The Federal Government has officially launched the 2025/2026 dry-season wheat farming programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), setting an ambitious production target valued at approximately N160 billion. The initiative aims to support and empower 80,000 registered wheat farmers across the country, marking one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated efforts to boost domestic wheat production and reduce reliance on imports.
The programme was formally flagged off on Saturday in Borno State by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Jere Bowl in Dusuman, Jere Local Government Area. Borno, known for its vast irrigation potential and expanding agricultural footprint, serves as a strategic host for the launch, reflecting its growing prominence in Nigeria’s crop production landscape.
40,000 Hectares Allocated Nationwide
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who spoke at the launch, explained that the government has earmarked 40,000 hectares for wheat cultivation during the dry season. Of this, 3,000 hectares—representing support for 6,000 farmers—have been allocated to Borno State alone.
Kyari noted that the scheme will be implemented across 16 wheat-producing states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. These states were selected based on their comparative advantages in irrigation infrastructure, farmer capacity, and historical crop performance.
“For the 2025/2026 season, we are targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of approximately N160 billion,” Kyari stated. He added that the programme will later expand to support other high-value crops, in line with the Federal Government’s broader agricultural transformation and food security strategy.
Zulum: Wheat Programme is Transformative for Borno
Governor Zulum praised the programme’s design, calling it a significant step toward transforming Borno’s agricultural economy. He highlighted that, in recent years, the state has made notable progress in irrigation development, mechanisation, and farmer support—all of which position Borno to contribute substantially to Nigeria’s wheat output.
“Here in Borno State, wheat cultivation is not just a programme; it is a transformative initiative,” Zulum said. “With targeted investments in irrigation systems, quality inputs, mechanised tools, and strong extension services, we are empowering our farmers to boost yields, expand productivity, and contribute to national food supply.”
Zulum also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing agricultural development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. According to him, the President’s commitment to food security has created an enabling environment for progressive initiatives such as the NAGS-AP wheat programme.
Inputs to Boost Productivity
Farmers participating in the programme will benefit from a full package of subsidised inputs, including high-yield wheat seedlings, blended fertilisers, pesticides, tractors, and other mechanised implements. These are intended to help farmers maximise yields during the dry season and reduce Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imported wheat—a major driver of food inflation.
Kyari said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader aim of revitalising the agricultural sector through innovative, data-driven, and technology-supported interventions.
Broader Agricultural Investment Strategy
The wheat programme also complements Nigeria’s larger agricultural investment commitments. In September, Senator Kyari announced the Federal Government’s partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the $3.14 billion Hand-in-Hand Initiative, a transformative plan designed to overhaul key agricultural value chains.
The initiative focuses on developing five priority value chains—tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, and fisheries—while targeting poverty reduction, improved nutrition, and food sovereignty. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
A Step Toward Food Security and Import Substitution
Nigeria currently imports over $2 billion worth of wheat annually, making wheat one of the country’s most expensive and strategic food commodities. By boosting local wheat production, the Federal Government aims to reduce this burden, strengthen food security, and stabilise prices of wheat-based food products such as bread, pasta, and noodles.
The launch of the 2025/2026 wheat programme signals a renewed commitment to large-scale agricultural development, farmer empowerment, and long-term economic resilience.
With 80,000 farmers supported, 40,000 hectares under cultivation, and an output projection of N160 billion, the Federal Government believes the initiative will not only transform rural livelihoods but also reinforce Nigeria’s march toward self-sufficiency in key staple crops.
