In a groundbreaking move to address food inflation and revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government is preparing to launch the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM), a new initiative aimed at improving food production, stabilizing prices, and fostering economic growth. This policy will have a significant impact on Ebonyi State, which has long been recognized for its agricultural potential.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the NAPM during a meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized that the policy will unify agricultural efforts across all levels of government, using real-time data to optimize planning and execution.
“States, especially Ebonyi, will be key drivers of this process. The federal government is setting the stage, but it is the states that will bring the change to life,” Shettima said.
As part of the NAPM, the Green Imperative Project (GIP) is set to revolutionize agriculture across Nigeria, including Ebonyi State. The GIP, a $1.1 billion initiative signed with Brazil, aims to modernize 774 mid-sized farms in the country with Brazilian agricultural technologies. This will help increase productivity, create jobs, and improve food security—benefiting Ebonyi’s farmers, particularly in rice production.
In addition to the agribusiness policy, Vice President Shettima also announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved ₦15 billion for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. This funding will help mitigate the impact of potential flooding, which has historically disrupted farming activities in flood-prone areas of Ebonyi State.
Marion Moon, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of PFSCU, explained that the NAPM is designed to tackle issues like high food inflation and low agricultural yields, which are 60% behind global averages. A pilot survey for the NAPM has already been completed in 13 states, including Ebonyi, and a nationwide rollout is scheduled for June 2025.
With the support of data analytics and a digital platform, the policy aims to optimize agricultural spending, improve farming practices, and foster sustainable development in rural areas like Ebonyi.
The meeting also featured key representatives from Ebonyi, including Deputy Governor Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, who highlighted the state’s role in driving agricultural reforms. Ebonyi’s agricultural sector, especially in rice, yam, and cassava production, is set to gain from these national policies and technologies.
Other state officials present included Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, alongside private sector leaders and international development partners, all working together to shape the future of Nigeria’s agriculture.
As the NAPM unfolds, Ebonyi State is poised to benefit significantly from these agricultural reforms. The initiative offers a promising opportunity to boost food production, stabilize prices, and support rural development. The state’s farmers and businesses are encouraged to prepare for the changes ahead, which could lead to improved productivity and food security for Ebonyi and Nigeria as a whole.
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