Over the past two days, NABG proudly participated in the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) workshop, convened by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU). This important gathering brought together stakeholders from across the agriculture value chain to engage in open, often tough conversations about Nigeria’s food systems and the future of agribusiness.

Asking the Hard Questions

Unlike many high-level meetings that remain confined to spreadsheets and theoretical forecasts, the NAPM workshop confronted the real challenges facing Nigeria’s agriculture sector head-on.

Together, we asked critical questions:

• How do we build a food system that reflects the daily realities of Nigerian farmers?

• What kind of data is needed to inform smarter, more inclusive policies?

• How can we ensure policies are not only designed for the people but co-created with them?

These questions are at the heart of NABG’s mission—to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and between government and grassroots realities.

Toward a Unified National Framework

At the center of these discussions lies a shared goal:
✅ To create a unified National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism in Nigeria that enables:

• Thriving agribusiness enterprises

• Efficient public investment

• Stronger market linkages

• Sustainable rural development

• Inclusive participation across gender, youth, and smallholder farmers

  

   

  The mechanism seeks to harmonize existing policies, close operational gaps, and establish clear governance structures that foster accountability, transparency, and coordination.

  The Power of Data-Driven Agriculture

  One recurring theme throughout the workshop was the critical role of data in driving agricultural transformation.

  Reliable, real-time data empowers policymakers to:

  • Make evidence-based decisions

  • Monitor program impact effectively

  • Allocate resources efficiently

  • Anticipate emerging risks and respond proactively

  As NABG continues to advocate, data-driven agriculture is not just a buzzword—it is a necessary foundation for building resilience across Nigeria’s food systems.

  People-Centered Policy: A Non-Negotiable

  For policies to succeed, they must be people-centered. This means:

  • Listening to farmers’ voices

  • Recognizing the informal actors that power local food systems

  • Designing interventions that address context-specific realities

  • Including women, youth, and marginalized groups in both consultation and execution

  At NABG, we believe that inclusive policymaking ensures that reforms deliver true economic impact where it matters most: in the lives of rural communities and the entrepreneurs who sustain Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem.

  NABG’s Ongoing Commitment

  As always, NABG remains committed to being:

  • A trusted bridge between policymakers and private sector actors

  • A voice for the thousands of agripreneurs who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food systems

  • A catalyst for data-informed, people-centered agricultural transformation in Nigeria

  We commend the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit for convening this critical conversation and reaffirm our dedication to collaborating with all partners in building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Nigerian agriculture.

  From policy discussions to field implementation, NABG continues to advocate for agricultural policies that work with farmers, not just for farmers.

  ---

  #NAPM #NABG #FoodSystemsReform #DataDrivenAgriculture #RuralDevelopment #AgribusinessNigeria #InclusivePolicy #AgribusinessTransformation

At the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), we believe that partnerships build ecosystems. That’s why we proudly stood alongside HortiNigeria — a Dutch-funded program led by IFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) — at the recently concluded Capacity-Building Training for Banks on the Horticulture Value Chain and Risk Management. This was more than just another workshop; it was a collective leap toward sustainable agribusiness financing in Nigeria.

The Challenge: Unlocking Finance for Nigeria’s Horticulture Value Chain

For too long, horticulture farmers and agripreneurs in Nigeria have faced an uphill battle when it comes to financing their businesses.
The reasons are complex:

• Perishability of produce: Fruits and vegetables often spoil quickly, increasing financial risks.

• Seasonal uncertainties: Weather and market fluctuations disrupt production and income cycles.

• Lack of tailored financial products: Traditional bank loans are not designed for the unique needs of horticulture businesses.

• Perceived high risk by lenders: Financial institutions often lack the technical knowledge to accurately assess risks in the horticulture value chain.

The result? Limited capital, stifled growth, and untapped potential in one of the most lucrative sectors of Nigeria’s agriculture economy.

The Turning Point: Capacity-Building Training That Moves Policy to Practice

The capacity-building training provided a rare opportunity to bring banks, microfinance institutions, development finance organizations, and value chain actors into one room — to learn, to question, and to co-create solutions.

From interactive sessions to technical presentations, participants explored:

• The full length of the horticulture value chain — from farm to market

• Innovative risk management tools tailored to horticulture

• Case studies on successful agribusiness finance models

• Pathways to de-risk lending for agribusiness

• 

  DG NABG , JAFAR UMAR during his goodwillmessage

  How to design inclusive agrifinance products that serve both large-scale farmers and smallholder producers

As our Director General, Jafar Abubakar Umar, rightly noted during his goodwill message:

“The private sector must take center stage in unlocking inclusive finance for agriculture. When financial institutions truly understand farmers, everyone wins.”

The training not only equipped financial professionals with knowledge but ignited a new mindset—a shift from seeing farmers as high-risk borrowers to recognizing them as investable entrepreneurs.

From Gaps to Growth: The Power of Partnerships

This capacity-building initiative demonstrates what can happen when public-private partnerships are intentional, strategic, and forward-thinking.

By working with programs like HortiNigeria, NABG continues to:

• Advocate for policies that enable agribusiness lending.

• Facilitate dialogue between financial institutions and value chain actors.

• Build the technical capacity of banks to understand horticulture value chain finance.

• Foster an environment where agribusiness can thrive beyond subsistence, toward true economic growth.

Redesigning the Financial Future of Agribusiness in Nigeria

The journey to transforming horticulture value chain finance in Nigeria is far from over—but real momentum is building.

With continued engagement from stakeholders, including:

• Banks

• Development partners

• Farmer organizations

• Agritech companies

• Government agencies

… we are redesigning Nigeria’s financial landscape for agribusiness.

✅ From policy to practice
✅ From gaps to growth
✅ From potential to productivity

This is the future we are building at NABG.
#NABG #HortiNigeria #AgribusinessFinance #HorticultureValueChain #FoodSystems #InclusiveFinance #NigeriaAgriculture #AgriLending #PolicyToPractice

DG NABG, Jafar Abubakar Umar in a handshake with the Minister of Agriculture and food security, Sen Abubakar Kyari during the event

📍 Regions Represented:

• South-South
• South-West
• South-East

Regional Champions from South-South, South-East, and South-West Nigeria participate in the opening session of the NABG ToT in Benin City, Edo State.

Why the ToT Matters

This program is a strategic effort under NABG’s broader commitment to inclusive agribusiness development, particularly through the Small-Scale Producers Project (SSPs). By building the knowledge and leadership capacity of Regional Champions, NABG is enabling locally-driven change that aligns with national food security goals and supports a competitive agribusiness ecosystem.

Training Objectives

✔ Equip RCs with deep knowledge of NABG’s innovative tools and methodologies
✔ Prepare RCs to serve as regional advocates and implementation leaders for the NIAA
✔ Enhance grassroots-level impact and policy alignment in agribusiness activities
✔ Strengthen stakeholder engagement and regional policy influence

 

Interactive learning modules explore NABG’s core agribusiness strategies and stakeholder engagement techniques.

 

What the Training Covers

The training combines technical sessions and interactive learning modules, with a focus on:

• Applying NABG’s tools and digital platforms
• Understanding NIAA’s role in Nigeria’s agricultural development
• Strengthening monitoring and evaluation practices
• Mobilizing agribusiness stakeholders at regional levels

Regional Champions are being positioned as frontline drivers of agribusiness reform—translating national strategies into actionable initiatives in their communities.

Expected Outcomes

🔹 Stronger Regional Capacity: Champions trained to lead advocacy and technical dissemination.
🔹 Policy Impact: Greater adoption of the NIAA principles across the regions.
🔹 Project Progress: Advancing the Small-Scale Producers Project objectives.
🔹 Long-Term Transformation: Laying the foundation for inclusive agribusiness leadership in Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

The Training of Trainers will be conducted across six zones, with dedicated NABG teams traveling to deliver these sessions on-site. Following Benin City, upcoming sessions will extend to other regions, continuing NABG’s mission to build resilient, inclusive, and market-driven agribusiness systems across Nigeria.

Interactive learning modules explore NABG’s core agribusiness strategies and stakeholder engagement techniques.

🔗 Learn more about NABG’s work at: www.nabg.ng
📧 Contact us: contact@nabg.ng
📱 Follow us on social media: @nabg_ng

Led by NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim, the Board of the NABG was received by the Honourable Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary, and key Directors of the ministry at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim leads the Board on a courtesy visit to Senator Abubakar Kyari, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, and leadership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

 

Strengthening Public-Private Sector Synergy for Agribusiness Growth

During the visit, the NABG President expressed deep appreciation to Senator Kyari for representing the President of Nigeria at the NABG Presidential Roundtable (PRT). He provided an update on NABG’s ongoing engagements with both public and private sector stakeholders to enhance the enabling environment for agribusiness development—especially for smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises.

Arc Kabir Ibrahim further sought the Minister’s support in facilitating NABG’s planned engagement with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as part of its drive for deeper national policy alignment on agribusiness transformation.

Strengthening partnerships: NABG seeks deeper collaboration with the Federal Government on inclusive agribusiness policies

 

Ministers Reaffirm Support and Call for Results-Driven Advocacy

In response, Senator Abubakar Kyari reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to NABG and emphasized the critical importance of quality assurance in agricultural production.

🗣️ “We’ve focused on quantity for too long. It’s time to move Nigeria forward with a renewed focus on quality,” the Minister stated, referencing the National Quality Policy as a key priority for the Ministry moving forward.

Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Honourable Minister of State, lauded NABG’s revitalized advocacy agenda and urged the Group to push for measurable implementation outcomes. He referenced two key government initiatives that require NABG’s support and follow-through:

• The ₦1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA)
• The ₦500 billion intervention facility through the Bank of Industry (BoI) for agric-related MSMEs and enterprises

NABG presents commemorative items from the Presidential Roundtable to the Honourable Ministers in appreciation of their support and leadership.

 

A Shared Commitment to Food Security and Agribusiness Transformation

The NABG visit to FMAFS reinforces the Group’s core mission of mobilizing the private sector to drive inclusive, market-oriented agribusiness growth. With active policy engagement, industry collaboration, and strategic support from key government actors, NABG remains committed to building a more competitive, resilient, and food-secure Nigeria.

NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim and Board Members with TGI Group MD Mr. Rahul Savara and Executive Team during the high-level advocacy visit

Reinforcing Partnerships with Agribusiness Leaders

The visit was led by NABG President, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, and provided an opportunity to update TGI leadership on key NABG initiatives. Highlights from the recent NABG Presidential Roundtable (PRT) were shared, alongside progress on policy advocacy and implementation efforts aimed at boosting agribusiness growth and food security in Nigeria.

As a token of appreciation, the NABG team presented commemorative items from the PRT to Mr. Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group and Chair of the NABG Board of Trustees.

Arc Kabir Ibrahim presents NABG Presidential Roundtable memorabilia to Mr. Rahul Savara, acknowledging TGI’s steadfast support.

TGI Group Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Agricultural Future

In a candid and constructive dialogue, Mr. Savara, joined by his executive team, reaffirmed TGI’s commitment to agricultural development, citing the Group’s deep investments across multiple agricultural value chains and consumer brands in Nigeria.

He also issued a critical challenge—a call for NABG to deliver tangible, policy-driven outcomes that reinforce confidence in its mission and inspire sustained private sector engagement.

NABG and TGI in discussion

📢 “We are committed, but we also need to see results,” Mr. Savara emphasized, highlighting the urgency for policy implementation that delivers real impact across the agribusiness landscape.

A United Vision for Agribusiness-led National Development

In response, NABG President Arc Kabir Ibrahim welcomed the challenge, expressing renewed commitment to pushing bold policy advocacy, implementation, and collaboration that drive measurable results.

Collaborative dialogue on agribusiness reform and private sector engagement.

“Our vision remains clear—a food-secure Nigeria powered by inclusive, private sector-led agribusiness transformation,” Arc Ibrahim affirmed.

Looking Ahead

This visit marks another milestone in NABG’s strategic engagement with key agribusiness stakeholders, ensuring that the momentum built at the NABG Presidential Roundtable translates into concrete policy wins, enhanced investments, and systemic reform across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Stay connected with NABG as we continue to engage leaders, advocate reforms, and mobilize partnerships for a thriving, inclusive agribusiness ecosystem.

🔗 Learn more at: www.nabg.ng
📧 Contact us: contact@nabg.ng
📱 Follow us on social media: @nabg_ng

#NABG #TGIAgri #FoodSecurity #AgribusinessLeadership #PolicyReform #NigeriaAgriculture #NABGPRT #PrivateSectorPartnerships

Are you an agribusiness owner, cooperative leader, or part of an agricultural association looking to grow, access financing, and influence policies?
The Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) is the perfect platform for you!

Why Become a Member of NABG?

NABG is the leading private sector platform dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector by driving investments, market linkages, and policy advocacy. When you join, you gain:

✅ Policy Advocacy: Be part of the conversations shaping Nigeria’s agricultural policies for a more business-friendly environment.
✅ Market Access & Linkages: Connect with key industry players, buyers, and stakeholders to expand your reach.
✅ Access to Finance & Investment Opportunities: Gain priority access to agribusiness funding, grants, and investment facilitation programs.
✅ Sustainability & Climate-Smart Agriculture: Stay ahead with innovations and strategies for climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Exclusive Membership Benefits

📌 Expand Your Network: Build connections with industry leaders, policymakers, and top agribusiness executives.
📌 Investment Opportunities: Get exclusive access to funding and business development programs that support agribusiness growth.
📌 High-Level Discussions & Events: Participate in industry-shaping conferences, roundtables, and policy dialogues that define the future of agribusiness in Nigeria.

Be Part of a Thriving Agribusiness Ecosystem

Nigeria’s agribusiness landscape is evolving rapidly, with new opportunities in technology, exports, and value chain development. By joining NABG, you position yourself at the heart of this transformation, ensuring you stay informed, connected, and ahead of the competition.

🚀 Ready to Take Your Agribusiness to the Next Level?

🔗 Apply for Membership Today: https://tinyurl.com/NABG-Membership

📍 Get in Touch:
📞 +234 703 123 4567
🌍 http://nabg.ng
📩 contact@nabg.ng

Join NABG today and become a key player in shaping the future of agribusiness in Nigeria! 🌾🇳🇬 #JoinNABG #Agribusiness #NigeriaAgriculture #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #InvestmentOpportunities #FarmToMarket #PolicyAdvocacy

To advance our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and responsive agribusiness sector, the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) has launched a series of high-level stakeholder advocacy visits. These engagements aim to deepen partnerships, enhance agricultural financing, and drive sector-wide transformation.

Strengthening Agribusiness Partnerships

Our first stop in this strategic advocacy tour was with First Bank of Nigeria Plc, a founding member and Treasurer of NABG. Led by NABG President, Arc Kabir Ibrahim, the NABG Board and Executive Committee met with First Bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, and his executive team at the bank’s head office in Lagos.

Key Discussion Points:

• State of Agriculture in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities within the sector.
• First Bank’s Commitment: The bank’s long-standing role in agribusiness financing.
• 

  (Photo 1: NABG team with First Bank executives during the meeting)

  Collaborative Growth: Strengthening NABG-First Bank partnership to scale agricultural finance and innovation.

  Building on the Success of the Presidential Roundtable
  
  As part of the visit, Arc Kabir Ibrahim presented Mr. Alebiosu with materials and commemorative items from the NABG Presidential Roundtable (PRT)—a landmark initiative focused on food security, agribusiness competitiveness, and policy reforms.
  

  

  ( Photo 2: Arc Kabir Ibrahim presenting NABG Presidential Roundtable materials to Mr. Alebiosu)

   

Driving Sector-Wide Transformation

This engagement marks the beginning of a broader series of strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s agribusiness ecosystem. NABG remains committed to advocating for policy-driven solutions, increased investment in agriculture, and stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Stay tuned as we continue these impactful conversations with key partners across the country.

( Photo 3: Group photo of NABG team and First Bank executives)

#NABG #Agribusiness #PartnershipsForGrowth #FoodSecurity #InclusiveAgriculture #FirstBank #PresidentialRoundtable #NABGPRT #NigeriaAgriculture

The colonialists found ample opportunities in our land, which fact with close scrutiny can be said to have actually aided the development of their home country.

Upon acquiring independence our earlier leaders were able to get us to a certain level of development but due to disadvantages of weak technology and industry at the time they had understandable limitations.

The discovery and commercialization of our oil resources became a curse to our development instead of being the necessary impetus or optimum push to sustainable prosperity.

The second republic had some challenges of governance because the diversity of our nation did not align properly with development efforts and corruption began to rear its ugly head.

The military interventions that happened along the way were a draw back but somehow made some impact on national development ,regardless even if corruption became more commonplace.

The current third republic has brought in an admixture of successes and failures with both macroeconomic and microeconomic challenges making the once rich nation becoming a ghost of itself.

Nigeria, above all else, needs to purge itself of inequity to bring back its past glory and palpable prosperity.

It is very glaring that there is now a very articulate discontent with government action no matter how well intended.

Every action of government is viewed with suspicion such that it is gradually becoming exceedingly difficult for the leaders to remain focused on national development but are rather forced to engage in continuous crises management which has, in fact, become the order of the day and is clearly inhibiting any meaningful national progress.

To be fair to the current administration ,though, it has opened the economy for growth and the entire country for economic development but the people have to purge themselves of inequity and distrust for government actions and intentions.

The leaders may also need to continuously show that they are indeed equitable and transparent in all their actions to regain the trust of the people.

And Nigerians should put the overall development of the nation as paramount and sine quo non to sustainable prosperity rather than dwelling on divisiveness and disjointed politics.

Arc Kabir Ibrahim FNIA, is the President,  Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG)

The Nigerian delegation included representatives from the Kaduna and Katsina State Governments, as well as the Ministers of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, and Water Resources. Private sector players from Nigeria also participated, making the engagement dynamic and impactful.

In his address, Arc Kabir Ibrahim emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Egypt, the two largest economies in Africa. He highlighted the shared opportunities and similarities between both countries, noting that such partnerships could be mutually beneficial. He informed the forum that while Nigeria has over 80 million hectares of arable land, less than 40% is currently utilized, and he invited the Egyptian private sector to consider Nigeria as a prime destination for agricultural investments.

Arc Kabir Ibrahim also accompanied the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Abubakar Kyari, CON, to other strategic meetings around Cairo. These engagements focused on advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange.

#NABG #agribusinessinnigeria #agribusiness