csrreporters 
At the UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Nigeria took center stage, unveiling a bold agenda to transform its agricultural sector through innovation, collaboration, and climate-resilient strategies.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at a high-level side event titled “Catalyzing Change: Showcasing Nigeria’s Innovations and Collaborations in Food Systems Transformation,” the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and climate-smart food systems.
Kyari emphasized that Nigeria’s approach aligns with global priorities, including the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Malabo Declaration. He described the event as a rallying call for “collective, catalytic, impactful, and sustained action,” stressing the importance of innovation, reliable data, and multi-sectoral partnerships.
Since laying out its National Food Systems Transformation Pathways in 2021, Nigeria has launched key initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), climate-smart agriculture projects, and the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS), which aims to enhance smallholder productivity through digital tools and targeted support.
“Our food systems transformation is not a sprint—it’s a marathon that demands courage, collaboration, and bold investments,” Kyari stated. He called on women, youth, investors, and development partners to stay actively engaged in reshaping the nation’s agricultural landscape.
A core focus of Nigeria’s reforms is inclusion. The government has launched programs to empower young agri-preneurs and ensure grassroots nutrition delivery through the Nutrition 774 initiative, which spans all local government areas across the country.
International partnerships continue to play a crucial role. Nigeria is working closely with institutions such as the African Development Bank, IFAD, FAO, UNICEF, GIZ, and the World Food Programme. In addition, the government is pushing financial reforms, including a N1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture and the creation of the National Agricultural Development Fund to support blended financing for high-impact projects.
Despite the progress, Kyari acknowledged ongoing challenges—ranging from climate change and food inflation to insecurity. He reiterated the government’s commitment through the State of Emergency on Food Security declared by President Tinubu, which led to the formation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to harmonize public and private efforts.
With its renewed vision and strong partnerships, Nigeria is positioning itself as a model for sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa.
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