WorldStage–The Nigerian Government is collaborating with the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) to strengthen the country’s rice sector and make it more competitive, resilient, and sustainable.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, speaking at the 2025 Annual Rice Sector Review Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to drive economic activities.
He noted that the government was committed to supporting domestic production, enhancing competitiveness, and building a resilient rice sector that could contribute significantly to national development.
“Our objective is to support local production so that Nigerian farmers and processors can compete globally,” he said.
Bagudu also emphasised the government’s commitment to transforming the economy by empowering local producers in agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.
In his remarks, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted notable gains in rice production, including improved yields and expanded processing capacity.
Ogunbiyi was represented by Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He also noted the growing participation of women and youth in the rice value chain, describing it as a positive development that must be sustained and scaled.
However, he noted that challenges such as high production costs, post-harvest losses, limited mechanisation, and restricted access to affordable finance continued to hinder progress.
Ogunbiyi called for increased investment in mechanisation, climate-smart technologies, and modern processing facilities to meet global standards.
He urged stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the rice agenda, not just for Nigeria but across Africa under the CARD framework.
Also speaking, Mr Bukar Musa, Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s willingness to partner with the private sector and development agencies to turn strategy into tangible outcomes.
In a goodwill message, Mr Mike Nasamu, Regional Adviser for CARD, said rice remained a key staple in Nigeria, and the review meeting would help shape a more sustainable food system.
Dr Fatima Kabir of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) commended rice farmers under the programme and called for continued partnerships and technical support to scale impact.
