The Federal Government has announced plans to generate N160 billion from wheat production during the 2025/2026 dry season as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen food sovereignty and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during the flag-off of the Subsidised Agricultural Inputs Distribution under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket Project (NAGS-AP) in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State.

“For the 2025/2026 season, we are targeting 80,000 registered farmers across 40,000 hectares, with an expected output value of approximately N160 billion,” Kyari said.

Borno State alone has received 3,000 hectares with 6,000 registered farmers participating this season. The programme will deploy agricultural extension agents to guide farmers on modern practices, while fertiliser and seed quality control officers ensure inputs meet required standards for higher productivity and improved yields.

The wheat component of NAGS-AP spans 16 states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. Notably, the inclusion of Cross River marked the first expansion of wheat production into southern Nigeria, diversifying production across ecological zones.

“NAGS-AP is deliberately designed to leave no one behind, ensuring farmers—including women and youth—have equitable access to inputs, training, and opportunities,” Kyari added.

The minister emphasized input quality, traceability, and transparency as key to achieving better productivity and returns.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum commended the Federal Government for its support of irrigation development and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to food security. He highlighted Borno’s agricultural potential, especially within the Lake Chad Basin, describing the state as one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural frontiers.

“Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of hope, resilience, and our commitment to ensuring no family in Borno goes hungry and no farmer is left behind,” Zulum said, pledging continued support through modern machinery, improved seedlings, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and logistics.

On behalf of smallholder farmers, Alhaji Haruna Umaru affirmed their dedication to boosting wheat production in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the agricultural sector.