FG Moves to Roll Out $500m World Bank AGROW Programme

News in Brief:

— Nigeria has completed the design phase of the $500 million World Bank-backed AGROW programme, paving the way for implementation.

— This initiative will run from 2026 to 2032, with 71% of the funding managed by participating states to improve food security and attract private investment.

The Federal Government has taken a major step towards implementing the $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Programme, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at increasing farm productivity, strengthening agricultural value chains and creating jobs across Nigeria.

The development follows the submission of the final report by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), officially marking the end of the programme's design phase and paving the way for implementation.

Speaking during the presentation of the report at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima described AGROW as a programme designed to place Nigerian farmers at the centre of economic planning and policy.

According to him, one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria's agricultural sector has been the disconnect between farmers and the institutions that determine investment, market access and policy direction.

"The challenge has always been the distance between those who cultivate the land and the systems that determine what their labour is worth," the Vice President said, adding that AGROW seeks to close that gap.

The programme will run from 2026 to 2032 and is expected to support smallholder farmers and agribusinesses across the country, with an initial focus on maize, cassava and soybean value chains.

States to Drive Most of the Programme

A significant feature of AGROW is the strong role assigned to state governments. Of the total $500 million financing package, $355 million (71%) will be implemented through participating states, placing them at the forefront of project delivery.

The programme was designed through seven zonal consultations involving 32 states, reflecting growing interest among sub-national governments in agricultural development.

Vice President Shettima noted that although the funding is substantial, it will not be enough to address decades of underinvestment in agricultural infrastructure, extension services, technology, processing and market access.

He stressed that greater private sector investment would be necessary to complement public funding and unlock the sector's full potential.

Focus on Productivity, Food Security and Jobs

Government officials say AGROW is more than an agricultural intervention, describing it as part of Nigeria's broader economic transformation strategy.

According to Shettima, agriculture contributes about 23% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It provides livelihoods for roughly 34% of the country's workforce, making improvements in the sector critical to economic growth and food security.

"When farm productivity increases, food prices become more stable, rural incomes improve, industries receive more raw materials and pressure on the economy reduces," he said.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said attention would now shift to finalising the borrowing plan, financing agreements and other legal processes required before implementation begins.

The World Bank also reaffirmed its support for the initiative, noting that stronger collaboration between government, development partners and the private sector will be essential to ensure the programme delivers improved food security, higher incomes for farmers and sustainable agricultural growth across Nigeria.