Nigeria agricultural sector grows 4.39% in Q2 2026

Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded a 4.39% growth rate in the second quarter of 2026, marking its strongest momentum since 2021. This data, released by the National Bureau of Statistics, was highlighted by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, during the commemoration of World Food Day.

Crop production specifically expanded by 3.66% during this period. The Minister attributed this recovery to government reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which aims to transform the sector into a resilient and investment-driven industry. Key initiatives include the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), which supported smallholder farmers in producing 2.5 million metric tonnes of staple foods.

Additional progress includes a 3.5-fold increase in annual domestic wheat production, rising to approximately 420,000 metric tonnes. To further modernize the sector, the government has commissioned the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, providing 2,000 tractors and implements to increase efficiency and attract youth to farming.