The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMASF) has outlined an expansive and far-reaching investment plan in the 2026 national budget, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to food security, rural development, agribusiness growth, and agricultural infrastructure across Nigeria.
The 2026 agriculture budget reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen value chains, modernize farming systems, expand rural infrastructure, and cushion vulnerable populations against food insecurity. With hundreds of projects spread across all six geopolitical zones, the Ministry’s allocation targets both large-scale national programmes and community-based interventions.
A major highlight of the budget is the heavy investment in multilateral and bilateral agricultural programmes. Over ₦160 billion has been earmarked for flagship initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), the Value Chain Development Project (VCDP), and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). These programmes are designed to improve agro-processing capacity, boost market access, enhance rural road networks, and stimulate private sector participation in agriculture.
The Ministry has also prioritized institutional strengthening with funding for the construction of a new FMASF headquarters, policy coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communication to promote agriculture and food value chains nationwide. These interventions aim to improve governance, accountability, and efficiency within the agricultural sector.
Food security interventions form another critical pillar of the 2026 budget. Billions of naira have been allocated to the supply and distribution of grains, fertilizers, seedlings, farm inputs, and livestock feed to farmers and vulnerable populations across states and federal constituencies. These interventions are targeted at addressing hunger, stabilizing food prices, and supporting farmers affected by insecurity, climate challenges, and economic hardship.
Mechanization and productivity enhancement also feature prominently. The budget provides for the procurement and distribution of tractors, farm implements, irrigation pumping machines, agro-processing equipment, and the promotion of local fabrication of agricultural machinery. Youth-focused mechanization enterprises and agribusiness training programmes are expected to generate employment while modernizing farming practices.
Rural infrastructure development is another major focus area. The Ministry plans to construct and rehabilitate feeder roads, internal roads, rural markets, livestock markets, storage facilities, and agro-produce conditioning centres. These projects are expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market connectivity, and enhance rural livelihoods.
Renewable energy and rural electrification projects also receive strong attention. Numerous allocations cover solar streetlights, transformers, solar-powered boreholes, and electrification of agro-industrial and farming communities. These initiatives support agribusiness operations, improve security, and enhance quality of life in rural areas.
Human capital development remains central to the Ministry’s agenda. The budget supports extension services, agricultural research, capacity building for women and youth, MSME empowerment, nutrition education, gender mainstreaming in agribusiness, and collaboration with development partners to improve export standards and reduce rejection of Nigerian agricultural products abroad.
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Education and training infrastructure are equally emphasized, with funding for the construction of hostels, laboratories, lecture theatres, classrooms, computer centres, and administrative blocks in federal agricultural institutions and polytechnics across the country.
Overall, the 2026 budget of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security demonstrates a comprehensive approach to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By combining food security interventions, infrastructure development, mechanization, renewable energy, and human capital investment, the government aims to build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural economy capable of supporting national growth and reducing poverty.