Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded major improvements in 2025, with increased crop production and lower food prices, according to the Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

The report shows higher yields for rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava, driven by expanded farmland, improved farming practices, and greater mechanisation. Across the six geopolitical zones, prices of key staples such as maize, rice, and sorghum dropped by over 50 percent compared to 2024.

However, production costs surged by 29 to 36 percent, mainly due to higher fertilizer and fuel prices. Despite lower market prices, farmers face thinner profit margins and rising climate-related risks, including flooding and livestock diseases.

Experts say the findings signal progress in food availability but warn that rising input costs could threaten the sector’s sustainability.

“The challenge now is maintaining productivity while keeping farming profitable,” said an agricultural economist.