Nigeria adopts Ethiopia's mechanised farming model, launches 20bn tree drive
VP Kashim Shettima announced Nigeria will adopt Ethiopia's large-scale mechanised farming model after visiting Oromia region, aiming to boost productivity, achieve food self-sufficiency, and make agriculture a major economic driver. He cited Ethiopia's wheat sector generating over $3.1bn annually and moving from $1bn wheat imports to self-sufficiency and exports.
Nigeria's domestic wheat production rose from 120k to 420k metric tonnes (250% increase) under NAGS-AP, showing progress. The plan also includes a nationwide tree-planting campaign of 20 billion trees in the next rainy season, inspired by Ethiopia's Green Legacy, to restore environment and create jobs. Shettima warned that food dependency compromises sovereignty and stressed the need for mechanisation, improved seeds, and climate-smart practices.
The initiative seeks to attract private investment, improve supply chains, and leverage the combined 400-million-person market of Nigeria and Ethiopia. Farmers and agribusinesses may benefit from fertilizer projects with Dangote Group and expanded poultry. Will you support locally produced wheat, consider investing in agribusiness, or advocate for policies that prioritize home-grown food to strengthen Nigeria's sovereignty and economy?