Increase Budget Allocation to Agriculture

Dayo Thomas

Experts are urging the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase budget allocation to agriculture, citing the sector’s poor performance and declining productivity. Speaking to AgricNews Digest, MD Ademola Adeleke Farms, Ogun State, has advised the government to give the sector more attention
The 1.2% allocation in 2025 is a far cry from the 10% benchmark committed to under the Maputo and Malabo Declarations. This has led to increased food insecurity and a struggling sector.

The 2026 budget proposal aims to address food security and infrastructure development, but stakeholders say it’s not enough. Climate change, insecurity, and poor infrastructure remain major challenges. To unlock the sector’s potential, a significant boost in funding is needed.

Other countries prioritize agriculture: Bhutan (9.6%), Bangladesh (8.6%), Malawi (8.6%), the Central African Republic (7.4%), Eswatini (7.0%), Ethiopia (5.8%), Kenya (5.5%), Tanzania (5.3%), and Ghana (4.9%). These countries recognize agriculture’s role in economic growth