Nigeria’s Agriculture Sector Hits N101.46tn Turnover as Investment Boosts Growth
Nigeria’s agriculture sector achieved a remarkable N101.46tn turnover in 2025, up from N96.46tn in 2024, signaling a strong rebound driven by increased investment, The PUNCH reports. The sector’s real growth rose to 2.92 per cent from 1.69 per cent the previous year, reflecting renewed confidence from private investors and favorable government policies, including importation waivers.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics’ GDP report shows that crop production led the sector, contributing N64.41tn, followed by livestock at N25.66tn, forestry at N6.47tn, and fishing at N4.92tn. Compared with 2024, all sub-sectors recorded steady growth, highlighting agriculture’s growing role in national output and its contribution of 27.55 per cent to Nigeria’s total GDP.
Industry experts attribute this surge largely to private sector investments and strategic policy signals. Tunde Banjoko, Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Agriculture and Allied Group, highlighted that projects in palm and cocoa plantations, as well as cocoa processing, drove much of the growth. “The growth was largely driven by the private sector and foreign portfolio investments, supported by some favorable government policies,” he said.
However, analysts caution that importation policies, while lowering food prices, have had unintended effects on local farmers. Banjoko explained that some import policies depressed local market prices, discouraging farmers and creating income challenges. Similarly, Dr Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise noted that surges in imported staples like rice and maize weakened production incentives and could threaten long-term food security.
Experts recommend a balanced approach to sustain growth while protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Proposed measures include a Farm Price Stabilisation and Farmer Income Protection Framework to prevent price crashes, secure local production, and maintain investor confidence. The 2025 figures underline agriculture’s resilience, but sustaining this trajectory will require policies that serve both producers and consumers.
source: punch