The Federal Government has declared that the establishment of Agribusiness Industrial Hubs across the country will drastically reduce post-harvest losses currently plaguing Nigerian farmers.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Saturday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Atan-Ijaiye, located in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. Shettima, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector through strategic investments and partnerships.
According to Shettima, “This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to a future where hope is renewed through concrete action, strategic partnerships, and inclusive growth. It is a bold declaration that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming our abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift our farmers.”
He further noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is driven by a strategic partnership between the Federal Government, State Governments, and international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
“This collaborative effort underscores our shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, announced that the hubs—located in Fasola, Eruwa, and Atan-Ijaiye—will directly and indirectly engage over 100,000 people and support the livelihoods of more than 500,000 smallholder and medium-scale farmers.
“The hubs will host over 40 agricultural business enterprises, transforming rural villages into agro-industrial zones linked to both urban and peri-urban economies,” Makinde explained. “This initiative is part of our broader promise to revolutionise the agricultural sector, create jobs, and foster prosperity for the people of Oyo State.”
He disclosed that the state has identified six farm settlements, with three more planned in Ilora, Iresa Adu, and Ipapo, which will be developed by succeeding administrations. Makinde emphasized that the hubs will not only catalyze food production but also stimulate infrastructural and economic development across rural communities.
Highlighting the origin of the project, the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, revealed that the idea of Agribusiness Industrial Hubs was first conceived during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture.
“I conceived this vision while serving as Minister, and I’m grateful to see it materialize today. I commend the current Minister of Agriculture for embracing and driving this vision forward. This is a lesson in continuity for Nigeria’s political leadership,” Adesina remarked.
The launch of the hubs marks a critical step in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, curbing waste, boosting productivity, and unlocking economic opportunities for millions across the value chain.
