Technology is now the government’s main bet for transforming Nigerian agriculture, with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, both pointing to digital tools, artificial intelligence, and embedded finance as the path forward.
Both ministers spoke at the 2026 Vanguard Economic Discourse in Lagos on April 29, 2026.
Mr Kyari said that while agriculture contributes between 20 and 24 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and employs about 70 percent of the workforce, inefficiencies persist because of limited access to data, mechanisation, and credit. Formal agricultural lending in Nigeria currently stands below 4 percent.
“Through digital platforms, we are connecting farmers to capital more efficiently and expanding financial inclusion,” Mr Kyari said.
Mr Maiha said the livestock sector, valued at $32 billion, could grow considerably with digital tools, improved animal genetics, and better infrastructure.
“Technology and innovation will be critical in improving productivity, enhancing resource management, and enabling real-time data for planning,” he said.
Stakeholders at the discourse agreed that without technology adoption at scale, Nigeria risks widening food deficits and deeper economic vulnerability as its population heads toward 250 million by 2030.
