Kogi State Unveils ₦13.1 Billion Agricultural Boost

Dayo Thomas

Kogi State has proposed a ₦13.1 billion budget for 2026 to support agricultural initiatives, focusing on mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, and youth participation. This move aims to boost food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and create jobs for young people. The proposed budget is part of the state’s larger ₦820.49 billion budget for 2026, which prioritizes sustainable growth, wealth creation, and inclusive development.

The agriculture sector has seen significant investment, with over ₦10 billion allocated to support farmers, recover and refurbish tractors, and establish farm clusters. This investment is expected to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote economic growth. The focus on mechanization will help reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, while climate-smart agriculture will promote sustainable farming practices. According to stakeholders, this current effort by the Kogi State government is an improvement from past efforts, and they are optimistic about its potential impact.

The proposed budget represents a significant increase in funding for agriculture, which could possibly lead to improved productivity and food security. The focus on youth participation could create opportunities for young people in agriculture, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the emphasis on climate-smart agriculture could help Kogi State adapt to climate change and promote sustainable farming practices. As noted by stakeholders, this move is a step in the right direction, and its success will depend on effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders.

Despite the merits, some stakeholders argue that the ₦13.1 billion budget may be insufficient to address the state’s agricultural challenges, particularly given the rising costs of inputs and climate-related shocks. They emphasize that there are many challenges facing agriculture and farmers in the state, and the current allocation to the sector may be too token to make a significant impact. They urge the government to give the sector the necessary attention and resources to drive growth and development.

The 2026 proposal represents a 25.7% increase from the 2025 budget, with a focus on enhancing revenue mobilization, enforcing expenditure discipline, and deepening strategic investments in growth sectors. This increase in funding is expected to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainable development. Effective implementation of the budget will be crucial, requiring strong institutional capacity and coordination among stakeholders.