The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $134 million loan facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB), aimed at enhancing agricultural production, particularly in the seeds and grains sector. This significant development was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Thursday, marking a crucial step toward improving food security in the country.

According to a statement from the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Eremah Anthonia, the loan will help support farmers across Nigeria in increasing the production of vital staple crops. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s overall food security and agricultural sustainability.

During the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming launch in Calabar, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the importance of this loan in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural growth. He highlighted that the funding will focus on increasing the production of essential crops, such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava, which are key to ensuring year-round food production.

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Kyari also noted that the loan is part of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme – Agro Pocket Project. This initiative aims to enhance Nigerian farmers’ ability to meet the growing demand for food. He also pointed out that the government had already declared a food production emergency to ensure Nigerians have access to affordable, nutritious food.

With the loan funding, over 250,000 wheat farmers across wheat-producing states, including over 3,000 wheat farmers in Cross River State, will receive support. The initiative is expected to produce approximately 750,000 metric tons of wheat and 450,000 metric tons of rice, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports of these staple crops.

Kyari further shared that, to date, the government has already provided support to over 107,000 wheat farmers and nearly 200,000 rice, maize, sorghum, millet, soybean, and cassava farmers under the 2023/2024 dry season farming program.

The government’s focus on agricultural development is also reflected in the collaboration with Cross River State, which has been a leader in Nigeria’s wheat production. Governor Bassey Otu reiterated his state’s commitment to the agricultural agenda, particularly wheat production, which he believes will boost the nation’s food supply and contribute to greater food availability.

The National Project Coordinator for the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme, Mr. Buba Ishaku, added that the initiative will provide farmers with quality seeds and grains to ensure a significant increase in crop yields, benefitting millions of Nigerians.