemicals and good essential services, through agro-dealers,” he said.
Wheat Production Records 300% Increase
Adenle said the initiative had contributed to a 300 per cent increase in the production of several crops, particularly wheat.
“We have recorded about a 300 per cent increase in wheat production.
“Before, we were producing around 120,000 metric tonnes annually, which was the baseline. But with the introduction of inputs provided under the Renewed Hope Agenda, wheat farmers have enjoyed a 300 per cent increase in production.
“So, that is massive, from 120,000 tonnes to 420,000 tonnes annually, that is huge,” he said.
He added that the ministry would soon commence reforms across various aspects of the agricultural sector to strengthen the system and address structural challenges affecting productivity.
Adenle identified the Land Use Act as one of the structural challenges affecting agricultural productivity in Nigeria, describing the 1978 legislation as outdated.
“We are going to address the issue of the Land Use Act, which is one of the structural problems of the agricultural sector in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the existing law vested significant powers in state governments and had contributed to an inefficient traditional system of accessing land.
According to him, the situation had particularly affected smallholder farmers, who cultivate an average of 0.5 to two hectares of land.
“That has affected smallholders, because smallholder farmers only cultivate an average of 0.5 to two hectares of land. So, how do we increase that to enhance production is what we are going to be working on,” he said.
Adenle said the proposed reforms would cover all segments of the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, distribution and marketing.
He added that the reforms were expected to improve productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
“With that reform in place, it will help enhance productivity and increase the level of income among farmers, among others,” he said.
