The Federal Government has officially received the final report of the National Technical Working Group for the World Bank-supported $500 million Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Programme (AGROW). Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, July 22, 2026.
Mr. Shettima noted that the receipt of the final report signifies the conclusion of the programme’s design phase and its transition into the implementation stage. He emphasized that the government, through AGROW, aims to bridge the gap between farmers and national planning and policy-making decisions.
AGROW Programme Details
The US$500 million World Bank-supported programme was developed following extensive consultations. These involved seven zonal consultations across 32 states, reflecting a strong commitment from subnational governments towards agricultural development.
The consultations also highlighted the states' readiness to assume greater responsibility for productivity, infrastructure, extension services, and market development. Vice President Shettima described the AGROW report as restoring the farmer to the centre of national economic reasoning.
He maintained that the programme is targeted at developing an agricultural framework rooted in the realities of farmers. It will be delivered through Nigeria’s states and is designed to attract the private investment necessary to scale agriculture beyond subsistence.
Economic Impact and Implementation
Mr. Shettima underscored the critical role of agriculture, which accounts for 23 percent of the nation’s GDP and sustains 34 percent of its workforce. He stated that the sector must not be treated as negligible, as most Nigerians earn a living from farming.
He explained that increased yields lead to eased food prices, recovered rural incomes, raw materials for industries, and reduced pressure on cities and foreign reserves. Conversely, falling yields impact the entire economy through hunger.
Regarding implementation, the Vice President announced that $355 million, representing 71 percent of the $500 million financing, will be channeled through participating states. This approach rightly places State Governments at the centre of delivery, acknowledging that agriculture primarily operates within communities, Local Government Areas, and States.
He commended the National Technical Working Group for their expertise and commitment in producing the report, noting their collaboration with federal and state institutions, the private sector, and development partners. Mr. Shettima formally accepted the Final Report and approved the dissolution of the National Technical Working Group, transferring responsibility to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as Chair of the National Steering Committee and host of the Project Coordination Office.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, praised all partners for their commitment, stating that the report's presentation is a critical step towards implementation and reflects what is achievable through collaboration. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, also applauded Vice President Shettima’s leadership in mobilizing stakeholders for the AGROW programme’s design.
