The Federal Government has announced a N1 billion investment in selected polytechnics and universities to fight food insecurity. The investment, scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, will support schools already involved in agriculture.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, shared the news during his visit to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos. He urged institutions to focus on mechanized farming and livestock production. This will help students gain practical skills and boost food production.
The government is also pushing the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme. It plans to invest $1 billion in agriculture and create 500,000 jobs by 2027. Additionally, 190 feeder roads will be built to reduce post-harvest losses.
In the 2025 proposed budget, N826.5 billion has been allocated to agriculture, more than double the amount from last year. This shows the government’s commitment to revitalizing the sector and improving food security.
Food insecurity is a growing concern in Nigeria. The recent stampede deaths over food palliatives highlight the urgency of action. Agriculture is Nigeria’s biggest employer, and these investments will help secure the nation’s food supply and economy.