— Minister Woos Nigerians in Canada
By Frankwhite Nzeh
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called on members of the Nigerian business community in Canada to consider returning home to invest in the viable agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.
The minister made this request as part of his keynote speech at the Special Diaspora Business Virtual Town Hall Meeting with members of the Nigerian Canadian Business Network, held on Sunday, 22nd February 2025.
He further noted that food security is a cardinal point in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Hence, the decision to change the ministry’s name from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
In his words:
> “Today, Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history. With a population of over 220 million and an estimated growth to 400 million by 2050, ensuring food security for our ever-growing population is a must. Mr. President, in his wisdom, changed our ministry from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to underscore the importance of food security to his agenda. He also went ahead to capture food security as one of his eight-point agenda.
Our definition of food security is guided by four basic principles: affordability, accessibility, availability, and consumption of quality food.
Today, agriculture is responsible for 35% of the nation’s workforce. Based on some of the strategic interventions we have adopted, food prices have crashed by 40% in the last month.”
Agriculture, Credit Access, and Mechanization
Speaking on the proper identification of farmers, access to credit, and mechanized agriculture, the minister said his ministry is partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to register genuine farmers across the nation. This, he explained, will ensure proper identification in the distribution of necessary government interventions.
He further revealed that his ministry is taking delivery of 4,000 tractors and 16,000 farming implements to enhance mechanized agriculture.
On access to credit, the minister informed the audience that just two weeks ago, Mr. President approved an N1.5 trillion credit facility, to be domiciled at the Bank of Agriculture, for enhanced productivity in the sector.
Security and Budgetary Allocations
Regarding security, the minister assured his audience that Mr. President is committed to stamping out all forms of insecurity in the country. He highlighted that the 2025 budget has allocated N6 trillion for security and defense, the highest allocation ever received by the sector.
Investment Opportunities and Closing Remarks
The minister concluded his remarks with a detailed PowerPoint presentation titled “Investment Opportunities in the Agriculture Industry.” He also invited members of the Nigerian Canadian Business Network (N&CBN) to consider investing in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In his words,
> “Let’s build the future together.”
The Town Hall Meeting featured over 100 participants and had several dignitaries in attendance, including:
Hon. Abike Dabiri, Chairman, NIDCOM
Ambassador A.K. Zanna, Acting High Commissioner, Nigeria High Commission in Canada
Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Toyin Ajayi, Nigerian Farmer in BC, Canada
The Chairman of the Nigerian Canadian Business Network, King Wale Adesanya, gave the closing remarks and vote of thanks. He assured participants that the Town Hall Meeting would become a monthly affair, with the Minister of Health proposed as the next guest speaker.
