On Monday, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, presided over a crucial high-level meeting focused on the National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), a key initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The meeting, held at the Finance Ministry’s headquarters, brought together prominent stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and AfDB Nigeria, to discuss strategies for accelerating the project’s implementation.
The NAGS-AP project aims to significantly boost agricultural productivity and yield across Nigeria, with a focus on empowering farmers. During the session, the project team provided detailed updates on implementation efforts and presented a finalized work plan for the upcoming 2024/2025 dry season.
In his address, Mr. Edun underscored the critical need for an efficient input system during the dry season to ensure optimal results. He specifically highlighted the importance of using high-quality, adaptable seeds to achieve maximum yields, which would, in turn, impact food production nationwide.
“The success of this project hinges on getting the right inputs to farmers, especially high-quality seeds that are resilient and adaptable to different growing conditions. This will be key to driving higher productivity and meeting our food production goals,” the minister stated.
The NAGS-AP initiative is a central part of Nigeria’s broader agricultural development strategy, designed to stimulate higher productivity and contribute to sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. With key stakeholders working in tandem, the project is expected to make a significant impact on food security and economic development across the country.